murrin

Our trip to the border was a lengthy one especially with our 3 children on board.
We left Innisfail /Bowden at 9am and arrived at the Coutts/sweetgrass border at 1:20pm.
We were at the border for 2 and half hours (only because there were cars in front of us at both ends).
The actual process was straight forward and we had no problems becoming permanent residents......when asked the purpose of our visit to the U.S. we were completely honest and explained we were "flagpoling" to activate our Canadian Visas.
We got escorted (by car) from the American side to the Canadian side..probably just to make sure we werent dissappearing into America for a secret holiday..lol.
We didnt need any extra photographs, didnt need bank statements or proof of funds or anything like that ..they didnt even check our valid work permits....it really was very straight forward and everyone was pleasant .

Now all we have to do is arrange for new Sin numbers and new Alberta Health care numbers( as far as I know) and our permanent resident cards will be sent to us within 90 days, although he did say that we may have to collect them in Calgary..time will tell) We had a friends residential address we were hoping to use but apparently they dont do that anymore, it has to be our address supplied which is a P.O.box.
I hope this info helps anyone ready to activate their Visas!

helcat12

Congratulations and best wishes for your new status and your continued successful life in Canada.

JAJ

For the benefit of anyone else reading this thread, a. getting a refusal of entry from anywhere is a bad idea, and b. the right way to "flagpole" is to have another reason to enter the United States. More discussion at:
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Trip_a...lagpole-Canada

james.mc

Having travelled, and worked globally for years around Europe, Africa, Asia, and the USA, I can only agree 100% with JAJ.

In these modern times of computerised immigration records, and countries tightening up boarder procedures, you really do not want to be recorded on any system as having been refused entry to any country for any reason. Using a refusal may appear to be quick and convenient but it might come back an haunt you at a later date, so why risk it?

If it were me, I would plan a weekend trip and (as a Brit) use the Visa waiver program to gain entry to the USA and return to Canada a couple of days later and trigger the PR.

murrin

I would just like to add that we were NOT refused entry to the U.S as we did not even ask to enter it ........we were 100% honest with immigration officers, who were very pleasant, we did not have our vehicles or persons searched and the paperwork given to us by U.S officer simply said :
Flagpoling for immigration purposes!

The whole process was very straight forward and there was no need to lie to anyone.

pollyb

Congratulations, you won't need new Alberta health card, just need to let them know you have become pernanent residents as otherwise once date of original work permit runs out the health card will cancel.

Robin (The Gadget family)

Congratulations murrin, oh what a feeling huh?

JAJ

You entered United States territory and were not admitted, sounds like a refusal to me.

You don't need to lie to anyone, but the smart way to flagpole is to have another reason to enter the United States. Shopping, sightseeing, etc. Then you flagpole on your return. That way, no refusal goes on your record.

PMM

Hi

It is not a refusal, it doesn't go on the "record", it is classified as administrative rejection. Thousands "flagpole" every year, how many have ever came back to an Immigration forum and said that they were refused admission to the US because they had the adim rejection? None as far as I know.

JAJ

Policies can change in future. It can also prejudice admission to a third country if they start asking about being rejected for entry anywhere else.

The whole point is that for most people, it's unnecessary to go through the rejection process.

james.mc

So, there you are, all smiles and friendly, using the often suggest flag pole method and a US immigration officer issues you with a refusal of entry notice.

I've read on here that refusal notices may be issued. The quote below is from a Retired Visa Officer.

What ever a purely nominal refusal is I do not know, but I'd suggest in these times there would likely be a record of any refusal having been issued, no matter how 'nominal'

Me? I'd rather plan it a little better, use the Visa waiver program, enter as a tourist into the states. Have a weekend break, or at least an overnight stay and, without having been refused anywhere, have no doubts about my visitor/immigration status in either country.

IMHO the 'stay overnight as a tourist' method is 100% legal and, assuming all is above board, sure to result in a 100% successful flag pole trip.

The refusal approach will likely work (99.9%), as it has done for thousands of people, but could result in you receiving a refusal notice which may go on record somewhere (00.1%). Next time you enter the USA you may be asked if you have ever been refused entry for any reason. That'll potentially cause a delay.

murrin

If we ever feel the need to visit the U.S and are asked if we have ever been refused entry my simple and honest answer would be NO as we have not been refused.

As I have previously mentioned our paperwork given to us from U.S border official simply said ;
"activating permanent residency for immigration purposes".....we had no refusal of entry of any sort wether it was nominal or not.

I have never said our way was the right way, I have only ever said for the benefit of others what our experience of 'flagpoling' was ....we were honest...and received no official refusal.

I have to say that a few seem to be implying that we went through the process incorrectly......all im saying is... our way worked for us !

james.mc

murrin
Please don't take it the wrong way. If it worked then great!
You went through the process in the best way you knew how and, as you say, it worked the same for you guys as it has for thousands before you but as suggested things do change (tighter border controls etc.) and the approach to this may need to adapt to reflect that.

It's good that you shared your successful flag pole experience with others and an interesting debate has ensued as a result.

I don't think people are suggesting that you guys knowingly intended to do anything incorrectly or illegal. My experience, based on me bouncing in and out of many weird and wonderful places on this planet over the years, is that I believe if there is an option available with potentially less problems then take it. I think that's what one or two others may have suggested also and nothing more.

murrin

ant11

Congratulations!
Can I ask how you went about applying for your permanent residence? Did you do it yourself or via an immigration lawyer? Also did you use the provincial nominee process? I am undecided if I want to spend the $ 2500 paying a lawyer to do it , but also need it to be done correctly!