beccyd

Hey everyone,

I searched for answers to this already, but had no luck!

I am currently here on a visitor visa, which expires in September. My 2 Year Working Holiday Visa has just come through (Monday) and I am planning to drive to the border, from Edmonton, tomorrow to get my paperwork.

I just want to know if I have to leave the country for 24 hours before I re-enter, or if I can just get it all done in one go and then head home.
I've heard different opinions off different people, so any help is appreciated.

Basically, I want to know if I should go ahead and book a hotel for the night

Thanks in advance!

plasticcanuck

You do not require to stay overnight. Just tell the U.S. Border Guard what you are doing, he will refuse you entry and send you back to Canada to activate your visa. EasyPeasy.

beccyd

That sounds so easy! Why didn't anyone in Edmonton know that haha

Thanks!

R I C H

A refusal for entry to the U.S. on your record is a pain in the ass for years to come. You're technically required to declare the refusal each time you enter the U.S. in the future, which often means being called to secondary inspection and and hour or more waiting for a cursory interview in my experience.

Enter the U.S. properly as a visitor and avoid the whole refusal process.

beccyd

Ok, well I already have a 2 year US visitor visa. Do you think it would be easier to go through and then come back through a few hours later then??

R I C H

Yes - my experience suggests that's the best course of action.

beccyd

Thanks. And there is no way doing getting my paperwork at the airport or similar? Is definitely is a case of driving to the border?

Former Lancastrian

Unless you are single and look like Jessica Alba and want to date a CBSA officer then you will have no chance getting it done at Edmonton Airport unless flying in from the USA.

beccyd

Damnit!!!

Aviator

Get a flight to the US, do it on your return to Canada. Saves a drive from Edmonton.

beckiwoo

f you are going via a land border you will still have to pay $6USD as the ESTA doesn't count. I had to do that in March - no big deal really not to have a 'refusal' that may cause issues later on when going to the USA