URGENT How do I land by crossing the border?

[lizet]

Hi!
I just received my confirmation of permanent residence! Yay! My husband and I are going to Niagara Falls to cross the border and then come back so I can finish the process. But, how does it work? I know I have to bring my passport and the Confirmation of permanent resident paper. Can I just go across the border by car and turn around and come back? Do I need a visa for the US? Anyone who crossed the border at Rainbow bridge, Niagara Falls?? How do I know if they do immigration or just toll? Does it cost anything?

Thanks for any answers!

[AllisonVSC]

Hi Lizet, Congrats on your PR.

Yes, you can drive to the border and land. If you are visa exempt to the US you can drive over and visit the area and return to land. If you are not exempt or not interested in visiting the US, just tell the US border agent that you are there to land as a PR of Canada. They will direct you on how to get to the Canadian side (this is commonly referred to as "flagpoling"); tell the CN border agent the same and s/he will send you to the appropriate building. You will need passport, COPR, and a list of goods to import (or goods to follow), if any. They will ask you some basic questions like your address for mailing the PR card, any change of circumstances (have you married or had children etc since getting visa), correct spelling of your name, etc. Then they will enter some info in the computer and you're done. It is quick, if there is no waiting, and easy.

I have not crossed at the Rainbow Bridge, but I did my landing at Queenston/Lewiston (take the QEW to St. Catherines and then left exit onto the 405 and go 4-5 kms). There is a toll charge there ($3.25, I think) to cross back over the bridge into Canada, but landing costs nothing.

By the way, if you go to Queenston/Lewiston there is only one exit, I think, between the 405 and the border, and it goes to the Niagara Parkway. It is a beautiful little drive in either direction, and it leads to the BEST view of Niagara Falls; the one from the Canadian side. If you have never been there, I would recommend stopping there with your husband after landing and having a little walk around to enjoy the moment and celebrate.

All the best. Allison

[lizet]

Thank so much for the information! It all went perfectly fine! We end up landing in Niagara Falls since we had a hotel booked there. We just walked across the bridge, came back and I was landed, just like you said!

[AllisonVSC]

Congrats, Lizet, and Welcome (back) to Canada.