Very stupid question re: visiting for one day

[bairn7]

Hello

I am planning to attend a dinner in Detroit for one day (from the UK) in September. By that point I will have submitted my express entry application. I have no holidays so need to fly on the day of the dinner and return to the UK day after.

The only feasible option I can find, flight-wise, is a direct flight to and from Toronto, so I will be flying to Toronto, driving to Detroit and returning the next day.

I'm probably over-thinking things but would this raise any potential concerns upon arriving at Toronto airport? Either through some flag that I have applied for PR or just generally that I'm only in the country for one day?

I don't want to do anything at this stage to jeopardise my PR application so, if it is likely to be an issue, I can look at getting a flight to Detroit but it is c $1,000 more expensive at the moment to do so!

Thanks

 

[canuck78]

No should be fine. Bring proof of the dinner invitation with you or on your phone just in case you are asked what your plans are. You do need to apply for an eta but that's not a big deal. Not sure what you might need for the US.

 

[Bs65]

Although nobody here can predict anything assume you are a UK visa exempt passport holder with a valid ETA then why should this be an issue even with a PR application in the system ? You will have a return ticket and although CBSA might think it strange for a day or 2 thats about all. Just answer questions asked and don't volunteer information is the rule with CBSA same with US CBP.

What about US immigration given you will need to fill in an i94 on crossing into the US( ESTAs are for flights not land border crossings although still get one) and driving into the US with a Canadian rental car for a day you have not even asked if that could be an issue, probably not given you have firm plan to leave back via Canada but you still need to be convincing.

For a dinner in Detroit on the day of arriving in Toronto assume you are catching the very first am flight out of UK that arrives just before midday ? Technically by the way you are in Canada for 2 days, day you arrive and day you leave.

 

[bairn7]

T

Although nobody here can predict anything assume you are a UK visa exempt passport holder with a valid ETA then why should this be an issue even with a PR application in the system ? You will have a return ticket and although CBSA might think it strange for a day or 2 thats about all. Just answer questions asked and don't volunteer information is the rule with CBSA same with US CBP.

What about US immigration given you will need to fill in an i94 on crossing into the US( ESTAs are for flights not land border crossings although still get one) and driving into the US with a Canadian rental car for a day you have not even asked if that could be an issue, probably not given you have firm plan to leave back via Canada but you still need to be convincing.

For a dinner in Detroit on the day of arriving in Toronto assume you are catching the very first am flight out of UK that arrives just before midday ? Technically by the way you are in Canada for 2 days, day you arrive and day you leave.

Thanks. I know it is probably a non-issue but at the moment I just want to make sure that my PR application goes through and that I don't inadvertently do something stupid to jeopardise it (eg if CBSA were to find my plans odd and deny entry).

I assumed the land crossing would be fine (even with a Canadian rental) as I did this with no issue 2 years ago, unless things have changed?

 

[Bs65]

T


Thanks. I know it is probably a non-issue but at the moment I just want to make sure that my PR application goes through and that I don't inadvertently do something stupid to jeopardise it (eg if CBSA were to find my plans odd and deny entry).

I assumed the land crossing would be fine (even with a Canadian rental) as I did this with no issue 2 years ago, unless things have changed?

Unlikely you will be denied entry you would need to be raising a lot red flags for that to happen and having a PR application is not one unless you arrive with all your worldy possessions of course and not as I expect just a carry on.

Have things changed in the US in last few years, yes Trump is now in power so border controls supposedly have been tightened up for 'aliens'. As a US visa exempt though with a return ticket you shouldnt have any issues, a few comments/strange looks maybe about purpose/length of stay but thats all.

As said assume given your tight timeline and any potential traffic issues you would look for a flight that gets in by midday from UK such as Air Canada. Of course you could always take Air Canada to Toronto and AC to Detroit clearing USCBP in Toronto on a single ticket which is what I would be tempted to do to save having to drive there and back but each to their own.

 

[bairn7]

Unlikely you will be denied entry you would need to be raising a lot red flags for that to happen and having a PR application is not one unless you arrive with all your worldy possessions of course and not as I expect just a carry on.

Have things changed in the US in last few years, yes Trump is now in power so border controls supposedly have been tightened up for 'aliens'. As a US visa exempt though with a return ticket you shouldnt have any issues, a few comments/strange looks maybe about purpose/length of stay but thats all.

As said assume given your tight timeline and any potential traffic issues you would look for a flight that gets in by midday from UK such as Air Canada. Of course you could always take Air Canada to Toronto and AC to Detroit clearing USCBP in Toronto on a single ticket which is what I would be tempted to do to save having to drive there and back but each to their own.

Sorry, do you mean getting another Air Canada flight from Toronto to Detroit? It is purely for cost reasons that I am choosing Toronto and then a drive. The Toronto return flight is £550 (direct) whereas flights to Detroit with either 1 or 2 stops are around £850.

 

[vensak]

Sorry, do you mean getting another Air Canada flight from Toronto to Detroit? It is purely for cost reasons that I am choosing Toronto and then a drive. The Toronto return flight is £550 (direct) whereas flights to Detroit with either 1 or 2 stops are around £850.

If you want to spend like 4-5 hours in the car, then there is no problem there (you can also get bus up to Detroit depending when you will arrive).

 

[Bs65]

Sorry, do you mean getting another Air Canada flight from Toronto to Detroit? It is purely for cost reasons that I am choosing Toronto and then a drive. The Toronto return flight is £550 (direct) whereas flights to Detroit with either 1 or 2 stops are around £850.

As I have no idea of your dates cannot really comment but picking a random weekend for example in September on Air Canada site with a LHR to Detroit using Air Canada with change in Toronto both ways 446 pds return. Weekday flights without a Saturday are of course major expense.

I guess if you have done the trip before and are happy to drive for 4-5 hours assume no traffic holdups, go through US border checks all after a transatlantic trip and queuing to get through immigration in Toronto as well then attend a dinner is your choice. Although looking at the connection time in Toronto is pretty tight so maybe car is the only way given time critical.

 

[bairn7]

Thank you for the responses. For some reason this evening there were a whole bunch of new, cheap flights available with United so I have booked a return trip for under £400. I bypass Canada altogether so no issue. TBH, if I had to, I would 100% prefer to drive 5 hours than wait around in the airport and fly, but that's just me. Anyway, all's well that ends well. Thank you for your time.