Proof of Ties When an Unemployed, Disabled Renter

[JeeplessInSeattle 1]

Hello,

OK. So I posted the other day and discovered that my finace (Canadian) will NOT be blocked from coming to visit me (in the USA) since we're now engaged and filed our I-129f. I understand that he needs to be prepared to show strong "proof of ties" to Canada to show that his intention is to simply visit and return (and not immigrate illegally) when he comes to visit me. The problem is my fiance has been out of work (lost his career as a realtor when the housing market crashed) and was severely injured 2 years ago to the point where he is now on disability income. He has no employer. He has no mortage. What other forms of evidence, besides employer and homeowner, could he produce that would convince the border people that he plans to go back to Canada?

A note from me promising that I will send him back???

Thanks for any suggesitons.

Jeepless in Seattle

(but NOT Sleepless...I REFUSE to lose sleep over this immigration stuff!)

[Hank_ 9,174]

Canadians crossing the border is not much of an issue as with other countries. I know my buddy drives down into the states all the time, hands his passport out the window of his car and then off he goes.

[dukeandduchess 141]

Canadians crossing the border is not much of an issue as with other countries. I know my buddy drives down into the states all the time, hands his passport out the window of his car and then off he goes.

This is absolutely NOT true. I've been pulled aside and interrogated for hours and I am a Canadian citizen, not from any visible minority.

Proof of ties to Canada (without a job):

- lease agreement/letter from landlord

- return flight ticket or other return arrangements

- medications (only enough for the time you will be staying)

- bank statement (proof of funds to pay for your time in the US)

Other things that help:

- be completely upfront and honest about your relationship and vacation plans

- pack lightly (only take what you need for the time you're staying)

- don't bring sentimental things (things you would take if you were moving)

[Hank_ 9,174]

My buddy comes down without issues ever, I have been with him even and they never ask much, but he does drive across not flying.

[GandK 168]

Some people will tell you his/her fiancé cross over without any problem all the time.

Then you hear many stories about how canadians got turned back at the border.

I think listening to people's personal opinions which vary from person to person or the "I know someone who knows someone who knows someone who is his buddy crossed over without problem" will not help you much. It's like masturbation, it makes you feel good to read people crossed without problem but after all that, it doesn't do anything for your situation. It doesn't lower the chance you might get into trouble.

dukeandduchess gave a good advice for some of the things you could prepare. Your personal note has zero weight, you need written evidences preferably issued/written third person entity who has no personal interest in your matter.

Put immigration officer glasses on and look at your fiancé's case, think outside the box, is there anything that you can use to show the CBP that he has commitment/obligation that require him to be back at home after the visit?

As always, hope for the best. He might just as well drive through the border without a slight hassle. But prepare for the worst case scenario..

Edited January 22, 2012 by GandK

[MissDinaDee 8]

My buddy comes down without issues ever, I have been with him even and they never ask much, but he does drive across not flying.

There is a HUGE difference between vacation/heading to the us for the weekend and a vacation to see your husband/wife/fiance(e)!!!

I have3 lived less than 40 minutes from a US border my whole live and I have literally made dozens of trips by car, bus, plane, cruise ship and even a train.

The day after my wedding my new husband, stepson and in-laws were all hauled into immigration around 11pm while I was interrogated for close to 3 hours!

I have had a multitude of issues crossing the border even with strong ties to Canada. It's irresponsible to assume that everyone is in the same position as a "buddy".

To JeeplessInSeattle,

I carried evidence of funds (bank statements), a rental lease, return travel documentation, employment documentation (even for EI when I was unemployed) and a complete copy including any formal correspondence from the US agency I was currently dealing (for instance: an NOA1 from USCIS, NVC, etc). Yes, I travel with a binder of backup. It may seem excessive but having this documentation has always been what helped to get the CBP officer to see that I wasn't a risk for illegal immigration.

Also, I recently got my NEXUS card and it has substantially decreased the level of harassment going through immigration! Best $50 I have ever spent!!

One more note... Always be honest and never lie when speaking to an Immigration Officer BUT do not volunteer more information than necessary. Keep it short and sweet!

Good luck & wishing you hassle free travel!

MrsJ

[Hank_ 9,174]

Not being irresponsible... stating what I know from experiences with people I know. Facts, just not YOUR facts.

[JeeplessInSeattle 1]

Proof of ties to Canada (without a job):

- lease agreement/letter from landlord

- return flight ticket or other return arrangements

- medications (only enough for the time you will be staying)

- bank statement (proof of funds to pay for your time in the US)

Other things that help:

- be completely upfront and honest about your relationship and vacation plans

- pack lightly (only take what you need for the time you're staying)

- don't bring sentimental things (things you would take if you were moving)

//// THANK YOU!!! This is exactly what I was looking for. And yes, my fiance and I have experienced easy entry to/from the states but also DIFFICULT crossings as well. And I completely understand that coming over to visit a friend is VERY different from visiting a fiance after an I129f has been filed (since that shows INTENT of an ultimate immigration). The suggestion someone made to create a binder is PERFECT since my fiance loves to carry binders!!

I LOVE THIS WEB SITE!!

Jeepless