Conundrum . how long in the US

deltadelta
New Member



Joined: 07 May 2007
Posts: 5
Location: Around

Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 9:06 pm

 

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I recently took the train across the border to the US. The US Immigration did not stamp my Canadian passport nor did i have to fill out an I-94. All that was filled out was a Customs declaration. Whats up with that?

So how do they know how long i will (could theoretically) stay in the US?

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flames9
Senior Member



Joined: 08 Mar 2007
Posts: 113
Location: Falls Church VA

Posted: Sun May 20, 2007 6:11 am

 

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I belive as a cdn one can stay 6 months in a year. Not sure when that year starts though? Did they scan ur passport? I know sometimes when I flew into the USA, they didnt stamp my passort, but scanned it, so I'm sure they knew when I came in.

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deltadelta
New Member



Joined: 07 May 2007
Posts: 5
Location: Around

Posted: Sun May 20, 2007 8:58 am

 

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I know what the rule, is i am talking theoretically.
They cannot scan passports on a train.

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Reba
Moderator


Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1451
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 3:13 am

 

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They have your customs declaration card, so they have record of your arrival. Rarely do Canadian passports get stamped at the border, and only if you are receiving a visa do you need to fill out an I-94.

Don't worry, they know you're here.
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oohmercyme
Moderator



Joined: 21 Mar 2004
Posts: 312
Location: London, England

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 4:55 am

 

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*Theoretically* are you trying to stay illegally?
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Lori

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deltadelta
New Member



Joined: 07 May 2007
Posts: 5
Location: Around

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 4:51 am

 

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I have little desire to reside in the US, just take a sabbatical at best. And if that case were to arise I simply extend/get a visitors visa. My background and work is in border security, particularly in the EU. I am trying to understand a few things and one is that I cannot see someone sitting at a computer inputting the 1000's per day customs declarations some badly written. Customs declatations do not ask for any ID numbers either. My theory is if a Canadian crosses via train, or an American crosses into Canada, they are not registered anywhere and it is simply an honour system. This is particularly relevant for my research in also understanding US-mexican relations and the current talks of immigration reform. . . but thats a whole other discussion board. :)

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Reba
Moderator


Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1451
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 6:36 pm

 

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theories always look good on paper.
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I miss Shreddies!

Are you in the US or Canada? Want to make some extra money? Check out My Watkins website for some awesom products and business opportunity.

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flames9
Senior Member



Joined: 08 Mar 2007
Posts: 113
Location: Falls Church VA

Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 12:52 pm

 

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One could always consult with an immigration attorney

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