Just got back from doing our landing at Rainbow Bridge, Niagara Falls.
When we walked onto the bridge from the Canadian side, we asked the border guard if we had to go all the way to the US and if we had to have evidence we had entered. He said yes. So across the bridge we went, and into the US office on the other side. I am American so, as the guard said, she couldn't refuse me entrance, so she stamped my passport. My partner is Slovak, can enter the US without a visa, but she gave him a "refusal" note. We asked more than once if that would in any way interfere with his entering the US in future, and she said no. She said it was pro forma, and that if it was a real refusal, he would be fingerprinted, etc. Good to know.
Back on the Canadian side, we answered the initial questions about whether we had taken to a life of crime since applying, or if we had had any kids. Both answered no, of course. Then she said to me, "Since you are Federal Skilled Worker class, I have to see your bank statement OR proof of employment." She did not want my work permit, but I had my bank statement and that was good enough. It seems if I hadn't wanted to show that, I could have brought along my latest pay stubs and been fine. Again, good to know! My partner had to surrender his study permit, which made him sad.
It took about half an hour to finish the paperwork and get out on the streets to celebrate! The officers we dealt with were polite and efficient, though it would have been nice if they had said, "Welcome to Canada" or smiled or something. But it was fine and we felt great.
Good luck, everyone!
When we walked onto the bridge from the Canadian side, we asked the border guard if we had to go all the way to the US and if we had to have evidence we had entered. He said yes. So across the bridge we went, and into the US office on the other side. I am American so, as the guard said, she couldn't refuse me entrance, so she stamped my passport. My partner is Slovak, can enter the US without a visa, but she gave him a "refusal" note. We asked more than once if that would in any way interfere with his entering the US in future, and she said no. She said it was pro forma, and that if it was a real refusal, he would be fingerprinted, etc. Good to know.
Back on the Canadian side, we answered the initial questions about whether we had taken to a life of crime since applying, or if we had had any kids. Both answered no, of course. Then she said to me, "Since you are Federal Skilled Worker class, I have to see your bank statement OR proof of employment." She did not want my work permit, but I had my bank statement and that was good enough. It seems if I hadn't wanted to show that, I could have brought along my latest pay stubs and been fine. Again, good to know! My partner had to surrender his study permit, which made him sad.
It took about half an hour to finish the paperwork and get out on the streets to celebrate! The officers we dealt with were polite and efficient, though it would have been nice if they had said, "Welcome to Canada" or smiled or something. But it was fine and we felt great.
Good luck, everyone!
