Crossing the Border with Someone who Doesn't Intend to Stay

[CanadianKyle 0]

Hey all,

I'm a twenty-one year old Canadian, engaged to be married to my American fiancee in Kansas City. I have a K-1 Visa and the sealed package for the border, but now I have a question.

Since I intend to drive across the border to take some of my belongings with me (including, but not limited to, my vehicle), a family member volunteered to ride with me in the hopes of making the 24 hour drive from my home city to Kansas more bearable.

Will this cause a problem? Does anyone else have experience with this? Is there any special information I should have for the border officers?

Thanks for any advice in advance!

[Shauneg 762]

You crossing should have no bearing on them crossing. If there's an issue just explain the situation. If it comforts you it might be wise for that person to bring things that show ties to Canada such as rental agreement, proof of job, a marriage in Canada, or something.....but I don't really see it being necessary as Canadians are free to come and go more or less as they please.

[mallafri76 1,012]

I actually have the same concerns, as my parents are thinking of flying with me over to help me move my stuff and settle in.

It's a tough one because CBP can think that the person coming with you is also coming to stay in the US, but without a visa. In your case, if your friend gets denied entry, he/she won't have that far to get home or a high cost for it so I say give it a go. Just make sure that your friend bring ties to Canada with him/her, like letter from employer and rent/mortgage agreement.

[VeeNDee 44]

Not exactly the same scenario but when I POEd I was in my car with my then-fiance and my future inlaws were driving a pickup truck pulling a Uhaul trailer with all my possessions. We just told the officer in the booth that the people behind us were helping me to move and they sent us all to secondary. They called it a multi vehicle something pass. Once inside my inlaws went to the window by themselves but were told they had to be processed by the same officer handling our case. At first he didn't want to be bothered (since he was busy trying to figure out our visa) but when we told him they had been sent back to him he just stamped their slip and waved them away. The difference in my scenario is the people crossing with me were all US citizens but hopefully it sheds a little light on the situation.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

You shouldn't have a problem but as mentioned above, have your relative bring proof of their ties to Canada -and since you are driving one way, proof or evidence of how they intend to return to Canada as you are importing your vehicle.