Extending VR at the border crossing?

[BeShoo]

I've heard of people going to the border to get a new visitor record when the current one runs out. Has anyone done that successfully in the last few months?

My partner has sent his CSQ and RPRF fee in the last few weeks and we were hoping to get a decision before it came time to renew the VR, but it expires Friday (tomorrow) so we need to either make a last minute electronic application or figure out a way to get them to issue one at the border. The fee is now $100 so it's even more attractive if we can get it for free. It's hard living on one income and that fee is hard to afford. Actually, I thought it went up to $150, but my partner says it's $100.

I'd love to hear of any recent experiences.

 

[brucem]

I've not had experience myself but I do recall someone posting in the last couple of months that went to the border (Rainbow Bridge I think) and was able to extend the visitor record without any problems, sorry I cant remember the name of the poster. Given you have a PR app in progress and it seems to be in the final stages it might be worth a shot to save $100.

 

[RWoods]

I extended my VR at the Windsor/Detroit Tunnel in August. I had no problems. I brought in a copy of my receipts for fees and the SA letter my husband had received (which was the last correspondence we had received). They really only seemed to want to see that you had actually submitted your app and had paid the fees. The whole process took maybe 15 minutes.

 

[BeShoo]

I extended my VR at the Windsor/Detroit Tunnel in August.

How long of an extension did they give you?

We were down to the U.S. in December and I was hoping that they might issue one on the way back, but we came through just after midnight when there was only one agent on the road booths. He kind of told us off because the VR was expiring in less than a month and I admitted that we hadn't file for an extension yet. He advised us to apply right away.

I was actually wondering if the fact that he admitted my partner back to Canada meant that he was good for another six months, but he didn't get a passport stamp. I take it from the agent's advice that he didn't think that was the case.

 

[28january]

I crossed the border with nothing but my visa and they issued me a visitor record. They suspected me of overstaying so they looked me up on file and that's how they confirmed that my application is on file. Scariest border crossing to date but it worked out ok, I was traveling with my partner which probably helped. Took about 15 mins. The vr is good for a year, they said hopefully ill get my dm by then lawl.

 

[BeShoo]

I crossed the border with nothing but my visa and they issued me a visitor record.

Thanks for that information. I'm adverse to experiencing any more "scariest border crossing ever" so I haven't decided if I will try for the border or just apply online and pay the $100.

 

[blueangel371115]

I did it in 10 minutes, they gave me a year.

 

[BeShoo]

I did it in 10 minutes, they gave me a year.

Thanks. It sounds like such a good idea, but I don't think I'll have time to drive down to the border today or tomorrow anyway, so I'm not sure I can take a chance on it. I wish I could be more sure of things. My partner is so upset by the uncertainty that he's hardly slept for two days. He's just pacing the floor day and night.

 

[blueangel371115]

Unfortunately, there's a ton of uncertainty in this process and it stinks. The waiting is horrible, for some more than others.