Visa Conundrum - IMM1000

[iceflow99]

Folks,

I have IMM1000, but have not lived in Canada for 20 years. I want to take my daughter up to the University of Saskatoon for a site visit. I don’t want to lose my IMM1000, I can’t give a logical reason I would just like to keep it. Many years ago I tried turning it in as I was working frequently in Canada and the immigration officer at Pearson said…”no, no you don’t just turn those in. They are gold dust. You need to be counseled at a Canadian consulate in your home country to make sure you know what you are doing.” So….is the IMM1000 special in some way compared to the PR card?

Anyway, these are the options I see for the visit:

· Turn in the IMM1000 then apply for an ETA.

· Fly in without an ETA and see what happens at immigration.

· Drive over the border as I believe I don’t need an ETA.

I’m UK citizen, daughter is US citizen. I’d like her to get an opportunity to connect with Canada. Surely I don’t have to explain why? Nowhere is perfect but some places are more perfect than others are in certain areas let say.

Thoughts, comments?



Thanks

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Folks,

I have IMM1000, but have not lived in Canada for 20 years. I want to take my daughter up to the University of Saskatoon for a site visit. I don’t want to lose my IMM1000, I can’t give a logical reason I would just like to keep it. Many years ago I tried turning it in as I was working frequently in Canada and the immigration officer at Pearson said…”no, no you don’t just turn those in. They are gold dust. You need to be counseled at a Canadian consulate in your home country to make sure you know what you are doing.” So….is the IMM1000 special in some way compared to the PR card?

Anyway, these are the options I see for the visit:

· Turn in the IMM1000 then apply for an ETA.

· Fly in without an ETA and see what happens at immigration.

· Drive over the border as I believe I don’t need an ETA.

I’m UK citizen, daughter is US citizen. I’d like her to get an opportunity to connect with Canada. Surely I don’t have to explain why? Nowhere is perfect but some places are more perfect than others are in certain areas let say.

Thoughts, comments?



Thanks

No, it isn't special compared to a PR card.

You can't just "turn in" your IMM1000. You need to actually renounce your PR status.

You will not even be able to board a plane to Canada. If you apply for an eTA, expect to be flagged as a PR and refused.

You can drive over the border. You will be allowed entry but face the risk of being reported at the border for failing to meet the PR Residency Obligation and having your PR status revoked.

 

[iceflow99]

No, it isn't special compared to a PR card.

You can't just "turn in" your IMM1000. You need to actually renounce your PR status.

You will not even be able to board a plane to Canada. If you apply for an eTA, expect to be flagged as a PR and refused.

You can drive over the border. You will be allowed entry but face the risk of being reported at the border for failing to meet the PR Residency Obligation and having your PR status revoked.

Got it thanks,

On your reply ref......but face the risk of being reported at the border.....is that reported or deported?
also....Could I not board a plane with the IMM1000 and no eTA and face the questions at immigration?

Thanks!

 

[canuck78]

Got it thanks,

On your reply ref......but face the risk of being reported at the border.....is that reported or deported?
also....Could I not board a plane with the IMM1000 and no eTA and face the questions at immigration?

Thanks!

It’s reported. No you could not board a plane to Canada.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Got it thanks,

On your reply ref......but face the risk of being reported at the border.....is that reported or deported?
also....Could I not board a plane with the IMM1000 and no eTA and face the questions at immigration?

Thanks!

Reported by CBSA. That would start the proceedings to formally revoke your PR status.

No, you can't board a plane with an IMM1000.

 

[iceflow99]

Thank you folks. So it sounds like the IMM1000 is no longer a valid travel document when traveling outside of Canada? I'm guessing then all IMM 1000 holders who are legally resident in Canada have had to apply for the PR Card if they intend to travel outside of the country?
The last time we were up there was about 4 years or so ago and it must have been pre eTA. I was half expecting a series of questions at immigration in Vancouver as I'm sure our IMM 1000 status would have shown up. That didn't happen, we did have to state where we were staying and why we were visiting etc but that was it. I wasn't pulled into the immigration 'back office', it was straight to get the bags and customs and go.
Thanks