"Allowed To Leave Canada Form" Can I Enter Country Again?

[newyorker221]

Last year my company wanted me to attend and lead a training meeting in Montreal (I live in New York), but when I got to the border via car, and explained that I was there for work, to help train new employees, etc., they said I didn't have a work visa, and denied me access. I had no idea that I needed a work visa for it because the whole thing was arranged 2-3 days prior, and I had never traveled internationally for work before (and my company never mentioned it should be an issue). They had me sign a "Allowed To Leave Canada" form and I left. I'd like to fly into Vancouver this summer for a vacation, but I'm scared I'll get to customs at the airport and they won't let me cross into Canada because of what happened. When I was denied access into Montreal, no one would tell me what was documented on my passport. I checked my passport and I didn't see any additional stamps or notations about withdrawing my application voluntarily, but is there some kind of flag in the system when I cross borders now? I'm okay being screened more and asked to answer a bunch of additional questions, but I'm wondering if there's anything else I can bring with me to ensure I get to cross over into Canada upon landing? Prior to this incident, I have traveled to PEI/Nova Scotia and Montreal for vacation, and I also do not have a criminal record and was born in the U.S. and have lived in NYS my entire life. This is all so new to me. Thank you so much in advance!

 

[bellaluna]

If you're flying in, a return ticket would help, and perhaps some proof from your company that you are taking vacation leaves. No guarantee you'll be readmitted, but given what you described, there's a good chance it'll go in your favor.

 

[newyorker221]

If you're flying in, a return ticket would help, and perhaps some proof from your company that you are taking vacation leaves. No guarantee you'll be readmitted, but given what you described, there's a good chance it'll go in your favor.

Thank you so much for your input! I would definitely have a return ticket already booked (only going for a week). Do you think it would be wise to contact my local consulate office or something before departing to see if there's anything else I could do?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Thank you so much for your input! I would definitely have a return ticket already booked (only going for a week). Do you think it would be wise to contact my local consulate office or something before departing to see if there's anything else I could do?

No point in trying to contact anyone. You should be fine.

 

[newyorker221]

No point in trying to contact anyone. You should be fine.

Thank you! That makes me feel better. When I go through customs at the airport if they ask if I've ever been denied access, do I say yes? I really have no idea what happened when I tried to get to Montreal last year, and if I was documented in the system or not. Is there a way to find out? I only ask because my husband and I are also planning a trip to Europe in the fall and I'd like to have more awareness as to what I should expect.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Thank you! That makes me feel better. When I go through customs at the airport if they ask if I've ever been denied access, do I say yes? I really have no idea what happened when I tried to get to Montreal last year, and if I was documented in the system or not. Is there a way to find out? I only ask because my husband and I are also planning a trip to Europe in the fall and I'd like to have more awareness as to what I should expect.

Yes, it would have been documented. They will be able to see it in the system, so if asked, of course say yes.

 

[newyorker221]

Yes, it would have been documented. They will be able to see it in the system, so if asked, of course say yes.

Thank you again so much. This has been helpful, and I appreciate everyone's input!