BritishExpatriate

So I'm thinking of going from Montreal to California this summer to visit my friend, via the pre-clearance facility at Montreal (YUL) airport. What (if any) ties need to be illustrated? Is it worth bringing a letter from my employer or not? Thanks in advance

kimilseung

Have you completed the ESTA process?

BritishExpatriate

Yes, it was approved...

Speedwell

I must need a snack; when you said "ties need to be illustrated" I thought of an artist sketching men's neckwear....

It's always worth bringing a letter from your employer, something saying your leave is approved from this date to that, something proving you have a home in your own name (lease or mortgage) or dependent family members, things like that... but no need to produce that information until they request evidence.

kimilseung

That is all that should be needed, if you are a nervous traveler, than any additional documentation will not hurt, but should not be required.

BritishExpatriate

Ok that's great, thanks! It's the answer I was hoping for!

BritishExpatriate

Haha
My concern is that I'll have only recently arrived in my country of origin. (Canada) Therefore, in terms of ties, I will likely have a tenancy agreement, a Canadian work permit in my passport but I might go before I have found a job- That's why I'm a little concerned about this.

I agree it's a good idea to have a letter from my employer. I'm unsure as to whether there's a legal/regulatory requirement for this, other than the general discretion of a CBP officer to refuse entry to anyone.....

Speedwell

No legal requirement. Don't worry about that. It's purely discretionary.

BritishExpatriate

Okay great, thank-you!

md95065

It is not necessary to wear a tie in order to enter the US under the VWP.

md95065

There is no legal requirement to have a letter from your employer and there is probably little point in taking one with you.

Bottom line is that CBP will either believe that you are eligible to use the VWP and will comply with its terms and conditions - in which case you won't have a problem - or they won't believe you - in which case they won't admit you. By the time that they have decided that, for whatever reason, they don't like the look of you having a "letter from your employer" is very unlikely to cause them to change their minds.

BritishExpatriate

Ok thank-you.

In your opinion, as a British national entering the US from Canada and with a Canadian work permit in my passport, am I likely to be questioned more than the usual "what's the purpose of your trip, sir?", "How long are you staying in the United States?", etc. or would I be likely to have a similar experience to the average British national coming straight from the UK?

Nutmegger

Yes, they don't seem to appreciate the old school tie . . .

jeffreyhy

Nothing specific. What needs to be demonstrated, first and foremost, is that you have no reason to remain in the USA once you've accomplished the purpose of your visit.

The first two questions you will be asked when you request entry will be, "What is the purpose of your visit?" and "How long will you be staying?" If the answers to these questions are reasonable and consistent (and you demeanor and mannerisms are not suspicious) that will usually be the end of it. On the other hand, if for example you plan to stay for 2-1/2 months for a visit to Disney World, there could be more questions leading to what ties you have outside the USA that will compel you to leave.

Regards, JEff

BritishExpatriate

Thankyou, your post has really re-assured me!