IEC Questions

[CB1995]

I am currently in Canada with my wife and have been since 23rd December 2016. Today my IEC application was approved and I was told that I have to activate it by doing a few things:
Enter Canada with the letter I have
Bring my passport
Have $2500 minimum when entering
Have valid insurance

As I am currently in Canada now, is it possible to activate my work permit from here or do I HAVE to leave and re enter?
Can I go into America and enter Canada from there the same as I would have from my home country (England)?
Is there any other way around travelling to England and back just to activate my work permit?

Thanks for any help

 

[kryt0n]

Go to USA for a weekend and come back through. Don't flagpole (just go to the boarder) as it leads to complications. Go for a weekend in NYC or Seattle.

 

[mtc1992]

Go to USA for a weekend and come back through. Don't flagpole (just go to the boarder) as it leads to complications. Go for a weekend in NYC or Seattle.

I have flagpoled twice and never had any issues. It's absolutely fine to flagpole if needs be.

 

[kryt0n]

I have flagpoled twice and never had any issues. It's absolutely fine to flagpole if needs be.

I think by issues I mean that you have technically been refused entry to USA so have to disclose that in your pr application.

 

[mtc1992]

I think by issues I mean that you have technically been refused entry to USA so have to disclose that in your pr application.

No this is a common misconception. You're turned around as an alien, but not declined entry. It doesn't go on your profile - I have seen my TFSA/CIC profile and it doesn't mention anything about being declined!

 

[CB1995]

Would I speak to the Canadian border agent exactly the same as I would have if I was to land in Canada via plane rather than driving?

Is it completely legal for me to do this?

 

[kryt0n]

No this is a common misconception. You're turned around as an alien, but not declined entry. It doesn't go on your profile - I have seen my TFSA/CIC profile and it doesn't mention anything about being declined!

So that letter that I was given that I handed to the Canadian officer that said "refusal of entry" wasn't a Refusal? Also that people have been charged with misrepresentation for not declaring it?

 

[mtc1992]

Would I speak to the Canadian border agent exactly the same as I would have if I was to land in Canada via plane rather than driving?

Is it completely legal for me to do this?

Yes, I drove up to the american border said I was here to activate a visa. He asked for my passport and POE, he then made me follow him back in to Canada and gave me a slip stating I was an 'alien', then the Canadian border guard took me inside and I activated my visa.

 

[kryt0n]

Would I speak to the Canadian border agent exactly the same as I would have if I was to land in Canada via plane rather than driving?

Is it completely legal for me to do this?

Yes, just the same as landing at an airport. Go in, speak to the officer and get your new iec.

 

[CB1995]

Does it matter how I get the $2500? Could my wife transfer it into my account or do I have to prove that I've earned it?
If we can use this method should I get it in my English account or Canadian?

 

[kryt0n]

Does it matter how I get the $2500? Could my wife transfer it into my account or do I have to prove that I've earned it?
If we can use this method should I get it in my English account or Canadian?

It's not money you borrow, so if your wife transfers it get her to write a letter stating it's a gift for you to use as you wish.

It doesn't matter if it's in your Canadian or uk account.

To be honest, when I activated my second iec visa the only thing she looked at was my travel insurance document, to prove I had travel insurance for 1 year. Nothing else.

 

[mtc1992]

Does it matter how I get the $2500? Could my wife transfer it into my account or do I have to prove that I've earned it?
If we can use this method should I get it in my English account or Canadian?

I saw people just use a screen shot of their bank account on their phone, however individual border guards may question more than others.