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Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Its been a month in Vancouver and now planning to visit a friend in Seattle for the weekend.
Our plan is to drive, however we are unsure on the entry/exit regulations at the USA/Canada border crossing. Do we need to apply for ESTA for entry by road to the USA? I understand we have to complete the I94 form and pay while entering and surrender this form back to the US authorities while returning to Canada. But how can we surrender the I94 form to the US immigration authorities on the way back, as we will be entering the Canadian border where the Canada Immigration authorities will be dealing with the entry? This is important I believe to avoid any overstay issues in the USA. If using bus/amtrak how does the I94 form works? Any other practical info will be appreciated. |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
An I-94 will cost $6 each, American dollars only and are valid for 3 months.
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by GC44
(Post 10467874)
An I-94 will cost $6 each, American dollars only and are valid for 3 months.
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
On the way back you give your I94 to the Canadian immigration person.
Check how long they permit you to stay for - they write this on the I94. Even if I am just going for a day they normally give three months. If I am planning on reentering the US within that time then I do not surrender the I94 on the way back. That makes it simpler the next time - avoids getting out of the car, waiting in line and paying the $6 as I can use the same I94. You don't need ESTA for a land crossing. I94s work the same if you cross by bus or train as if you go by car. |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by gooodman
(Post 10467963)
Thanks. But can you tell how I can surrender the I94 form back when returning to Canada? as I will be entering through the Canadian Immigration control and not the USA.
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Bonestable
(Post 10467971)
On the way back you give your I94 to the Canadian immigration person.
Check how long they permit you to stay for - they write this on the I94. Even if I am just going for a day they normally give three months. If I am planning on reentering the US within that time then I do not surrender the I94 on the way back. That makes it simpler the next time - avoids getting out of the car, waiting in line and paying the $6 as I can use the same I94. You don't need ESTA for a land crossing. I94s work the same if you cross by bus or train as if you go by car. There are mixed information from other threads where one is advised that Canadian side doesn't accept the USA I94. |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
I have driven across many times, and the Canadian official has always accepted my I94. I usually have to ask them to take it out, though.
I assume they hand them over to the US people. One time I didn't get it removed before it expired. The next time I crossed the Americans just took it out when they processed the new one - it was no problem. |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
We handed our expired I-94s to the CBSA guy last week. No problem. Not the first time we have done this as we pop to the states on a minimum fortnightly basis.
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
As mentioned above keep it for as long as it is valid but under no circumstances try to enter the USA with an expired I-94 in your passport - they get emotional :thumbdown:
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Alex2201
(Post 10468842)
As mentioned above keep it for as long as it is valid but under no circumstances try to enter the USA with an expired I-94 in your passport - they get emotional :thumbdown:
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Alex2201
(Post 10468842)
As mentioned above keep it for as long as it is valid but under no circumstances try to enter the USA with an expired I-94 in your passport - they get emotional :thumbdown:
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by gooodman
(Post 10468036)
Great. So will the Canadian immigration officer collect and supply these I94 to the US side then?
There are mixed information from other threads where one is advised that Canadian side doesn't accept the USA I94. So, don't bother trying to be helpful like me. I won't again. I had an old I94 in my passport from 2009 that I never handed back and nothing was said about it specifically. The US border officials did ask me when I had last been to the States and I informed them it was May 2009 and that was it. Nothing else said. Cheers, katie :starsmile: |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
I've barely ever handed an I94 back at the border. I have been thoroughly chastised at the airport for still having one in my passport though.
The challenge now is that you're issued I94's at airports, but they don't put the green thingummyjig in your passport, so you have a valid stamp at the border, but often the border guard doesn't know that you don't need the form (just the stamp) for it to be valid now. I can think of 2 occasions in the last year that I've been sent to immigration, only to be sent away again when they realise I still have valid entry. Wish that they all kept up on the training... |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Pretty Flowers
(Post 10469477)
I've barely ever handed an I94 back at the border. I have been thoroughly chastised at the airport for still having one in my passport though.
The challenge now is that you're issued I94's at airports, but they don't put the green thingummyjig in your passport, so you have a valid stamp at the border, but often the border guard doesn't know that you don't need the form (just the stamp) for it to be valid now. I can think of 2 occasions in the last year that I've been sent to immigration, only to be sent away again when they realise I still have valid entry. Wish that they all kept up on the training... |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Oakvillian
(Post 10468914)
Never IMX. Perhaps the border services people in your neck of the woods lack excitement and have to pounce on expired I94Ws to liven up their days?
Having said that I wouldn't personally put it to the test, because there's always one jobsworth somewhere. You don't need to do ESTA for crossing by private vehicle or as a pedestrian but CBP do have access to the ESTA system, so if you have ESTA I think they care even less. Anyway, if it's just a one-off trip, just hand it to CBSA at Peace Arch when you enter. |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Former Lancastrian
(Post 10469480)
Isnt that a US problem as opposed to a Canadian one though;)
When we went down to the US at the end of last year the US official said "hmmm this is interesting - according to our records you are still in the US! Did you sneak back across the border when we weren't looking!" I was speechless - I had never had a US immigration officer joke with me and I really didn't know what to say. I told him that I had definitely handed my I94 at the Canadian side when I last returned. He commented that the Canadians often held onto them for a few months before taking the few steps over to their office and handing them back. He said it wasn't a huge problem but said that it was always best to hand them over "just in case". I assumed that he meant just in case someone more 'diligent' than him was on duty! J :) |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Pretty Flowers
(Post 10469477)
The challenge now is that you're issued I94's at airports, but they don't put the green thingummyjig in your passport,
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Jingle
(Post 10469585)
I think so .... we always hand ours back in when we know that we won't be returning within three months. We always use the same border crossing (Eureka) and very often see the same officers each time we cross.
When we went down to the US at the end of last year the US official said "hmmm this is interesting - according to our records you are still in the US! Did you sneak back across the border when we weren't looking!" I was speechless - I had never had a US immigration officer joke with me and I really didn't know what to say. I told him that I had definitely handed my I94 at the Canadian side when I last returned. He commented that the Canadians often held onto them for a few months before taking the few steps over to their office and handing them back. He said it wasn't a huge problem but said that it was always best to hand them over "just in case". I assumed that he meant just in case someone more 'diligent' than him was on duty! J :) See what we find funny travellers dont but what travellers find funny we dont, strange concept eh. Ultimately it is your (the travellers) responsibility to hand in the I94 waiver. |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Jingle
(Post 10469585)
I think so .... we always hand ours back in when we know that we won't be returning within three months. We always use the same border crossing (Eureka) and very often see the same officers each time we cross.
When we went down to the US at the end of last year the US official said "hmmm this is interesting - according to our records you are still in the US! Did you sneak back across the border when we weren't looking!" I was speechless - I had never had a US immigration officer joke with me and I really didn't know what to say. I told him that I had definitely handed my I94 at the Canadian side when I last returned. He commented that the Canadians often held onto them for a few months before taking the few steps over to their office and handing them back. He said it wasn't a huge problem but said that it was always best to hand them over "just in case". I assumed that he meant just in case someone more 'diligent' than him was on duty! J :) So when we return to the US border for entry next time, there is a possiblity for the US officer saying no record of exit found in their system and could potentially deny entry or deport to UK? I know the above might sound extreme but the US law doesnt look flexible. |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by gooodman
(Post 10469638)
Based on your experience...Once the I94/W exit form is surrendered to the Canadian side on the way back, Will there be any evidence provided to us in the form of a stamping or receipt to say we have handed them over?
So when we return to the US border for entry next time, there is a possiblity for the US officer saying no record of exit found in their system and could potentially deny entry or deport to UK? I know the above might sound extreme but the US law doesnt look flexible. |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Former Lancastrian
(Post 10469645)
CBSA do not give anything stamp wise or receipt that you handed in your I94waiver so my suggestion is if you know you wont be using it again and travelling by land then stop off on the US side before entering Canada.
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by gooodman
(Post 10469725)
You mean stop over before the canadian border control and go towards the US control building to hand them over? Is it that straightforward and is there a dedicated walk route to do this as we will be driving on the other side?
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by gooodman
(Post 10469725)
You mean stop over before the canadian border control and go towards the US control building to hand them over? Is it that straightforward and is there a dedicated walk route to do this as we will be driving on the other side?
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Former Lancastrian
(Post 10469735)
Most US land border crossings have a car park or parking spots before you cross into Canada or access to the building so Yes its that simple.
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Former Lancastrian
(Post 10469735)
Most US land border crossings have a car park or parking spots before you cross into Canada or access to the building so Yes its that simple.
DHS – CBP ACS INC. 1084 South Laurel Road London, KY 40744 along with proof that you left the country within the validity period (this can be something as simple as a transaction receipt for something you bought in Canada, or a utility bill etc). Note, though, on this page http://canada.usembassy.gov/visas/fo...re-record.html the following sentence: If you want to confirm that your I-94 was received by ACS, please give them 4 months to process the paperwork |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Oink
(Post 10469746)
How come the last time I came over the border, some old bloke in the booth chatted to me for about 7 or 8 minutes about how his granddad worked in Chatham docks and that his nan was from Rochester, while the poor buggers in the cars behind had to wait? I can't really see what that had to do with me entering Canada. Was he trying to catch me out in something or to see if I was nervous or was he just a friendly old man?
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Correct we are under no legal obligation we merely do it as a courtesy in the event that the traveller forgets or considers it a pain in the arse to hand it over to the US authorities (its their document and rules) or pay the postage to send it back.
The trick is to not have an expired I94 waiver in your passport when you travel to the USA. It should be quite obvious to them that if you are now ENTERING the USA you have previously LEFT from a previous visit. |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Former Lancastrian
(Post 10469766)
Who knows :lol: I mean god forbid we actually act like human beings and strike up a conversation with travellers. I know it sucks for them waiting behind you but he should not have detained you for the 7 minutes as that is well above our service standard time. Showing an interest to others ARGH what was he thinking:confused:
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Oink
(Post 10469777)
I didn't particularly mind, he was pleasant enough, I just thought empathy might a new CBSA tactic.
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
I suspect you have a couple of garbage cans in your 'office'. One under a basket ball hoop and the other tub-shaped, for easy landing of paper aeroplanes. Both full of crumpled, or neatly folded I94's :sneaky:
Originally Posted by Former Lancastrian
(Post 10469645)
CBSA do not give anything stamp wise or receipt that you handed in your I94waiver so my suggestion is if you know you wont be using it again and travelling by land then stop off on the US side before entering Canada.
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Greenhill
(Post 10469790)
I suspect you have a couple of garbage cans in your 'office'. One under a basket ball hoop and the other tub-shaped, for easy landing of paper aeroplanes. Both full of crumpled, or neatly folded I94's :sneaky:
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Oakvillian
(Post 10468914)
Never IMX. Perhaps the border services people in your neck of the woods lack excitement and have to pounce on expired I94Ws to liven up their days?
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by gooodman
(Post 10469725)
You mean stop over before the canadian border control and go towards the US control building to hand them over? Is it that straightforward and is there a dedicated walk route to do this as we will be driving on the other side?
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Former Lancastrian
(Post 10469766)
Who knows :lol: I mean god forbid we actually act like human beings and strike up a conversation with travellers. I know it sucks for them waiting behind you but he should not have detained you for the 7 minutes as that is well above our service standard time. Showing an interest to others ARGH what was he thinking:confused:
We did wonder what would happen if the computer didn't come back online as it would have been a long drive back to civilization in BC. He said that immigration officials are allowed to use discretion in those circumstances. Luckily we didn't have to find out if we passed that test as the computer came back online. He was a nice guy and we see him pretty regularly when we cross over now. J :) |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by gooodman
(Post 10469638)
Based on your experience...Once the I94/W exit form is surrendered to the Canadian side on the way back, Will there be any evidence provided to us in the form of a stamping or receipt to say we have handed them over?
So when we return to the US border for entry next time, there is a possiblity for the US officer saying no record of exit found in their system and could potentially deny entry or deport to UK? I know the above might sound extreme but the US law doesnt look flexible. J :) |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Former Lancastrian
(Post 10469624)
As per post #12 we cant have a sense of humor at times:lol:
See what we find funny travellers dont but what travellers find funny we dont, strange concept eh. Ultimately it is your (the travellers) responsibility to hand in the I94 waiver. J |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Anyone flown to the US from Canada on ESTA then driven back ? Is it a problem ?
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Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by badab1ng
(Post 10472213)
Anyone flown to the US from Canada on ESTA then driven back ? Is it a problem ?
Fly in on ESTA, then drive out = not OK Drive in on I-94W, then fly out = OK And I feel like I've read something official to this effect but right now I cannot for the life of me seem to find anything to back it up. Anyone? Am I wrong about this? |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Eligible nationals or citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program require either a travel authorization or a visa to transit the United States. If a traveler is only planning to transit through the United States en route to another country, when he or she completes the travel authorization application in ESTA, the traveler should enter the words "In Transit" and his or her final destination location in the address lines in the Address While In The United States field on the application.
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/WebHel...Help_1.htm#WP3 |
Re: Visiting the USA from Canada Options
Originally Posted by Deficient
(Post 10475440)
I was under the impression that this was a problem, i.e.
Fly in on ESTA, then drive out = not OK Drive in on I-94W, then fly out = OK And I feel like I've read something official to this effect but right now I cannot for the life of me seem to find anything to back it up. Anyone? Am I wrong about this? |
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