ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaRed Flagged at Border, anyone else? What are my chances...

Well, I'm getting mixed stories (privately and on this forum).  I wish there was an easy answer.  I'm so stressed out about this.  


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-05-06 09:19:00
CanadaRed Flagged at Border, anyone else? What are my chances...

I don't know the answers to your inquiries, but, if I were in your shoes I would stay clear of crossing the border (for now).  Wait until you have your K1 visa before going to the US.  Have your fiancee visit you instead.

 

Good luck.

Well, I'm definitely going to try to visit.  He's visited me twice now and my heart wants to visit!  Many have visited before their K1's have gone through and I'm wondering if any of them have been flagged at the border.  


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-05-05 22:13:00
CanadaRed Flagged at Border, anyone else? What are my chances...

In general, on a tourist visa you must spend more time outside of the US than inside of it, so six months out of the year should be spent outside of the US.

 

It is completely CBP's prerogative whether to admit you and for how long. They could hassle you but let you in for a shortened duration, or just not admit you at all. As you indicate, it is entirely up to the officer on the day.

Yes, I know all that.  I'd like to hear anyone's personal experiences if there is any.  


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-05-05 22:09:00
CanadaRed Flagged at Border, anyone else? What are my chances...

Hi Everyone,  I was REALLY ignorant to the laws of the land back in September 2012 when I tried to return to the USA after already being there for just under 6 months.  I tried to recross to visit my boyfriend only a week after returning.  I was pulled into secondary for a 3 hour interrogation and my luggage and car were stripped (carpet even torn out of the trunk).  I have no criminal background.  I had no proof of ties and at the time I wasn't engaged.  Of course I was denied entry.  I wasn't told a time frame of when I was allowed to "try" to visit again.  It's been almost 8 months now. The 7 officers interrogating me did say I was trying to illegally cross the border and I'd mooch off of the USA-they kept saying it over and over like they wanted me to admit something like that.  I will never mooch and I'm as goody-goody as they get.

K1 was filed April 3/13.  I have the page long list of things the border officer has requested me to bring when I do try to go back.  I'm definitely prepared now.  My questions to all of you who've been through this: 

 

1) Has anyone ever been denied entry again even after having everything required?  (I know it's up to the individual border officer)

2) If they've let you cross, has anyone had their passport stamped for a specific date they have to come back to Canada?

3) I plan on visiting in June for 2 1/2 weeks-yes i have return flight booked.  I also plan on visiting again Sept 1.  Will that look suspicious to them that I'm visiting just under 2 months from the June visit?  


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-05-05 22:03:00
CanadaHow long did it take to get your Visa in hand?

You choose the location that it goes to.  

 

Just pick somewhere local.

Thanks.  I'll be doing that.  


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-07-11 18:59:00
CanadaHow long did it take to get your Visa in hand?

HI, hoping you guys can help me out.  Can I pick up my visa in Montreal at their office or at a loomis building locally?  I will be waiting out the rest of this process with my fiance in the usa and I don't want to have it send to my home town and have to drive 9 hours to get it and find a place to stay.


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-07-11 18:46:00
CanadaDS-230 Question 13-Present Address

Put down the Canadian address.  Also make sure you have a place to stay after the interview until you get your passport and visa back.  

 

I guess you moved your stuff down already? What an amazing border crossing!  Wanna fill us in where this was?  

 

Your NOA2 took as long as mine did!  LOL!  

Yes, I've put down the Canadian Address.  I'll be staying in a hotel.  Yes, most of my stuff is here already.  Crossed the border in Halifax, NS (airport).  Showed him the NOA2, he said:  You know you should wait for everything to be finished before trying to cross the border?  I said: Yes, but I miss him.  And he let me across. Also, I was pulled into for interrogation because I am redflagged at the border.  One year ago I was denied access to the USA so believe it when I say I've done everything legally and crossed my t's, dotted my  this time around!  (Last year, I didn't have enough ties to Canada)  

 

Don't you have to go back for the interviews anyway? (montreal or vancouver?)

Yes but from my hometown to Montreal is 10 hours away.  I'll be staying in Montreal for the week it takes to get the medical and interview done.

 

I think you need to put a Canadian address - you're goign to have to go back for various things along the way - get any letters they send you , medical, background check etc....where will you be staying?

Letters will be forwarded to me.  Packet 3 and 4 are from what I've read "useless", packet 3 is all downloaded from the embassy website and packet 4 will be sent by email.  Background check is already done.  Medical is done in Montreal when I go up for the interview.


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-08-27 15:35:00
CanadaDS-230 Question 13-Present Address

Yes, I mentioned earlier I have an address I can use in Canada.  I've been through border interrogation a few times, border security will look at it as living not visiting.  Really doesn't matter the wording in here.  I was just curious to see if anyone has done it. I know they have, seen tons of posts of excited fiance's waiting out their 'time' in usa.  Anyways, this topic should be closed. 


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-08-26 15:09:00
CanadaDS-230 Question 13-Present Address

If you are already living illegally in the US, telling them that isn't the smartest thing to do.  Then again, lying isn't good either.  There is no right answer since the K-1 is to move to the US, and you are already in the US.  But in all honesty, we did everything over email so we didn't have to worry about anything being shipped to the wrong address.  Your only issue will be where to pick up the passport.  Do you have a place to stay in Canada while you wait for your passport to be returned?

I'm not here illegally.  My passport is stamped that I can stay til February.  For me, I have nothing to go back to in Canada.  I have an address I can use which is what I'll do but I just thought that they must have seen this before with Canadians.  We are allowed to come to the usa for 6 months legally.


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-08-26 11:06:00
CanadaDS-230 Question 13-Present Address

I'm already in the USA, staying/living with my fiance.  I no longer have a Canadian address.  On the form DS-230 where it asks your present address, do I need to put a Canadian address or do I put the USA address?


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-08-25 11:18:00
CanadaVISA APPROVED! - Montreal - My Experience

How long did it take you to get the visa in hand?


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-08-28 14:55:00
CanadaVisa Approved - A Review of Montreal

Am I expecting too much here?

 

I had my interview in Montreal on the 12th and was APPROVED (yay!!) however, I haven't received my Waybill # yet. I'm starting to freak out a bit, I hear all of these horror stories about Montreal taking their sweet #### time with returning passports. 

 

Can anyone ease my mind? <3 

I'm confused!  Your waybill #?  Did you receive your visa yet?  If yes, how long did it take you to receive it?  If I'm reading this right, you haven't received your visa...


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-08-29 23:26:00
CanadaPacket 3 checklist -- Please help

When you left it blank, did it matter??  I'm in the same situation, not sure what to do!

 


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-09-06 11:49:00
CanadaScheduled my appointment and got an email today saying it's cancelled

PHew, well good news.  I kept refreshing and refreshing the consular website for the schedule appointment page and my original date popped up and I grabbed it ASAP!  What a nuisance.  I hear this is only the beginning of it all but it sure feels like we've been going through a lot just at this point!


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-09-24 22:33:00
CanadaScheduled my appointment and got an email today saying it's cancelled

Scheduled my appointment for my interview at the Montreal Embassy and got an email tonight saying I successfully cancelled it.  I did NOT cancel it. Haven't even been on the site.   I'm so frustrated and have no idea how this has happened.  I'm losing 1 1/2 months waiting for the next available date.  I can't believe it!  Has this happened to anyone else?


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-09-24 19:58:00
CanadaFees after K1 Visa

Hi all!  Once you receive your Visa and enter the USA to get married, what are the total fees (approximate) that follow?  I think I read that AOS is $1100.  Could someone fill me in?  I'm just trying to prepare for all!  Is there anything else after AOS or before? lol!  

 

When you get to the border, is there some other fee you are suppose to pay before hand?  If someone knows, please send me a link!  Greatly appreciated.  

 

Thanks so much!

 


Edited by Hannah777, 19 October 2013 - 04:00 PM.

Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-10-19 15:59:00
CanadaMedical and Interview coming up in less than a month. Gonna crap myself. Last clarifications help please?

two different things.. interview letter is p4 from the consulate. 

I hope the email is good enough because that's all i have.


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-10-19 21:37:00
CanadaMedical and Interview coming up in less than a month. Gonna crap myself. Last clarifications help please?

I feel like I'm being really stupid on this but I have the loomis paper, isn't this the same thing as the interview letter?  Can someone give me a sample copy of the interview letter?


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-10-19 14:00:00
CanadaMedical and Interview coming up in less than a month. Gonna crap myself. Last clarifications help please?

Ok, I remember seeing that.  I'll figure it out :)  Thank you!


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-09-25 22:58:00
CanadaMedical and Interview coming up in less than a month. Gonna crap myself. Last clarifications help please?

there is no sheet, should i just print the page where it says where I'm picking up the visa?  


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-09-25 19:02:00
CanadaMedical and Interview coming up in less than a month. Gonna crap myself. Last clarifications help please?

Don't forget your loomis paper.  They won't let you in without it.  I'd use a ziploc bag, binder or accordion file folder vs a grocery bag.  You cannot bring in your wallet upstairs but they may be able to keep it at security for you.   

 

As for the copies of the originals, they'll have copies as they print off the EP pdf you gave them.  They only asked to see my originals.   I brought my entire AOS package and all they wanted was the I-864EZ as they had the photocopies of everything else from printing it off.  

 

(I saw the copies in my file, that's how I know they had them.) 

What is the Loomis paper???  I don't have this!  Is this for K1?


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-09-24 22:55:00
CanadaAnyone ever visited their finace(e) for a month from Canada?

Yes, I have a couple times even after being redflagged.  I was denied entry for 6 months.  When I tried after that time, make sure you bring proof of ties to Canada to show you are coming back to Canada.  (letter of employment, lease/mortgage, utility bills, income tax returns for 3 years, etc)  Also, if you filed for your fiance visa, show it.  It shows them that you are trying to do things legally and aren't an immigration risk.  If I hadn't shown them the forms, I don't think they would have let me across.


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-10-19 21:41:00
CanadaFee at Border?

Thanks everyone.  I'm not worried about the $6 or $7 fee.  Was wondering about the immigrant fee.  Glad that's settled.

 


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-11-01 11:52:00
CanadaFee at Border?

Hi,thank you.  I just read of someone who is k1 having issues at the mexican border and they insisted they have it so it confused me.  

 


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-11-01 00:20:00
CanadaFee at Border?

Hi Fellow Canadians,

 

Just wondering if I have to pay an immigrant fee at the border when I cross on the K1 Visa?  This is the link I found from someone else's post:  http://www.uscis.gov...s-immigrant-fee.  It's the first I'm hearing about it and just wondering if I'm mixing it up with another type of visa or everyone has to pay this...

 


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-11-01 00:04:00
CanadaDon't have a bank statement saying the stuff for I134

My visa was approved today.  Interview went great.  I was so worried about the I 134 and I'm not sure if they looked at it for more than 2 seconds :)

 


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-11-05 10:28:00
CanadaDon't have a bank statement saying the stuff for I134

If this makes you feel any better, I've been worrying about the same thing.  I received an email from the Montreal embassy a couple days ago requesting that I bring "missing" papers with me-including the I134 with 2012 tax return.  They didn't ask for the 3 years just 2012.  No mention of paystubs, letters, etc.  This eased my mind.


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-11-02 23:11:00
CanadaDon't have a bank statement saying the stuff for I134

He doesn't qualify at all, that's why we have the co-sponsor.  


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-10-30 22:33:00
CanadaDon't have a bank statement saying the stuff for I134

Oh oh, I might be in trouble!  My interview is in 5 days.  My fiance did not make enough money last year so we have a co-sponsor who has given me all the required paperwork.  My fiance, of course, still has to fill out the I134.  I have his letter of employment, pay stubs.  I don't have a letter from his bank saying what is in his account.  Is this very important?  Feeling very nauseous right now.  :(


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-10-30 22:20:00
CanadaWhat Address to mail to Government of non-residency?

What about the GST/HST credit coming my way?  I was under the impression I needed to let them know so that I don't have to worry about sending them back that money.


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-12-05 16:55:00
CanadaWhat Address to mail to Government of non-residency?

Sorry if this has been asked already but I can't get through the phone lines and the canada gov't website-I can't find any link relevant.  I need to let the gov't know I'm no longer a resident.  I'm under the impression I do this in writing.  Does anyone know what I need to write up?  Where to mail it?

 

Thanks for the help


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-12-05 15:57:00
CanadaCanadian 2013 Filers

I'm wondering since you booked your interview before the received Packet 3, they'll cancel it and you'll have to repay the fee?  Let us know!


Hannah777FemaleCanada2013-08-28 14:50:00
CanadaInterview today
Congrats!!
MelissaAndJordanFemaleCanada2013-04-18 14:51:00
CanadaI wish I would have known...

Someone once told me "it takes 2 years for a place to feel like home". I said, yeah sure. Then I move and honestly, at about the 2 year mark I started saying "hmm...I don't feel homesick as often...I can actually say, I don't MIND it here!" My parents had the same thing moving 1.5 hours from where I was born and raised. Took 2 years before they felt settled. Sucks, 2 years is a long time.

Good luck, keep us posted! :)

:thumbs:
Vero and ChrisFemaleCanada2011-04-14 08:49:00
CanadaI wish I would have known...
Thanks everyone for your kind words of support. I feel somewhat better today, but I know it's still gonna be hard at times. I applied at Target yesterday, we'll see what happens. I'm going to try to branch out and apply at places I didn't want to and see if I can still find something monday-friday.

Thanks again everyone, at times you wonder what you would do without VJ and everyone on here. :star:
Vero and ChrisFemaleCanada2011-04-14 06:13:00
CanadaI wish I would have known...

In my area, there is a French language association. I offered to volunteer through their contactus@email and they replied very quickly. You might offer homework assistance or other skills you have. I feel it would be easier to find employment when people in your community would vouch for you and connect you with the ones hiring.

You might wanna try these websites :

http://www.volunteermatch.org/
http://www.volunteerusafoundation.org/

There is also most likely a community board at your local grocery store with a "Help Needed" section or some kind of community support group you could join.

Hope this works for you :)


Thanks! I'll look into that!
Vero and ChrisFemaleCanada2011-04-13 15:10:00
CanadaI wish I would have known...

I'll get rid of the wife before I get rid of my dog,lol Even thought the damn dog prefers her,lol


:lol:

Thanks Jill & Jeff!

So how does someone go about volunteering? Do you just show up somewhere with a resume and explain that you'd like to offer your help? Never done it before, but right now, it might be my best option to get my foot in a school (I'm a licensed teacher)...
Vero and ChrisFemaleCanada2011-04-13 14:41:00
CanadaI wish I would have known...

Ok guys so I got a interview with Mcdonalds Yay lol (not thrilled but hey money is money for now)

Now should I tell them I am pregnant? or do I wait?

I am almost positive I will not get the job anyways... Read rant from first page lol but im curious what would yall do?


Hey!!! That's great news!!! And no, I wouldn't say a word about it!!! I would just take it -if it's offered -and wait until you can't take it anymore physically and tell them. But that's just me, might not be the most professional thing to do though... Good luck, when is the interview?

Thanks nickbits, and you're probably right, it seems like certain states must be a lot harder than others... I thought the area was alright when I was here on a visit, but I guess there's a HUGE difference between visiting and living somewhere...

Edited by Vero and Chris, 13 April 2011 - 12:47 PM.

Vero and ChrisFemaleCanada2011-04-13 12:47:00
CanadaI wish I would have known...
I completely agree with you Kimbear, I'm gonna quit smoking before I ever get rid of my dog! He's the only thing that keeps me positive during the day. He's staying!

I talk to Chris about it, but I feel like I sound like a broken record... And he works hard at a job that doesn't pay that great, and sometimes I feel bad whining that I don't have one or that I miss home when he's trying so hard to make me happy. I am happy, I guess I could be happier considering everything...

Thanks everyone, your posts have given me more perspective on the whole situation. I see now that I'm not alone, which I seriously thought I was. I thought it was just here that was so hard job wise, now I see that there's tons of us out there.

One thing that keeps us staying at the in-laws is that in 2009, Chris' brother passed away very unexpectedly. They are a pretty close family, and when I was up in Canada waiting for the K-1, we were very worried that his dad was turning into an alcoholic. His mom was working in DC at the time, so there was nobody here at the house. Since I've been back -and his mom also was transferred back here- things have been better on the family front. I guess I would feel bad if we were to move into an apartment... I don't know, that's probably just in my head though...
Vero and ChrisFemaleCanada2011-04-13 10:11:00
CanadaI wish I would have known...
Yeah I'm really thinking about that now... I'll definitely have a talk with Chris about it, and IF I find work one of these days, I guess we'd still be able to save money for a house...
Vero and ChrisFemaleCanada2011-04-13 09:28:00