Does anyone have any advice getting over the Canadian border?

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woerden

I suspect they're mainly worried you plan to come here and live illegally.

The "proof of funds" thing is really to prove you can support yourself during your entire stay. Obviously, it would be illegal to work while you're in Canada. But too much money, and they might think you plan to stay illegally, as well.

In addition to having proper identification and not lying about the intent of your stay, where you're going, how long you plan to stay, and have enough money to support yourself while here, my best advice to you is to:

A) Make sure you have ample evidence you intend to return to the United States on a specified date. Have a return ticket (if travelling commercially) or have a business card, student I.D. or something that proves you have a reason to return home.

B) Don't go in saying you're visiting your "fiance". In my experience, that's just asking for extra scrutiny...and I know something about that. (I wrote a lengthy reply to another question along these lines http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aj1rx4FjtHqXs7m1Vo02UtHty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20090223091559AAP64UB&show=7#profile-info-6ubXXtZyaa, detailing that after a couple of bad immigration experiences, I stopped saying I was going to the U.S. to visit my -then- boyfriend and then, as if by magic, I sailed through immigration without any of the former difficulties, from then on.) I would just say I was going for a vacation, to do some shopping, seeing the sights...that kind of thing. Don't lie. But you don't have to open with a mention of your "fiance". That typically sets off all kinds of red flags for border guards/immigration. If you absolutely have to mention it, say "friend" not "boyfriend" or "fiance"...if possible.

misskate12001

Um, don't show the officers the money. They might think you are trying to bribe them.

The easiest way to get across a boarder anywhere without issues is to have all the paperwork needed in order, have a clear legal intent for your travel and to not be shady.

Also the fiance bit - have to say, that might seem shady to them. How are they to know you aren't planning on popping over, getting married and then trying to get citizenship?

Rachel S

Do you have a passport? If not soon you will need one to cross the border. Be careful not to carry too much money because that looks pretty shady. I'm not sure why they would give you a hard time if you're just going to visit for a couple days. If you don't have a passport get one, that may make your entry easier in the future.

: )

Im Canadian and I cross the border about every two weeks. The Canadian customs officers don't even really question me when returning. The American customs officers usually tear me apart grilling me about where Im going etc.

The easiest way is to be completely honest with them. If you are over 18, get a visa. That way you don't need money to go see your fiance. As long as you have a photo id like a drivers license AND a birth certificate, they should let you in no problem (you need at least 2 pieces of ID to cross). A passport would probably get you in a lot easier too, and also you will absolutely NEED one to cross after June 2009. Some other tips: open all your windows when entering the customs booth and make sure you keep eye contact with the officer.

you first need a passport otherwise i don't really know

Meely

Ooo
I just went on holiday to Canada and I came from England.
if they ask you why your coming to Canada why not say you are going skiing? if you want any ski places I went to Stoneham and Mont St Anne.
I don't see why they won't let you through.
Just smile â™¥

sarahs

well i wouldn.t take alot of cash with me because they don;t want you to take currency through the borders. just have it in your visa. when you wanna pass the border just be nice and say you're going to see your fiance for awhile and you'll be back say in 2 weeks. and say you might go shopping too abit. you know just regular stuff.. don;t look nurvous. make a joke. be relaxed. when i wanted to cross the american borders by land i made a joke and the officer liked it lol he was laughing and he let me go really quick. but depends on the guy too. some are ***holes!

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