Upon obtaining citizenship, immigrants to Canada also become eligible for certain U.S. immigration benefits. Canadian citizens enjoy visa-free travel to the U.S. in most categories, additional opportunities for U.S. employment, and streamlined procedures for seeking U.S. immigration benefits. Visa free visitor travel to the U.S. (B-1/B-2) Canadian citizens do not need a visa, or a… Read More
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Nexus and FAST interviews in Osoyoos on September 12th and 13th 2023
Walk-in Nexus interviews available in 2 weeks! Read More
Extended Visitor Travel to the US and CBP Procedures at Vancouver International Airport
A few months ago a friend reached out to me for some guidance crossing the border. His long-time girlfriend had to attend an 8-month training in the US for work. Her company took care of her work-authorization, but my friend was on his own. Lucky for him, his employer was going to allow him to… Read More
Border Security: America’s Front Line – Season 1, Episode 7
At JFK a traveler from the Dominican Republic was questioned about his “criminal history.” During secondary inspection, inspecting officers learned that he “got picked up by DEA” the last time he was in the US. According to the traveler, they let him go after two hours. The officer then looks at the camera and says “If he’s been convicted of anything… he’s not admissible.” Read More
Additional information on getting caught with marijuana at the US border
Last week US Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) issued a warning to “Canadians wanting to head into the U.S. with their stash.” According to that article, attempting to cross the border with marijuana could lead to “being fined, arrested, or both.” Although both of these consequences are possible, an additional, severe consequence was not mentioned:… Read More
Immigrant intent and ties to Canada
Every alien applying for admission to the United States at a port of entry is presumed to be an intending immigrant until the alien can establish that he or she is entitled to non-immigrant status (INA 214(b)). Intending immigrants who do not possess a valid immigrant visa are inadmissible to the United States (INA 212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I)).… Read More
Border Security: America’s Front Line – Season 1, Episode 11
In this episode of Border Security two segments show travelers from Canada applying for admission to the US in visitor status. In one segment, the travelers were able to convince the inspecting officer that they would only be engaged in legitimate activities while in the US. In the other, the evidence the traveler presented suggested that he would engage in unauthorized employment, and thus his application for admission was denied. Read More
Prescription medication: a hidden risk when crossing the US border
Imagine traveling to the United States by car with your prescription medication in a pill organizer. You are referred to secondary inspection while officers search your car and discover your pill organizer. Later, local police arrive, inform you that you have the right to remain silent, and issue you a notice to appear in court to defend a criminal charge. Read More
What can CBP see? Brief Notes and Comments on DHS Border Crossing Information (BCI) System of Records – 81 FR 89957
On December 13, 2016 the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) published notice in the Federal Register regarding updates to its Border Crossing Information (“BCI”) System of Records, as required by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 USC 552a). Comments may be submitted until January 12, 2017. Brief note on what Customs and Border Protection can… Read More