US to Calgary -- Immigration questions
 

Recently I was driving from Philadelphia to Calgary via North Dakota North Portal. I was on a two month trip to stay with a friend in Calgary who had just moved into his own place. My car was packed with lots of stuff.. including some kitchen stuff to help him get adjusted to living on his own.

Long story short.. the border patrol officer denied my entrance into Canada for a lot of small reasons rolled into one (that he didn't think I was returning to the US). I willingly withdrew my application to enter Canada and proceeded back to Philadelphia.

In a few weeks, I am going to be flying from Philadelphia to Calgary, with a layover in Denver. (United airlines for the entire trip.) The last time I flew internationally was 12 years ago, so I don't really know what happens nowadays.

Do I board the flights the same was as domestic flights?
Is it safe to assume my bags will be transferred for me from the Philly->Denver flight to the Denver->Calgary international flight?
Do I come into contact with Canadian Immigration before I land in Calgary?
If I'm in Calgary and denied entrance again (assuming that's when I'll find out), is it on me to find and pay for a new flight back into the US?

Thanks in advance!

Generally yes. If you're at a United hub sometimes you'll be required to board a Canada flight at "international check-in" but that's likely not the case for you.

You'll encounter some small details that you wouldn't otherwise encounter on a domestic flight - Off the top of my head:

1) They may do a passport check at the gate in Denver. If you want to avoid the line once they announce they're checking passports you can just ask at the gate - "Are you doing a passport check?" If they're doing it they'll check it and give you a big red stamp on your boarding pass.

2) During the flight they'll hand out Canadian border cards for you to fill out.

3) Duty free at DEN! Although likker's pretty cheap in Alberta already...

4) There may be some supplemental security theatre on board as you're on an 'international flight.'

Yes, they will be checked through to YYC.

Not directly, no. The airline will have sent your details on ahead to Canadian Immigration, so they'll know you're on your way, but you won't talk to anyone until you land and find yourself in the customs and immigration hall.

Don't know the answer to this one...

Thanks for the quick reply!

I don't think I'll have a problem.. I just wasn't prepared when I was turned away a couple weeks ago via land, so I wanted to be ready in case something would go wrong this time. lol

Assuming you're employed in the U.S., I would bring your current pay stub with you to proof employment and intent to return to the U.S. I also assume you have a return ticket? If both my assumptions are false, there is a good chance that you will be denied entry especially if your name has been logged.

I am going to be considered a seasonal employee at my retail job, since I'm taking such a long trip. I could bring my paystub that I'll be receiving the day before my flight, though. I do have a return plane ticket for 2 months from now. I also was planning on taking a copy of my apartment lease and the title to my car to show that I have a place to live and possessions in the US that I would be returning to.

Do you have any other sources of income of something showing (substantial) assets? Anything to convince Canada immigration that you don't intend to work/overstay in Canada. 2 months might be seen as along time to them given your circumstances and, I assume that you and your friend are MOTOS.

Not really. My only real asset is the vehicle I own. I have a very supportive family that helps me financially if I ever need it, but nothing like a trust fund or anything like that. I figured the lease on my apartment, my vehicle back home and a return plane ticket would be enough.

I honestly never thought taking a trip to Canada from the US would be so hard. It made me feel like a terrorist when they denied my entrance via land. After the 2.5 day drive back from the border, I calmed down and I don't blame them because of all the crap I had stuffed into my car that I didn't consider when I was packing it. But now.. considering there's a 6-month limit on trips into Canada.. what does it take to visit a friend for two months?! :confused:

Not a terrorist but an illegal immigrant. Basically how the U.S. views practically all Mexicans and more than a few Canadians. You'll need to convince Canada immigration that you're not going to work illegally in Canada. Staying 2 months with a friend, with a seasonal job back home, and not having adequate (or perhaps ample) financial means are all red flags.

The 6 month limit is for people visiting relatives, or those who have adequate means of support.

<rant>

I've never understood why US Citizens and Canadian Citizens can't move freely across the border - All this bureaucracy drives me nuts...

It should be a matter of proving your citizenship and off you go. A Belgian can move to Sweden, but some guy from Seattle can't move to Saskatoon..? It's crazy.

I'm not saying the laws can be ignored - Americans heading north, please leave your handguns at the border, Canadians heading south, leave your weed at home (unless you're going to California) and bring your MasterCard in case you need to visit the hospital - But after that, who cares?

I realize it's supposed to be all about 'protecting jobs' but Jeebus Christ I swear the US & Canada spend more money at our respective borders 'protecting jobs' than the economy would ever lose giving a job to a carpenter from Minneapolis who wants to swing a hammer in Thunder Bay or an electrician from Moose Jaw who wants to pull wire in Fargo.

</rant>

CBSA will have you in their system (as they've denied you entry previously)..

If they deny you entry upon arrival at YYC, you will not have to pay for your flight.

Since your not "admitted" to Canada, the airline must return you to your point of origin..

Keep in mind, that in this case your point of origin is Denver, not Philadelphia.. You might have to pay out of pocket for a DEN-PHL flight.