Without US & Canada Visa, but have a valid work permit, could I travel to US?

[Yaodong]

Hi,

I have a valid work permit in Canada, but I don't have either US & Canada Visa (both expired). Could I travel to US and come back just by my work permit?

Thanks a lot.

Yaodong

 

[kushari]

No, you need a valid US visa to enter the US. You don't need a valid Canadian visa though as long as you have a work or study permit.

 

[CEC2013]

Entry into US could be as easy as obtaining an e-visa (registering) online for EU citizens and other bi-lateral agreements or it could require an in-person interview in your country of residence, based on your status at the time of the application. For more information, you should consult their website or inquire about the said directly with a US embassy/consulate.

 

[Yaodong]

Thanks for kushari and CEC2013.

But I heard from one of my friend, "sometimes" you can pass the Canada-US border even without a valid visa. Is anybody else have such experiences?

 

[shells]

Thanks for kushari and CEC2013.

But I heard from one of my friend, "sometimes" you can pass the Canada-US border even without a valid visa. Is anybody else have such experiences?

I don't understand why do you want to take your chances.. Unless your country is listed as one of the visa-exempt countries, otherwise you definitely need a visa to go to the US.

 

[CEC2013]

Yaodong,

Something else to be mindful of:

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2012/12/202065.htm

The transition to the this new system of information sharing between US and Canadian immigration will have significant implications on future applications. Any rejections, concerns or otherwise noted issues will impact applicants on both sides. Weigh the value before attempting. Just bringing up a point...

 

[Msafiri]

Thanks for kushari and CEC2013.

But I heard from one of my friend, "sometimes" you can pass the Canada-US border even without a valid visa. Is anybody else have such experiences?

Entry via the "sometimes" method as per your friend will result in a lifetime ban to enter the US. As per previous advice check the US consulate site for scheduling an interview. A challenge for you will be that the work permit does not authorize re-entry into Canada so the US consulate may not issue you a visa...if they do and you are not visa exempt to Canada you will have to apply for a Canadian Visa at a Canadian Consulate in the US.

 

[CEC2013]

Entry via the "sometimes" method as per your friend will result in a lifetime ban to enter the US. As per previous advice check the US consulate site for scheduling an interview. A challenge for you will be that the work permit does not authorize re-entry into Canada so the US consulate may not issue you a visa...if they do and you are not visa exempt to Canada you will have to apply for a Canadian Visa at a Canadian Consulate in the US.

What Msafiri said is true. Family friends tried to pass of a bank account as having sufficient funds, not for a second considering that they would actually check. Long story short - for misrepresentation, that family friend was issued a 10 year ban.

If caught, not only is there is a possibility of penalties, but there is also a chance for deportation. This could come as a result of inability to return to Canada and an undocumented status. Check the requirements and eligibility on US embassy/consulate website. Like I said before, weigh your options...is it worth risking your future.

 

[shells]

There are some things that should be saved on, and there are some things that needs to be spent on. A visa is definitely something that needs to be spent on (especially if you are thinking of developing yourself or moving to the North American region anytime in the future).

If you want to control or cutdown your expenses, then maybe you shouldn't be traveling to the US now.

 

[canadaman2012]

as much i know u must have US / CANADA VISA TO ENTER EITHER ANY COUNTRY ...U DID NOT READ ON WORK PERMIT COPY ,THIS DOES NOT ALLOW TO RE ENTER CANADA ?????? U MUST RENEW YOUR VISA ....THATS HOW IT WORKS

 

[Yaodong]

Thanks everybody.

Here is a old post, which mentioned and proved you can re-entry Canada without a valid visa: "canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/visa-expired-but-have-valid-work-permit-can-i-reenter-canada-after-visiting-us-t99415.0.html"

So, return Canada by only work permit seems possible.
But entry America is a problem. Actually, I just heard this a few days ago, and it is no time for me to apply a US visa before Christmas, when I plan to a big shopping.

 

[Yaodong]

There is a "www" before the upper link.

 

[CEC2013]

I know for a fact that it takes a minimum of 2 weeks to schedule an interview and another week or two to obtain the approved visa, then placed in your passport. The 2 weeks are used to verify information you provided and if you are from a country requiring a visa - time to run security checks. This is a process that takes about 1 month (from start to end) minimum, unless you have extenuating circumstances that warrant faster review. Evidence should be quite compelling in such cases.

 

[kushari]

as much i know u must have US / CANADA VISA TO ENTER EITHER ANY COUNTRY ...U DID NOT READ ON WORK PERMIT COPY ,THIS DOES NOT ALLOW TO RE ENTER CANADA ?????? U MUST RENEW YOUR VISA ....THATS HOW IT WORKS

Not true. If you have an expired Canadian visa you can still enter Canada if coming from the states and have legal status.

 

[shells]

Not true. If you have an expired Canadian visa you can still enter Canada if coming from the states and have legal status.

Immigration laws is so confusing for me..

Yaodong, you better email and ask the immigrations and get a written proof (and have that reply printed out) in the event you want to try your luck. If the officers ask, at least you can have some kind of correspondence to show.. Better still, you may want to contact your country's embassy to check with them.. they may know better.

But I wouldn't do it if I were you. I'd just pay up, or not go at all.