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| Subject: Canadian PR crossing US border (attn:Sharon) |
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Sharon, I remember you from the days I was on student visa and asking you questions about PR application and stuff. That was way back 4 years ago. I am again coming back to you for a help. Could you please show some light on the following question.
I am a permanent resident of Canada. I am on Employment Insurance benefit in Canada for last couple of weeks. I will be visiting US on my valid US visa. I want to know while crossing the border into US will the US immigration officer have my Canadian Employment insurance file infront of him? In other words, will the immigration officer know that I am on Employment Insurance in Canada? Please let me know, thanks.
[17-06-2009,15:08]
[**.93.52.198]
Mountains |
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(in reply to: Canadian PR crossing US border (attn:Sharon))
Why does it matter? Your financial status has nothing to do with crossing the border for vacation. Just don´t forget your valid passport--you´ll need that for the US border and your PR card to get back into Canada.
[17-06-2009,16:24]
[**.252.115.196]
wannabecanadian |
(in reply to: Canadian PR crossing US border (attn:Sharon))
If you are unemployed (apparently you are) then it may concern the US immigration. They don´t like unemployed visitors in general as they may try to find job or stay illegally. But for sure they don´t have your EI file in front of them. They have to find that by asking you.
[17-06-2009,21:36]
[**.12.129.83]
DC_RC |
(in reply to: Canadian PR crossing US border (attn:Sharon))
I think Wannabe is right on this one, and DC_RC is close.
U.S. Immigration does not like visitors who appear economically motivated to work illegally, true. But that´s why visas are in place and have never been eliminated for such closely allied countries as Poland, and the like. A citizen from a visa-free country, by bi-lateral agreement, should normally be entitled to enter the U.S. barring any criminal or other illegal background history. Employment status or lack of is not illegal, as we see many students and retirees travel the world on their passports.
[17-06-2009,21:44]
[**.192.28.31]
Richard |
(in reply to: Canadian PR crossing US border (attn:Sharon))
I agree with all the above. However, what concerns the immigration officers are things related to the US..which are:
- Your destination. Be well-prepared when asked (where are you going in the United States) and be ready to provide ADDRESSES of your stay.
- Length of your stay. You have to be accurate.
- Funds. Show that you are financially capable..bank statements/checks/cash covering the expenses of your trip.
Any attempt to answer the above three questions dishonestly may jeopordize your entry.
[17-06-2009,23:24]
[**.115.77.146]
Anonymous |
(in reply to: Canadian PR crossing US border (attn:Sharon))
The fact that your r unemplyed may or may not have impact.
I recommend that:
- Do not reveal it but ONLY if you are asked about it.
- If you are asked about it, answer honestly. DO NOT LIE as any response will be immediately followed by "deeper and mored detailed" questions.
[17-06-2009,23:30]
[**.115.77.146]
Anonymous |
(in reply to: Canadian PR crossing US border (attn:Sharon))
I think DC is right and Richard is close. When crossing the border an officer usually will ask, where do you work? or what do you do for living?
He/she doesn´t care about your profession, what they are looking for is that you have at least one reason to come back to Canada at the end of your visit.
Being unemployed I realize that is not illegal but when you are crossing the border being economical stable, answers at least one of their questions (Is this person going to look for a job and stay illegaly?) If don´t have a job and you are under employment insurance, let see.....
Are they going to like it?..... PROBABLY NOT.
Cheers,
Bill
[18-06-2009,11:08]
[***.75.247.138]
Bill |
(in reply to: Canadian PR crossing US border (attn:Sharon))
word of warning. you could very well lose your EI benefits for the time you are in the US. Technically, you are supposed to be looking for work. Can´t do it if you are not in the country. Does EI check? yup. Had a girlfriend go to Ireland for a holiday while collecting EI. They caught her, made her pay it back and really made her job search thereafter a living hell.
[18-06-2009,14:01]
[***.20.116.15]
Sharon |
(in reply to: Canadian PR crossing US border (attn:Sharon))
Richard,
Crossing US immigration depends lot on the race/ country of origin. Holding a Caandian passport and holding visitor visa being born in any 3rd world country can be different. Not saying always, but it can be.
I even know some stories where visitors were denied entry with Canadian passport, with Pak/Arab back ground. This is due to terrorist suspiscion.
Secondly, if you are single and young the immigration may suspect that you are trying to enter into the US for job. I heard them asking unusual questions like "do you have resume" from others personal stories. Some were even physically searched. This is not question of legal or illegal, they try to save their jobs for the Americans.
For this particular case, if any Canadian PR goes for a tourist visa in the US consulate; the deciding factor will be what does he/she do in Canada? Students may be fine. BUT unemployed? A big red flag and most likely a possible rejection. For the visa officer it means that his/her tie with Canada or country of origin isn´t that strong. Holding a valid visa also can´t warrant entry for the same reason. He mmight have a job at the time the visa was issued, but now his situation is changed.
Rule of thumb for any immigration: Answer all questions honestly to the point. Nothing much, nothing less. Unless asked specifically no need to bring this EI/unemployment issue.
While on EI, to collect the money you are supposed to honestly disclose whether you were out side of Canada in that period. So, it is moral honesty by default.
[18-06-2009,17:46]
[***.13.12.94]
DC_RC |
(in reply to: Canadian PR crossing US border (attn:Sharon))
DC_RC,
I respect your input and experiences, which I haven´t always had, and am always willing to correct my views and position.
I do find it hard to believe, under normal conditions, that a person holding a passport from a visa-free country would be denied entry to the U.S. if nothing appeared on the instant background check system. Although after 9/11, that was an unusual period of time where everything under normal procedure was suspended.
As I experienced when crossing over into Canada, 75% depends on the individual judgment of the border officer. They can be moody and have bad days, and sometimes give visitors a hard time that´s completely out of line with official policy. I had such a hard time when we landed, and complained at the Customs desk. There they told me this particular officer liked to play tough military type with everyone. I thought what a shame that Canada Border Service allows this behavior.
Your point of being questioned about employment when getting a visa is completely valid. That´s partly what the visa process is for. If a country has eliminated visas, home country status and intentions should not normally be an issue. They have a right to ask such questions at the border, but it would normally take more than opinion to deny entry to visa-free passport holders. Questions are often asked to elicit reaction and response more than anything legitimate in the question.
But as you said, always answer all questions truthfully and straightforwardly.
And Bill, you´re now relegated to "close" category as well.
[18-06-2009,20:39]
[**.192.28.31]
Richard |
(in reply to: Canadian PR crossing US border (attn:Sharon))
"75% depends on the individual judgment of the border officer"
This is the bottom line. You never know how without any issue you´ll be grilled for nothing. This is same for getting US visa also. I know at least 50 stories where the students were rejected by one visa officer, and the next day they were granted the visa by another. You never know their mode at the particular moment.
In March I went to Florida from the Pearson airport, at that time I was going to relocate, expected to answer a series of questions. Surprisingly, the officer just asked me where youy are going, didn´t even looked at me twice. GO.
Sometimes if you start arguing with the immigration officers then may end up with baar in your passport.
[18-06-2009,21:10]
[**.12.129.83]
DC_RC |
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