Getting Into Canada

[evagaba]

From 2001 until last May (2006) I made probably 30 trips across the Canadian border without a problem. Then last May, I was stopped at the Rainbow Bridge crossing in Niagara Falls.

To make a long story short, they detained me for over 2 hours, searched my car and refused me entry. I was not given a reason why. I was treated like a mass murderer. I was told if I ever wanted entry again into Canada, I would have to provide a history of my police report and proof of employment. I have a 12 year old DUI and a 18 year old DUI. Other than that, I have never been arrested. They gave me papers with instructions on what I needed to do to get back in.

When leaving Canada after this incident, the American border crossing demanded I give these papers to them. I tried to explain they were my instructions on getting back into Canada. He said, "Whatever they gave you, you give me. No exceptions." OK, so they got my instuctions.

Since that time, I have written over 10 different border crossing / immigration websites explaining my story, looking for answers...without success. Every person I write says I have to write to XXX. I write to XXX and they tell me to write to YYY, etc.

Well, this weekend I had planned on trying to get in again. I have the same car, but different plates (If that matters). I will also attempt the crossing at a different border. I had a room booked and everything but after searching the internet, it seems things have only gotten worse at Canadian border crossings. I cancelled my room because I did not want to lose my money like I did last time. I had 3 nights prepaid at the Doubletree on Fallsview Ave and lost over $600.

I also read they could just type your name into the computer and they can see what any American state trooper can see...thus spotting my old criminal offenses or seeing this "incident" on record.

I could care less if they deny me entry, I just do not wish to be detained and treated like a criminal again for hour after hour. Or something stupid like them compounding my car. I do not have a police history report. I plan on playing dumb and telling them the Americans took my papers and I tried to email websites...blah, blah, blah.

Anyways, I am gonna give it a shot.

Comments / Suggestions / Similiar stories?

[Jim14Qc]

You have two DUI's. That should explain it.

[evagaba]

Supposedly forgiven after 10 years?

[It's Brandt]

[ QUOTE ]
I could care less if they deny me entry

[/ QUOTE ]

Now why don't you make like a tree, and get out of here?

[Punker]

[ QUOTE ]
From 2001 until last May (2006) I made probably 30 trips across the Canadian border without a problem

[/ QUOTE ]

This is where your problem probably was. Canadian immigration appears to be cracking down on "perpetual tourists" from the US who frequently enter Canada and stay for extended periods.

Why do you go to Canada so frequently?

[evagaba]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I could care less if they deny me entry

[/ QUOTE ]

Now why don't you make like a tree, and get out of here?

[/ QUOTE ]

Um, FO?


[ QUOTE ]

Why do you go to Canada so frequently?

[/ QUOTE ]

To play poker. I was crushing the 5/5 games at Fallsview. I was making on avg 1-2k a month by going up every other weekend or so. Games on the American side are so much rockier.

[AceCR9]

Canada was never supposed to allow in people w/ any convictions(DUI/DWI's count as these for this).

however it used to be much more relaxed, pre- 9/11 easy to cross, but now your chances are slim.

I have friends who have tried to get over multiple times in the past few years, occasionally they are successful, but a lot of times they will get turned back.

there is a special permit you can apply for to the Canadian gov't, you pay a few hundred bucks to apply, then they can choose to grant you a special permit allowing you to cross normally again(they can deny this even if you pay, but in your case its very unlikely)


I have also heard a easy way to cross is @ the rainbow bridge, park on the US side, walk across, and if anyone asks say you are going to the casino. not sure how easy it would be to get to fallsview from there though.

[evagaba]

Thanks AceCR9. I may attempt to walk across.

[Yads]

Can you apply for a pardon for your offenses?

[TheNoodleMan]

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Or something stupid like them compounding my car.

[/ QUOTE ]

That would suck...