Travelling to Canada

[RichiJenny 14]

Hi there, I am hoping to celebrate my 2 year wedding anniversary next month with a trip to Niagra Falls, the Canadian side. I cannot use the Visa Waiver programme anymore as I overstayed in the US last year.

I have my CR1 - 2 Year Green Card, UK Passport and some documents such as bank statements / uscis letters confirming my US address since January 2011. I have my UK driving licence, but may not have my New Jersey drivers licence by the time we leave.

My question is do I have sufficient documentation to pass through border control and re-enter the USA 2-3 days later. The last thing I need is to be denied entry. I am 70% certain I should be ok, and that I will also have my NJ driving licence with my US address on it, HOWEVER I want to ask/confirm to make 110% sure.

Also, as I have not travelled without using the vwp in the past, what would the procedure be for a UK citizen to enter Canada?

Many thanks for any help...

[missicy 87]

So you are a LPR in the US, correct? LPRs don't and can't use VWP to re-enter the US. Your previous overstay is irrelevant.

To return to the US, all you need is your passport and your Green Card.

[RichiJenny 14]

Yes, I have my 2 yr conditional GC. Thanks very much for the clarification. I have been researching it since posting, but its nice to have it confirmed too.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

When you enter Canada show your green card to the border official. You can bring your passport along as supporting identification but you shouldn't need it to enter the country as Canada treats green card holders as US citizens for border crossing purposes. UK visitors are also allowed to enter Canada without a visa so either way you would be fine - but use your green card.

Upon your return to the US present your green card to the border official. You don't use anything like the VWP because that is for visitors and you are not a visitor - you are a resident. The green card is your proof of residency. Again, you will have your passport and DL with you for back-up identification and they may be requested, but your green card is the accepted documentation that you need.

Once you become a US citizen you will need to use your US passport to re-enter the US but as Canada recognizes dual citizenship you can use either your UK or your US passport to enter Canada.

Enjoy your visit to Niagara Falls. If you are driving take a drive north along the Niagara Parkway - it is one of the prettiest drives there is - and continue to Niagara On The Lake at the mouth of the Niagara River. It is a little over half an hour and there is lots to see and do along the way, along with some great wineries that offer tastings and tours, It is one of my favourite parts of Canada.I lived just west of there for 7 years.

Edited July 24, 2011 by Kathryn41
to correct spelling mistake!

[Brother Hesekiel 2,235]

You need a valid passport to travel internationally, whether it's Canada or one of the other 249 countries on this globe.

The Green Card works like a visa when entering Canada and like a US passport when coming back to the U.S. Kind of.

[RichiJenny 14]

When you enter Canada show your green card to the border official. You can bring your passport along as supporting identification but you shouldn't need it to enter the country as Canada treats green card holders as US citizens for border crossing purposes. UK visitors are also allowed to enter Canada without a visa so either way you would be fine - but use your green card.

Upon your return to the US present your green card to the border official. You don't use anything like the VWP because that is for visitors and you are not a visitor - you are a resident. The green card is your proof of residency. Again, you will have your passport and DL with you for back-up identification and they may be requested, but your green card is the accepted documentation that you need.

Once you become a US citizen you will need to use your US passport to re-enter the US but as Canada recognizes dual citizenship you can use either your UK or your US passport to enter Canada.

Enjoy your visit to Niagara Falls. If you are driving take a drive north along the Niagara Parkway - it is one of the prettiest drives there is - and continue to Niagara On The Lake at the mouth of the Niagara River. It is a little over half an hour and there is lots to see and do along the way, along with some great wineries that offer tastings and tours, It is one of my favourite parts of Canada.I lived such west of there for 7 years.

Thanks so much for that info, Ive got it written down and will definitely follow your advice

[Saddle Bronc 124]

(for OP) the visa-waiver issue (for US) is irrelevant--and was rendered so the moment you received your GC. Had you done AOS, it would have been irrelevant as of the time you received AP.

[RichiJenny 14]

VWP was not possible regardless, as I had an overstay issue previously. Thanks anyway.