Can a Canadian travel to US with I-551 in his passport and ask or choose not to activate PR? Or I-551 automatically activates PR no matter what or ..?

[Nomendo 0]

Can a Canadian (who got I-551 through DV Green Card lottery) travel to US with I-551 visa in passport and ask border authorities (at POE) or choose not to activate PR (permanent residence) and green card or they will automatically make him PR without having a choice?

Note: To remind, Canadians can travel to US without VISA and not many are in my situation as potentially I might have two ways of going to US, through existing Canadian passport or using I-551 and activating PR and issuing green card at POE. FYI, I would prefer first option for few first months. My I-551 is valid for the next 6 months which is time given for me to relocate to US.

Edited March 3, 2010 by Nomendo

[Carlawarla 1]

Can a Canadian (who got I-551 through DV Green Card lottery) travel to US with I-551 visa in passport and ask border authorities (at POE) or choose not to activate PR (permanent residence) and green card or they will automatically make him PR without having a choice?

Note: To remind, Canadians can travel to US without VISA and not many are in my situation as potentially I might have two ways of going to US, through existing Canadian passport or using I-551 and activating PR and issuing green card at POE. FYI, I would prefer first option for few first months. My I-551 is valid for the next 6 months which is time given for me to relocate to US.

So you already have an I-551 in your passport, but you don't wish to immigrate yet? The only way you're going to know is by trying to use it, and ask that they don't "activate" it yet. You might try calling the border you're wanting to cross in advance as well, and ask them specifically. Get the name of the supervisor who advises you if you can do this, and write it down, and present it to the border staff if questioned on your crossing. Always be prepared to be denied your request at the border and have alternate plans in case they don't want to do what you wish to do.

I'd just explain to them that you just want to enter for a visit before your permanent move.

[Nomendo 0]

Right, I'll look first if I can find a phone of Niagara Falls US border crossing and try first to ask over the phone.

Then I might drive there (~150km from me) and park close on Canadian side and walk to the border with no intention of crossing, just talking to border staff and when I get answer I will in all cases come back to Canadian side, but would be happy to hear if I can cross as Canadian and chose not to become US PR at that time, but at later entry.

Edited March 3, 2010 by Nomendo

[Moosker 7]

I would definitely call and ask - I believe that you have up to 3 months (please check this though) to activate your visa. A lot of people have to pack up their place, quit their job, move, etc., so it gives them a little bit more time. I don't think in those situations though they're crossing the border.

[Krikit 1,163]

1. As Carla says..... yes, you can try to enter without using your visa. Some of us were able to do so successfully, some of us not. Personally, I just explained my circumstances and the CBP Officer was fine with that. But it is ALWAYS at the discretion of the admitting officer.
2. DON'T use the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls. They are not as conversant with visa types and entries as the other two bridges. Their focus is on tourists.
3. DO use the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie (first choice) or the Queenston-Lewiston bridge (2nd choice).
4. Here is a link to the Peace Bridge Authority. Under the 'Contact' page you will find their phone numbers.

I am moving your thread from the Working & Traveling section to the Canada Regional Forum. Welcome to VJ.

[trailmix 77]

I would definitely call and ask - I believe that you have up to 3 months (please check this though) to activate your visa. A lot of people have to pack up their place, quit their job, move, etc., so it gives them a little bit more time. I don't think in those situations though they're crossing the border.

Hi Moosker,

It's actually 6 months, can always check the visa for the exact date

[truckerbob 0]

I didn't know that Canadian are included in the DV lottery. The times I checked on it they said no. But anyways I have traveled back and forth to the U.S. many times and never had a problem coming or going at the border with my visa (unactived) in my passport.

[Flames9_RN 358]

As others have stated its up to the POE officer!! Sure one can call ahead and ask, but what are the chances you wil be dealing with that POE officer when u cross?? But many do with no probs

[antda 13]

1. As Carla says..... yes, you can try to enter without using your visa. Some of us were able to do so successfully, some of us not. Personally, I just explained my circumstances and the CBP Officer was fine with that. But it is ALWAYS at the discretion of the admitting officer.
2. DON'T use the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls. They are not as conversant with visa types and entries as the other two bridges. Their focus is on tourists.
3. DO use the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie (first choice) or the Queenston-Lewiston bridge (2nd choice).
4. Here is a link to the Peace Bridge Authority. Under the 'Contact' page you will find their phone numbers.

I am moving your thread from the Working & Traveling section to the Canada Regional Forum. Welcome to VJ.

I agree.....Definitely go with the Peace Bridge or Queenston Lewiston Bridge, for a POE!

Been there, done that, with the Rainbow Bridge..What a nightmare! (see my detailed VJ timeline for more info)

I'm confused with the OP's situation though...Umm..Isn't the I-551 kind of like a "temporary green card" already?

So in that sense, isn't it like they have a green card? So all they have to do is wait for a permanent one when they arrive?

On that note, yes, you are able to cross over with an I-551 stamp in your passport, with not too many problems.

(I got those, while I was waiting for the actual 10yr green card itself...I didn't have too many problems crossing with just the stamp...)

I'm not sure about your PR and/or diversity visa status (btw..congrats on winning the "lottery") though...you would definitely have to ask the border guard and/or the USCIS about that too....

But from what I can see....I think you already have some sort of status here in the USA via the stamp...So that's a good thing, right?

Hope this helps too. Good luck on your journey. Welcome to America, Moosker!

Ant

Edited March 22, 2010 by Ant+D+BabyA

[Brother Hesekiel 2,235]

If you have an I-551 stamp in your passport, you are already a LPR.

[Krikit 1,163]

The OP does not wish to become a LPR at this time. As with all visa stamps, it requires endorsement by CBP at the POE. The stamp, in and of itself, does not automatically grant LPR status. The visa holder has to be admitted first.