denied entry once...what will happen now?

my girlfriend was denied entry when they wanted to drive to the states to visit for a couple months. they have been back in B.C. working for 3 months and want to try to visit again for a couple weeks...

Canadian Expatriate and Travellers Forum Index -> Canadians in the USA -> US Visas and Immigration

Author Message

jeremiah
New Member

Joined: 13 Jun 2008
Posts: 5

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 7:57 am

my girlfriend was denied entry when they wanted to drive to the states to visit for a couple months. they have been back in B.C. working for 3 months and want to try to visit again for a couple weeks. this time they can fly with a round-trip ticket but don't want to be denied for trying again.is it too soon? they have their residence info, job info, bank info, round trip ticket. what should they expect to be asked? what should they say to avoid any problems? thank you!

Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP

Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1362
Location: Calgary

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 9:24 am

It depends on what basis they were denied entry. If it was just: "we don't believe you" and they were turned around, it's not a big problem, they will probably get sent to secondary inspection at the airport, and that's the time to produce the return ticket, etc.

If they were more formally denied entry, i.e. received a ban, or were denied entry due to a criminal history or something like that, then they still won't be allowed in.
_________________
Steve.

jeremiah
New Member

Joined: 13 Jun 2008
Posts: 5

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 12:01 pm

thanks for your response, that's encouraging! it was the 'we don't believe you' reason for being denied. it did, however, leave a bad taste in her mouth and some apprehension in her heart.do you know anything more about what she may be asked about this time and last? if she mentioned last time about our relationship will all that be in their computer? if she is asked about me and/or if she is in a relationship in the states, what should she say? should she just be safe to say, yes, she is in a relationship and that is why she has all the necessary documentation to prove she will be only visiting?

thank you

Reba
Moderator

Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1292
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008 4:38 am

Never lie to a US border official, they'll catch you in it and it'll just make the situation worse.

Don't offer up any information that isn't asked for. Yes, they will have all the prior information of her previous denial, and yes, they will ask her about it. When they ask her what is the purpose of her trip, just a quick, one word answer "vacation" is all that is needed. If they ask her if she is going to visit her boyfriend, one word answer again: "yes".

Short answers and to the point are usually best. Don't elaborate, and don't run off at the mouth. Answer the questions that are asked, and not the one you think is coming next, if you follow.

If she has a job and she's on approved vacation leave, have her get a letter from her boss stating this, and that she is definitely expected back at work on a specific date. But only offer up any backup evidence when and if asked for it.
_________________
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.

Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP

Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1362
Location: Calgary

Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2008 4:32 pm

jeremiah wrote: thanks for your response, that's encouraging! it was the 'we don't believe you' reason for being denied. it did, however, leave a bad taste in her mouth and some apprehension in her heart.do you know anything more about what she may be asked about this time and last? if she mentioned last time about our relationship will all that be in their computer? if she is asked about me and/or if she is in a relationship in the states, what should she say? should she just be safe to say, yes, she is in a relationship and that is why she has all the necessary documentation to prove she will be only visiting?

It's entirely lawful to go to the US to visit your boyfriend for a couple of months in B-2 status. Obviously though USCIS might think she intends to stay permanently, so the key is for her to demonstrate at secondary inspection that she is definitely only visiting. Return ticket, proof of residence in Canada, anything else she can come up with to show she's going to go back, e.g. business card, attendance at school in the fall, etc.
_________________
Steve.