Originally Posted by R I C H (Post 6565328)

I've not left Canada in nearly 3yrs, and have no plans or need to visit the US in the near future.

Originally Posted by dbd33 (Post 6564915)

Still I wish they'd get rid of the border, it's a silly affectation for Canada to pretend independence.

Originally Posted by R I C H (Post 6564837)

We successfully got our PR visa's authorised on Thursday by visiting the Huntingdon/Sumas border crossing in the Fraser Valley, near Vancouver.

You should be aware, though, that US Customs no longer permits flag-polling. They're concerned that admitting individuals into the States, albeit only for the purpose of turning straight back into Canada leaves them open to the possibility that Canada has the right to refuse entry, and then the US is left with individuals that they possibly don't want either.

The process now involves having to be formally interviewed, fingerprinted (14 prints - palms and all), photographed and then documentation being produced that indicates you were officially refused entry to the US. Canada then has no choice but to allow you back in.

This took us 2hrs with US immigration - one guy working through the paperwork solidly on his own. If you're traveling with a family, expect it to take longer. In one respect it means that you don't officially leave Canada, so departure and landing never really occurs in order to meet immigration requirements for the PR visa, but the Canadian immigration officer we dealt with just said it was US immigration paranoia, and they were unconcerned about the legal technicalities. Including the line up to leave Canada, then re-enter, plus 30mins of paperwork with Canadian immigration, in total it took us over 4hrs to get everything dealt with. That was late morning on a mid-week day.

I asked the US immigration guy if it would have been simpler for us just to have paid the $6 each for a visa to visit the US and then dealt with the PR landing on our way back into Canada. He was adamant that we'd have been committing an offense by not declaring our real intentions for visiting the US, and that he'd rather have the correct paperwork drawn up than risk us being arrested. There was a very marked contrast in attitude between the US and Canadian immigration personnel - cold, impersonal and intimidating vs welcoming and friendly.

Originally Posted by ojmurphy (Post 6571838)

Fascinating read... thanks everyone.

I am in Canada, and ready to land as a PR. I think I will go through with my plan of taking a weekend mini-break somewhere in the States for beach, city, sightseeing whatever and then fly back to Pearson where I will suddenly decide I want to land as a PR ;) Based on this thread it sounds like spending a day or two in the States with some purpose (tourism, sightseeing, shopping, whatever) is the best option.

Enter the US through visa waiver, and then arrive back to Canadian immigration and then make your intent to land as a PR known.

Unless I've read this all wrong?!

Originally Posted by bazzz (Post 6571843)

Yes. You'll be fine. Even if they do search you, find your immigration papers and ask about that, you can always pass it off as a minor piece of adminstration that you thought you'd get out of the way on your way back.

Originally Posted by Dave+Jules (Post 6571850)

You are such a coool dude Bazzz I think you should take up the call to Arms and Join up ;)

Originally Posted by bazzz (Post 6571843)

Yes. You'll be fine. Even if they do search you, find your immigration papers and ask about that, you can always pass it off as a minor piece of adminstration that you thought you'd get out of the way on your way back.

Originally Posted by ojmurphy (Post 6571864)

Lol. Very good bazzz.

If you're landing on a flight from Toronto in Memphis, Nashville, Orlando (or some other vaguely interesting US city) and say your visiting the sights for the weekend I doubt it would become an issue.