Please please help!
 

Help! :(
Here is my dilemna.

9 years ago when i was 18 I entered into the US from Canada. I drove in with a friend. At that time you did not need a passport, and I did not need a visa or an I-94 or anything as I was just entering as a visitor. I was just waved through and that was that.

I believe I was only allowed to stay 6 months at the time, but I stayed a few months longer travelling. I was young and stupid...I know this.

When I left I flew out. I was not questioned or anything upon arrival to Canada, just simply filled out a sheet stating that i had no goods with me.

I have a vacation booked in a couple of weeks to travel to US. I completeley forgot about this until recently and am now wondering if there is anyway they will be able to tell I overstayed when they scan my new passport at customs???

PLEASE HELP!

Unless you acquired an arrest/criminal record while here, it's extremely doubtful your very existence is known to Big Brother.

Welcome to the USA. Spend money.

No, no criminal record, no working illegaly, nothing.

They likely have no record of your entry if it was in the days when verbal citizenship declarations were permitted; they may have a record of your exit from APIS, but it sounds like you are in the clear since they would have no idea how long you stayed. I doubt the record of your APIS departure is even on their 'radar' so to speak.

I sure hope you're right!! **fingers crossed**

Based on the information you have provided here, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

I don't see how they could track me back but I am worried sick about it. If they ask me how long I stayed at that time, would I be best to tell the truth?

They wont ask.

It sounds to me that your being "worried sick" is the biggest problem here. If you arrive at US Immigration and all sweaty and breathing heavily because you're nervous, that will probably cause them to ask all sorts of questions, which may well trip you up.

You are now much older than you were when you overstayed your welcome. Do you have now a job, a home, a relationship, etc. in Canada that would be a reason for you to return after your vacation in the US? I would think the assurance that you do not intend to stay to work would be important to them. What happened in your youth might be a "bad thing" but the present risks would seem to be more important.

Perhaps Firebug can chime in here?

I have always been the type to worry tremendously over everything lol, so i am hoping this is another one of those cases where it isn't necessary.

I do have a condo, and a very good job with an oil company. I would have no reason to stay in the US past my 10 days.

You should be fine. Just remain calm, answer only what they ask and don't volunteer any extra info

Thank you all so much!

Based on what you have presented, there is no record of you staying for 10 minutes or 10 months. Relax, have fun, and don't try to use any funny colored money. :)

Seeing as it has now been determined that you are in the clear, perhaps you could smuggle some Cuban cigars in to the US so that we may celebrate. :)

You should have no worries at all! Record keeping back then is not the same as it is today.