Visiting the USA (non business)

Was reading a forum in regards to Customs/Border Entry hassles but was just curious if it's as difficult to visit friends/family.

In a relatively new long distance relationship with an American and I'll probably head down to the US for a week at least every two months (or month and a half) as time off work allows. I did have an awkward first experience (out of 3 cross-border trips now) that makes me a bit apprehensive in dealing with US Customs, especially reading in the business trip forum that they can turn anyone away for basically any reason.

What info should I have on me to make the process easier? People have been advising me to not say I'm visiting a boyfriend, but to visit friends. However, I see no point as I'm not hiding anything.

Thanks!

Oooh, was this going through Sweetgrass or the airport? Never had any problems at Calgary airport but they seriously have sticks up their asses at Sweetgrass.

All you need to tell them is enough for them to classify you correctly, i.e. visitor for pleasure which is B-2, which means no visa. Long-winded explanations just confuse the issue.

It is best to never lie to a border official, they'll catch you in it sooner rather than later.

Answer their questions, short and to the point. Don't elaborate. When they ask "business or pleasure" say "pleasure". When they ask who are you visiting say boyfriend. When they ask how long, tell them the exact number of days from what is on your return ticket (if you're flying) don't reply "umm.well, a week or two".

Have evidence that you will be returning to Canada. Like a job to get back to, a mortgage or rent to pay, bills to pay etc etc etc. Their main concern is that you will be entering the US with intention to stay illegally (they suspect this of *everyone* not just those of us with family or partners in the US!), it is up to the traveller to prove otherwise.

I traveled to the USA many times during my CR_1 (marriage based visa) and never had as problem, but some do

Yes, you dont have any "relationship visas" so it should be easier to visit. POE officers are looking for people lying and they are looking for signs of lying. I recommend:
1) ALWAYS tell the truth, they catch you in a lie, ur headed for trouble, which could end up with a ban!
2) Tell the truth, BUT keep it short and to the point, dont tell them ur whole life story! They ask for business or pleasure? I just stated pleasure and was returning on so and so a date! I didn't add on that I was going to see my wife (girlfriend in ur case) Why not? They didn't ask that, they asked business or pleasure! If they did ask who I was visiting, of course I would tell them, but normally they were happy with my response
3) Treat POE with respect, reply yes, no sir/maam
4) Dont be a slob! Look presentable
5)When speaking to POE officer look at them in their eyes! be confident with your responses. Remember they are looking for people lying. Poor eye contact, fidgeting is a sign that something may be wrong
6) Don't travel with job resumes! In case you get pulled over into secondary and they search you!
7) dont have tons of luggage!
Ties to canada, such as a letter from employer stating you work there and are expected back to work on so a so date, house lease, bills, etc etc

As stated I did it many times when we were dating and when we were married and I never had a problem. Mos tof my POEs were at the Airport (toronto, boston, newark) and I did drive a few times down (all East coast POE)

And yes some people do get denied entry! Its not the end of the world, as long as you told the truth and were respectful! Once denied, he most likely isn't going to change his mind, so calling him a bunch of 4 letter words isnt going to help! lol And say you decide to move to the USA on a relationship visa (if so check out http://www.visajourney.com/forums/ ) and u were denied its not a big deal if u were honest. Best of luck! I know Air Canada loved us. We did the long distance relationship thing from 2002 till dec 2004 and we saw each other monthly. Either she traveled to Canada, or I flew to the USA! Best of luck

Great reply, flames9.

Thanks, everyone

I'll have a return ticket, a letter from my employer (very understanding boss, thank goodness), and I guess some utility bills. It's only for 7 days, can only take so much time off work. He came last week to Canada for 4 days, and no problems telling the truth to Cdn Customs.

Why are people denied entry, as you mentioned? Do they not have the aforementioned items or can it happen if you take all precautions? Does it mean you can't travel to the US that day or for a period of time?

Apologies, as I seem to have some anxiety over this.I tend to be a serious worrywart. Just don't want to spend the money for the ticket, get to Toronto, and be turned around (not to mention not seeing him, which would be a pity too).

People are denied entry if they cannot prove to US CBP that they do not intend to stay illegally in the US. If they don't have a job, or a permanent address in Canada, and if they have family or a spouse in the US, it is *really* difficult to convince them that you'll be returning to Canada.

It is possible to be denied entry and barred from re-entry until you get a proper visa (either immigrant or non-immigrant) or they may just tell you go get some evidence of ties to Canada and try again tomorrow. Depends on their mood.

Thanks for the info.

Like I'd want to stay illegally. Not to be rude, because I like visiting the USA, but I don't want to live there. I love Canada, can't help it!

Always, always, always, tell the truth. I am in a similar situation, however, I drive across. If something ever goes wrong and you get denied, you get flagged and they will continue to do routine checks. If you have nothing to hide, then there shouldn't be an issue. As with the other posts mentioned, proving you will be coming back to Canada will help you. I've been dating my boyfriend for about five years now and have been going through this. I have been denied a few times, and if you ever do get denied, make sure you remember what you were denied for. If it ever comes up again, they will expect you to recall details of why you were denied. If you can't recall, or make a false statement, they will deny you again! haha, its a long and messy process, but hey, thats what we have to put up with I guess!

The CBP's job however is to assume that any and everyone who is crossing their borders intends to stay illegally, so it is up to the traveller to prove otherwise.