jennellapea

I was wondering if anyone has done this and what their experience was. Or if anyone knows the procedure from entering the country by rail.

I'm waiting for my 2nd IEC to come through, at which point I'm thinking of going for a weekend in Portland, OR. How would I get my new permit on the train?

I've searched google and all I found was a horror story from a PR in Montreal

iaink

I havent done it, but I have crossed the border while on a work permit, and frankly I dont think its going to be a very practical way to activate the visa. Typically the IOs walk the train checking documentation, they are not set up to issue new paperwork so I suspect they would have you off the train and it would go on without you.

This is just speculation though...

iaink

Amrak website says:


Id say that leaves little scope for having a TWP activated at the border.


Via rail say:

SchnookoLoly

I personally wouldn't risk it - if the train goes on without you you're a bit stuck for what to do after they finish with you. As has been said, I don't think a lot of the train stations are equipped to be dealing with as much of the paperwork - you're better off trying to cross either at an airport or renting a car (some rental companies will let you take the car across the border, just not leave it across the border).

Good luck!

jennellapea

Thanks for the answers guys. Neither I or my other half drive you see, that's why I was wondering about the train. I think I might just change my plans, easier all around then.

Thank you

SchnookoLoly

It'll probably be more expensive then, but flying might be a safer option since there's no question about the airport being equipped to do what you need done, and no risk of missing your onward travel in case things don't go to plan!

Good luck, hope it goes smoothly!

iaink

Take a taxi, have it wait? Or have a friend drive you...

kimilseung

Immigration was done at the Vancouver station, not at the border when I traveled by train to BC from WA.

iaink

Did you not need a visa or other proof of Canadian status to board the train the other end though? Kind of like the PR card applying to commercial flights and bus routes....

I suppose a british passport doesnt need a visa per se, so it might work to get on the train. They are not going to be used to dealing with the paperwork though the other end...

MrWindUpBird

On entering Canada on the Amtrak Seattle-Vancouver train, it doesn't stop at the border, but the immigration formalities take place at Vancouver Pacific Station. So you don't have to worry about the train going on without you.

Entering the US, passport control is also done in Vancouver, but the US customs officials get on the train at the border to pick up the customs forms and check for contraband I guess.

However, you may have to wait while they process everyone else, and they might not be set up to issue visas anyway.

If you have a nice friend who can drive you to Peace Arch, that's probably the quickest and simplest way...

kimilseung

It was inbound, but I was a tourist visiting Canada.

iaink

Sorry, figured that out... see edited post.

MrWindUpBird

IIRC, the Amtrak staff in Seattle treat it as any other domestic service. I think you need photo ID.

jennellapea

That's it though, I know nobody that drives so it sucks. And I'm not taking a taxi. Doesn't matter, I'll figure something out. I was just exploring the possibility (or lack there of) of using the train.

MrWindUpBird

You may be able to get transit... I know I looked into this, and it did seem possible (Albeit time-consuming).