FlyerTalk Forums

FlyerTalk Forums (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/index.php)
-   USA (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/usa-738/)
-   -   Going back to Canada before receiving Green card in the mail (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/usa/1707852-going-back-canada-before-receiving-green-card-mail.html)

xtwo Sep 5, 2015 8:03 am

Going back to Canada before receiving Green card in the mail
 
Apologies if this question has been asked here before, but a quick search search didn't bring me any results.

I'm a Canadian citizen and I just got my US visa for permanent residence.

My question is if I go to USA by road, can I come back the next day so that I can keep on working here in Canada until my green card is mailed to my wife's address in USA? If yes, will I encounter any problems when I try to cross the border again without a green card?

If that will be a potential issue, can I get my wife to mail me my green card from USA to Canada once it arrives in US so that I can cross the border into US? Thanks in advance.

DrewGzy Sep 6, 2015 2:00 am

I'm not too sure on this but can't you go back and forth between Canada and the US without a green card - just your passport?

chgoeditor Sep 6, 2015 7:57 am


Originally Posted by xtwo (Post 25380763)
Apologies if this question has been asked here before, but a quick search search didn't bring me any results.

I'm a Canadian citizen and I just got my US visa for permanent residence.

My question is if I go to USA by road, can I come back the next day so that I can keep on working here in Canada until my green card is mailed to my wife's address in USA? If yes, will I encounter any problems when I try to cross the border again without a green card?

If that will be a potential issue, can I get my wife to mail me my green card from USA to Canada once it arrives in US so that I can cross the border into US? Thanks in advance.

Ask your immigration lawyer.

I'm not an immigration, but it's my understanding that you have no legal status in the United States between when your green card is approved and when you receive it. I think you need an advance parole travel document if you're planning to leave the country.

xtwo Sep 7, 2015 7:42 am


Originally Posted by chgoeditor (Post 25384195)
Ask your immigration lawyer.

I'm not an immigration, but it's my understanding that you have no legal status in the United States between when your green card is approved and when you receive it. I think you need an advance parole travel document if you're planning to leave the country.

Well I don't have an immigration lawyer:) However the reason why I asked the question is because when I leave USA, it'll be Canadian border officers who'll check my Canadian passport and then let me back in the country. But when I want to permanently move to USA in a month or so to look for the job and my Green card along with my SSN number is at my wife's place in USA, what will American border officer ask me? For the same visa again or for my green card or my Canadian passport?

bruceba Sep 7, 2015 7:48 am


Originally Posted by xtwo (Post 25388019)
Well I don't have an immigration lawyer:) However the reason why I asked the question is because when I leave USA, it'll be Canadian border officers who'll check my Canadian passport and then let me back in the country. But when I want to permanently move to USA in a month or so to look for the job and my Green card along with my SSN number is at my wife's place in USA, what will American border officer ask me? For the same visa again or for my green card or my Canadian passport?

Just Fedex the greencard to Canada when it arrives.

xtwo Sep 7, 2015 11:02 am


Originally Posted by bruceba (Post 25388041)
Just Fedex the greencard to Canada when it arrives.

That's exactly what me and my wife think will be the most suitable and convenient way to go. But I just wanted to post the question here on the forum to see if there are any potential complications with this method.

I'm going to call the USA immigration this week as well and see what they say about it.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:10 am.


This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.