Poe

[sharda 8]

Anyone who used buffalo / Lewiston border as Poe can advice me what are you are allowed to enter the U.S with and what are considered personal stuf ??? Please share your experience????

Thanks

[Ms Hogan 295]

I wrote what was posted below but then realized you wrote Buffalo/Lewiston specifically so I apologize. I have gone through there many times but I usually use Fort Erie as I continue further west. Lewiston is usually busier with longer delays. I usually check Queenston/Lewiston, Rainbow Bridge and Fort Erie when I'm approaching the split on the highway and make my decision at that point as to which way to go!

Here is my info from my POE at Fort Erie. I have crossed this specific border crossing hundreds of times over the past 6 years. My personal experience when I actually did my entry on my POE was frustrating (This was from March 2013) but here is what I wrote at that time:

OUCH! 3 hours to complete the process. Not because of an overload of people, not because of any problems with our documents. Just simply slow! We arrived at the Peace Bridge and it wasn't busy at all. We do this every 2-3 weeks so know the good times to cross. Well at 6:10 we went into secondary and we didn't leave until 9:07. We just sat waiting and waiting. I saw the officer pick up our passports and start working on them about 60 minutes after we arrived. Then he proceeded to go on his dinner break. He just left everything at his work station, disappeared, then came back about 40 minutes later and picked up where he left off. He was very kind when he called me up and explained he still had a lot to do before we were complete but that he would work as fast as he could. He saw that the kids were getting pretty restless. Finger prints and signatures were done quickly and the rest was up to him. No questions other than when I actually intended to move full time and making sure I knew I had to be in the U.S. for at least 6 months of the year etc. It was tiring with 2 little kids and not being allowed to bring electronics in (DS would have kept them busy the entire time!).

After 3 hours though we were congratulated and handed our stamped passports and welcomed as Permanent Residents!

Here is a link to my timeline and reviews: http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/profile.php?id=138851

I'm no sure what you mean about your personal stuff. Everything that is your personal belonging is part of your "personal stuff".

Edited November 30, 2015 by Ms Hogan

[Jawaree 717]

Are you moving legally to the US? you are allowed personal effects, clothing, books, work-tools etc

Takes forever to come thru there traffic is always backed up especially weekends, be sure all proper

papers are in you possession & if traveling with over 10Gs its disclosed

[NikLR 13,220]

~~moved to Canada regional forum as OP is wanting specifics on Canada/US border crossing and moving from IR1/CR1 process and procedures~~

[sharda 8]

@Ms Hogan Thanks for sharing . Hhhhhhhmmmmmm 3 hours I hope I don't have to wait that long as I am planning on crossing on a Sunday .

@Jawaree yes I am moving permanently and no I won't be carrying 10G. Thanks I really appreciate.

[Ms Hogan 295]

@Ms Hogan Thanks for sharing . Hhhhhhhmmmmmm 3 hours I hope I don't have to wait that long as I am planning on crossing on a Sunday .

@Jawaree yes I am moving permanently and no I won't be carrying 10G. Thanks I really appreciate.

I would consider crossing on a weekday instead of a Sunday. I cross a LOT and Sundays, depending on timing, are usually busy because people are either coming back for work (Canadians who work in the U.S. but come home on weekends) or there are a lot of tourists. You will be going to secondary for sure and on a Sunday it might be busier than at other times. Just a suggestion.

And my three hours was abnormal... it should not have taken that long and I found it to be quite frustrating watching him leave and then come back. It was not particularly busy. I have been in there at other times when it is way busier!

Edited November 30, 2015 by Ms Hogan

[sharda 8]

Awwwwwwww I feel your pain, however unfortunately Sunday is when I am able to cross I will be leaving Toronto around 1 pm will be at the border around 3pm . I am just gonna keep faith that I don't wait that long.