sjb17

I'm home.
 
Arrived at Peace Arch around 5:45pm on Thursday Feb 18.  Day was sort of an avalanche of delays and minor things going wrong but nothing really major, so showing up at the crossing was a few hours behind schedule.  I rolled up in a 10 foot uhaul towing my car.  Said I was activating my visa, was asked if I was moving which was a fun question given that I was *driving a moving truck*, and got sent over into secondary.  After a while I got asked the usual declaration questions, answered them, and presented my list o' stuff and what boxes they were in.  The list was treated like it was on fire so I guess nobody wants to have to actually review the list and they may figure that if someone actually went to the trouble of preparing such a list that they're not playing fast and loose with the rules, which was true for me.  Chilled in the truck for about 30-40 minutes, tried to distract myself from randomly crying or whatever about being on the very last step of this 908 day journey, messaged my wife who relayed a message from our 6-year-old that he thought it would be a good idea if they came to the border to help, since I was taking "for ages", etc.  Eventually another officer came to check the visa and told me to come inside.  I recommend the restroom inside the Peace Arch CBP building for its exciting 30-second-long flush, incidentally.  Anyway I sat on the bench in a very empty building (5 or so officers and me) and admired the Chihuly glass-blowing stuff.  Got called up and answered a few questions and had a photo taken, which I didn't see but is quite possibly the worst photo ever taken of me as I was exhausted, my hair was a wreck from loading the truck and hooking up the tow dolly in the rain, and I'd been randomly tearing up for the last hour or so.  The officer stamped my passport and said congratulations and I sputtered some sort of thank you and said "I'm just gonna go cry in the truck a bit" which I did while messaging "I'm coming home" to my wife before driving the last 15 minutes to get to her and my step-son.
 
She'd made spaghetti and meatballs.  It was the most delicious meal of my life.
 

I crossed at the Peace Arch border crossing in BC yesterday to activate my visa! Here’s my experience: 
 
- Rented a minivan from Avis for $186 CAD for a 24-hour rental with drop-off anywhere in Seattle. 
- The CBP officer at the first window asked me what I was bringing with me, I presented my itemized list and she asked a few clarifying questions about produce/seeds/narcotics etc. 
- I was sent to secondary to process my visa and a second officer came up to me after about 10 minutes, took my passport and orange slip given by the first officer, and told me to sit tight and stay comfortable
- The officer came back about 20 minutes later and handed back my passport with the IR-1 stamp placed in it, congratulated me and recognized how long I must have been waiting for this whole immigration process to end, at which point I started bawling 😅
 
I know some folks have had to go inside recently to finish the processing and pay the $6 fee for the I-94 but I was not asked to do so. The whole process was painless and I was so thrilled to finally be able to use a land crossing again to enter the US after having to fly when visiting over the past year! Still has not set in that this isn’t just another one-month visit and that I’m here for good - AHHHH! It’s safe to say that I haven’t slept as well as I did last night in a long, long time. 
 
I’ll keep you all updated on the arrival of my SSN and permanent green card. Sending best wishes to all who have interviews in the coming weeks!  ❤️

No, I'm not coming back to Canada anytime soon. I was able to fit all of my stuff in the minivan I rented thankfully as I didn't need to bring over any furniture/large items, and I gifted my car to a family member to avoid dealing with the process of importing it since it's not American made. Glad to hear you were able to turn around before all the changes came into effect!

No, I'm not coming back to Canada anytime soon. I was able to fit all of my stuff in the minivan I rented thankfully as I didn't need to bring over any furniture/large items, and I gifted my car to a family member to avoid dealing with the process of importing it since it's not American made. Glad to hear you were able to turn around before all the changes came into effect!

No, I'm not coming back to Canada anytime soon. I was able to fit all of my stuff in the minivan I rented thankfully as I didn't need to bring over any furniture/large items, and I gifted my car to a family member to avoid dealing with the process of importing it since it's not American made. Glad to hear you were able to turn around before all the changes came into effect!

No, I'm not coming back to Canada anytime soon. I was able to fit all of my stuff in the minivan I rented thankfully as I didn't need to bring over any furniture/large items, and I gifted my car to a family member to avoid dealing with the process of importing it since it's not American made. Glad to hear you were able to turn around before all the changes came into effect!

Just got my tracking number! I'm expecting to be picking up my passport Monday or Tuesday. 

Expedite requests can take a while to receive a response - many folks wait longer than a few days. Even if your request for expedite is denied, they will let you know by email. 

I crossed at the Peace Arch border crossing in BC yesterday to activate my visa! Here’s my experience: 
 
- Rented a minivan from Avis for $186 CAD for a 24-hour rental with drop-off anywhere in Seattle. 
- The CBP officer at the first window asked me what I was bringing with me, I presented my itemized list and she asked a few clarifying questions about produce/seeds/narcotics etc. 
- I was sent to secondary to process my visa and a second officer came up to me after about 10 minutes, took my passport and orange slip given by the first officer, and told me to sit tight and stay comfortable
- The officer came back about 20 minutes later and handed back my passport with the IR-1 stamp placed in it, congratulated me and recognized how long I must have been waiting for this whole immigration process to end, at which point I started bawling 😅
 
I know some folks have had to go inside recently to finish the processing and pay the $6 fee for the I-94 but I was not asked to do so. The whole process was painless and I was so thrilled to finally be able to use a land crossing again to enter the US after having to fly when visiting over the past year! Still has not set in that this isn’t just another one-month visit and that I’m here for good - AHHHH! It’s safe to say that I haven’t slept as well as I did last night in a long, long time. 
 
I’ll keep you all updated on the arrival of my SSN and permanent green card. Sending best wishes to all who have interviews in the coming weeks!  ❤️

I crossed at the Peace Arch border crossing in BC yesterday to activate my visa! Here’s my experience: 
 
- Rented a minivan from Avis for $186 CAD for a 24-hour rental with drop-off anywhere in Seattle. 
- The CBP officer at the first window asked me what I was bringing with me, I presented my itemized list and she asked a few clarifying questions about produce/seeds/narcotics etc. 
- I was sent to secondary to process my visa and a second officer came up to me after about 10 minutes, took my passport and orange slip given by the first officer, and told me to sit tight and stay comfortable
- The officer came back about 20 minutes later and handed back my passport with the IR-1 stamp placed in it, congratulated me and recognized how long I must have been waiting for this whole immigration process to end, at which point I started bawling 😅
 
I know some folks have had to go inside recently to finish the processing and pay the $6 fee for the I-94 but I was not asked to do so. The whole process was painless and I was so thrilled to finally be able to use a land crossing again to enter the US after having to fly when visiting over the past year! Still has not set in that this isn’t just another one-month visit and that I’m here for good - AHHHH! It’s safe to say that I haven’t slept as well as I did last night in a long, long time. 
 
I’ll keep you all updated on the arrival of my SSN and permanent green card. Sending best wishes to all who have interviews in the coming weeks!  ❤️

Mine was similarly delivered 7 days following my interview (Feb 1 interview; visa in hand Feb 8 ) and I’m in BC. I also opted to have mine delivered to the post office. 

Mine was similarly delivered 7 days following my interview (Feb 1 interview; visa in hand Feb 8 ) and I’m in BC. I also opted to have mine delivered to the post office. 

I crossed at the Peace Arch border crossing in BC yesterday to activate my visa! Here’s my experience: 
 
- Rented a minivan from Avis for $186 CAD for a 24-hour rental with drop-off anywhere in Seattle. 
- The CBP officer at the first window asked me what I was bringing with me, I presented my itemized list and she asked a few clarifying questions about produce/seeds/narcotics etc. 
- I was sent to secondary to process my visa and a second officer came up to me after about 10 minutes, took my passport and orange slip given by the first officer, and told me to sit tight and stay comfortable
- The officer came back about 20 minutes later and handed back my passport with the IR-1 stamp placed in it, congratulated me and recognized how long I must have been waiting for this whole immigration process to end, at which point I started bawling 😅
 
I know some folks have had to go inside recently to finish the processing and pay the $6 fee for the I-94 but I was not asked to do so. The whole process was painless and I was so thrilled to finally be able to use a land crossing again to enter the US after having to fly when visiting over the past year! Still has not set in that this isn’t just another one-month visit and that I’m here for good - AHHHH! It’s safe to say that I haven’t slept as well as I did last night in a long, long time. 
 
I’ll keep you all updated on the arrival of my SSN and permanent green card. Sending best wishes to all who have interviews in the coming weeks!  ❤️

I crossed at the Peace Arch border crossing in BC yesterday to activate my visa! Here’s my experience: 
 
- Rented a minivan from Avis for $186 CAD for a 24-hour rental with drop-off anywhere in Seattle. 
- The CBP officer at the first window asked me what I was bringing with me, I presented my itemized list and she asked a few clarifying questions about produce/seeds/narcotics etc. 
- I was sent to secondary to process my visa and a second officer came up to me after about 10 minutes, took my passport and orange slip given by the first officer, and told me to sit tight and stay comfortable
- The officer came back about 20 minutes later and handed back my passport with the IR-1 stamp placed in it, congratulated me and recognized how long I must have been waiting for this whole immigration process to end, at which point I started bawling 😅
 
I know some folks have had to go inside recently to finish the processing and pay the $6 fee for the I-94 but I was not asked to do so. The whole process was painless and I was so thrilled to finally be able to use a land crossing again to enter the US after having to fly when visiting over the past year! Still has not set in that this isn’t just another one-month visit and that I’m here for good - AHHHH! It’s safe to say that I haven’t slept as well as I did last night in a long, long time. 
 
I’ll keep you all updated on the arrival of my SSN and permanent green card. Sending best wishes to all who have interviews in the coming weeks!  ❤️

I crossed at the Peace Arch border crossing in BC yesterday to activate my visa! Here’s my experience: 
 
- Rented a minivan from Avis for $186 CAD for a 24-hour rental with drop-off anywhere in Seattle. 
- The CBP officer at the first window asked me what I was bringing with me, I presented my itemized list and she asked a few clarifying questions about produce/seeds/narcotics etc. 
- I was sent to secondary to process my visa and a second officer came up to me after about 10 minutes, took my passport and orange slip given by the first officer, and told me to sit tight and stay comfortable
- The officer came back about 20 minutes later and handed back my passport with the IR-1 stamp placed in it, congratulated me and recognized how long I must have been waiting for this whole immigration process to end, at which point I started bawling 😅
 
I know some folks have had to go inside recently to finish the processing and pay the $6 fee for the I-94 but I was not asked to do so. The whole process was painless and I was so thrilled to finally be able to use a land crossing again to enter the US after having to fly when visiting over the past year! Still has not set in that this isn’t just another one-month visit and that I’m here for good - AHHHH! It’s safe to say that I haven’t slept as well as I did last night in a long, long time. 
 
I’ll keep you all updated on the arrival of my SSN and permanent green card. Sending best wishes to all who have interviews in the coming weeks!  ❤️

I crossed at the Peace Arch border crossing in BC yesterday to activate my visa! Here’s my experience: 
 
- Rented a minivan from Avis for $186 CAD for a 24-hour rental with drop-off anywhere in Seattle. 
- The CBP officer at the first window asked me what I was bringing with me, I presented my itemized list and she asked a few clarifying questions about produce/seeds/narcotics etc. 
- I was sent to secondary to process my visa and a second officer came up to me after about 10 minutes, took my passport and orange slip given by the first officer, and told me to sit tight and stay comfortable
- The officer came back about 20 minutes later and handed back my passport with the IR-1 stamp placed in it, congratulated me and recognized how long I must have been waiting for this whole immigration process to end, at which point I started bawling 😅
 
I know some folks have had to go inside recently to finish the processing and pay the $6 fee for the I-94 but I was not asked to do so. The whole process was painless and I was so thrilled to finally be able to use a land crossing again to enter the US after having to fly when visiting over the past year! Still has not set in that this isn’t just another one-month visit and that I’m here for good - AHHHH! It’s safe to say that I haven’t slept as well as I did last night in a long, long time. 
 
I’ll keep you all updated on the arrival of my SSN and permanent green card. Sending best wishes to all who have interviews in the coming weeks!  ❤️

I crossed at the Peace Arch border crossing in BC yesterday to activate my visa! Here’s my experience: 
 
- Rented a minivan from Avis for $186 CAD for a 24-hour rental with drop-off anywhere in Seattle. 
- The CBP officer at the first window asked me what I was bringing with me, I presented my itemized list and she asked a few clarifying questions about produce/seeds/narcotics etc. 
- I was sent to secondary to process my visa and a second officer came up to me after about 10 minutes, took my passport and orange slip given by the first officer, and told me to sit tight and stay comfortable
- The officer came back about 20 minutes later and handed back my passport with the IR-1 stamp placed in it, congratulated me and recognized how long I must have been waiting for this whole immigration process to end, at which point I started bawling 😅
 
I know some folks have had to go inside recently to finish the processing and pay the $6 fee for the I-94 but I was not asked to do so. The whole process was painless and I was so thrilled to finally be able to use a land crossing again to enter the US after having to fly when visiting over the past year! Still has not set in that this isn’t just another one-month visit and that I’m here for good - AHHHH! It’s safe to say that I haven’t slept as well as I did last night in a long, long time. 
 
I’ll keep you all updated on the arrival of my SSN and permanent green card. Sending best wishes to all who have interviews in the coming weeks!  ❤️

I crossed at the Peace Arch border crossing in BC yesterday to activate my visa! Here’s my experience: 
 
- Rented a minivan from Avis for $186 CAD for a 24-hour rental with drop-off anywhere in Seattle. 
- The CBP officer at the first window asked me what I was bringing with me, I presented my itemized list and she asked a few clarifying questions about produce/seeds/narcotics etc. 
- I was sent to secondary to process my visa and a second officer came up to me after about 10 minutes, took my passport and orange slip given by the first officer, and told me to sit tight and stay comfortable
- The officer came back about 20 minutes later and handed back my passport with the IR-1 stamp placed in it, congratulated me and recognized how long I must have been waiting for this whole immigration process to end, at which point I started bawling 😅
 
I know some folks have had to go inside recently to finish the processing and pay the $6 fee for the I-94 but I was not asked to do so. The whole process was painless and I was so thrilled to finally be able to use a land crossing again to enter the US after having to fly when visiting over the past year! Still has not set in that this isn’t just another one-month visit and that I’m here for good - AHHHH! It’s safe to say that I haven’t slept as well as I did last night in a long, long time. 
 
I’ll keep you all updated on the arrival of my SSN and permanent green card. Sending best wishes to all who have interviews in the coming weeks!  ❤️

I crossed at the Peace Arch border crossing in BC yesterday to activate my visa! Here’s my experience: 
 
- Rented a minivan from Avis for $186 CAD for a 24-hour rental with drop-off anywhere in Seattle. 
- The CBP officer at the first window asked me what I was bringing with me, I presented my itemized list and she asked a few clarifying questions about produce/seeds/narcotics etc. 
- I was sent to secondary to process my visa and a second officer came up to me after about 10 minutes, took my passport and orange slip given by the first officer, and told me to sit tight and stay comfortable
- The officer came back about 20 minutes later and handed back my passport with the IR-1 stamp placed in it, congratulated me and recognized how long I must have been waiting for this whole immigration process to end, at which point I started bawling 😅
 
I know some folks have had to go inside recently to finish the processing and pay the $6 fee for the I-94 but I was not asked to do so. The whole process was painless and I was so thrilled to finally be able to use a land crossing again to enter the US after having to fly when visiting over the past year! Still has not set in that this isn’t just another one-month visit and that I’m here for good - AHHHH! It’s safe to say that I haven’t slept as well as I did last night in a long, long time. 
 
I’ll keep you all updated on the arrival of my SSN and permanent green card. Sending best wishes to all who have interviews in the coming weeks!  ❤️

I crossed at the Peace Arch border crossing in BC yesterday to activate my visa! Here’s my experience: 
 
- Rented a minivan from Avis for $186 CAD for a 24-hour rental with drop-off anywhere in Seattle. 
- The CBP officer at the first window asked me what I was bringing with me, I presented my itemized list and she asked a few clarifying questions about produce/seeds/narcotics etc. 
- I was sent to secondary to process my visa and a second officer came up to me after about 10 minutes, took my passport and orange slip given by the first officer, and told me to sit tight and stay comfortable
- The officer came back about 20 minutes later and handed back my passport with the IR-1 stamp placed in it, congratulated me and recognized how long I must have been waiting for this whole immigration process to end, at which point I started bawling 😅
 
I know some folks have had to go inside recently to finish the processing and pay the $6 fee for the I-94 but I was not asked to do so. The whole process was painless and I was so thrilled to finally be able to use a land crossing again to enter the US after having to fly when visiting over the past year! Still has not set in that this isn’t just another one-month visit and that I’m here for good - AHHHH! It’s safe to say that I haven’t slept as well as I did last night in a long, long time. 
 
I’ll keep you all updated on the arrival of my SSN and permanent green card. Sending best wishes to all who have interviews in the coming weeks!  ❤️

I crossed at the Peace Arch border crossing in BC yesterday to activate my visa! Here’s my experience: 
 
- Rented a minivan from Avis for $186 CAD for a 24-hour rental with drop-off anywhere in Seattle. 
- The CBP officer at the first window asked me what I was bringing with me, I presented my itemized list and she asked a few clarifying questions about produce/seeds/narcotics etc. 
- I was sent to secondary to process my visa and a second officer came up to me after about 10 minutes, took my passport and orange slip given by the first officer, and told me to sit tight and stay comfortable
- The officer came back about 20 minutes later and handed back my passport with the IR-1 stamp placed in it, congratulated me and recognized how long I must have been waiting for this whole immigration process to end, at which point I started bawling 😅
 
I know some folks have had to go inside recently to finish the processing and pay the $6 fee for the I-94 but I was not asked to do so. The whole process was painless and I was so thrilled to finally be able to use a land crossing again to enter the US after having to fly when visiting over the past year! Still has not set in that this isn’t just another one-month visit and that I’m here for good - AHHHH! It’s safe to say that I haven’t slept as well as I did last night in a long, long time. 
 
I’ll keep you all updated on the arrival of my SSN and permanent green card. Sending best wishes to all who have interviews in the coming weeks!  ❤️

I crossed at the Peace Arch border crossing in BC yesterday to activate my visa! Here’s my experience: 
 
- Rented a minivan from Avis for $186 CAD for a 24-hour rental with drop-off anywhere in Seattle. 
- The CBP officer at the first window asked me what I was bringing with me, I presented my itemized list and she asked a few clarifying questions about produce/seeds/narcotics etc. 
- I was sent to secondary to process my visa and a second officer came up to me after about 10 minutes, took my passport and orange slip given by the first officer, and told me to sit tight and stay comfortable
- The officer came back about 20 minutes later and handed back my passport with the IR-1 stamp placed in it, congratulated me and recognized how long I must have been waiting for this whole immigration process to end, at which point I started bawling 😅
 
I know some folks have had to go inside recently to finish the processing and pay the $6 fee for the I-94 but I was not asked to do so. The whole process was painless and I was so thrilled to finally be able to use a land crossing again to enter the US after having to fly when visiting over the past year! Still has not set in that this isn’t just another one-month visit and that I’m here for good - AHHHH! It’s safe to say that I haven’t slept as well as I did last night in a long, long time. 
 
I’ll keep you all updated on the arrival of my SSN and permanent green card. Sending best wishes to all who have interviews in the coming weeks!  ❤️

I crossed at the Peace Arch border crossing in BC yesterday to activate my visa! Here’s my experience: 
 
- Rented a minivan from Avis for $186 CAD for a 24-hour rental with drop-off anywhere in Seattle. 
- The CBP officer at the first window asked me what I was bringing with me, I presented my itemized list and she asked a few clarifying questions about produce/seeds/narcotics etc. 
- I was sent to secondary to process my visa and a second officer came up to me after about 10 minutes, took my passport and orange slip given by the first officer, and told me to sit tight and stay comfortable
- The officer came back about 20 minutes later and handed back my passport with the IR-1 stamp placed in it, congratulated me and recognized how long I must have been waiting for this whole immigration process to end, at which point I started bawling 😅
 
I know some folks have had to go inside recently to finish the processing and pay the $6 fee for the I-94 but I was not asked to do so. The whole process was painless and I was so thrilled to finally be able to use a land crossing again to enter the US after having to fly when visiting over the past year! Still has not set in that this isn’t just another one-month visit and that I’m here for good - AHHHH! It’s safe to say that I haven’t slept as well as I did last night in a long, long time. 
 
I’ll keep you all updated on the arrival of my SSN and permanent green card. Sending best wishes to all who have interviews in the coming weeks!  ❤️

I crossed at the Peace Arch border crossing in BC yesterday to activate my visa! Here’s my experience: 
 
- Rented a minivan from Avis for $186 CAD for a 24-hour rental with drop-off anywhere in Seattle. 
- The CBP officer at the first window asked me what I was bringing with me, I presented my itemized list and she asked a few clarifying questions about produce/seeds/narcotics etc. 
- I was sent to secondary to process my visa and a second officer came up to me after about 10 minutes, took my passport and orange slip given by the first officer, and told me to sit tight and stay comfortable
- The officer came back about 20 minutes later and handed back my passport with the IR-1 stamp placed in it, congratulated me and recognized how long I must have been waiting for this whole immigration process to end, at which point I started bawling 😅
 
I know some folks have had to go inside recently to finish the processing and pay the $6 fee for the I-94 but I was not asked to do so. The whole process was painless and I was so thrilled to finally be able to use a land crossing again to enter the US after having to fly when visiting over the past year! Still has not set in that this isn’t just another one-month visit and that I’m here for good - AHHHH! It’s safe to say that I haven’t slept as well as I did last night in a long, long time. 
 
I’ll keep you all updated on the arrival of my SSN and permanent green card. Sending best wishes to all who have interviews in the coming weeks!  ❤️

I crossed at the Peace Arch border crossing in BC yesterday to activate my visa! Here’s my experience: 
 
- Rented a minivan from Avis for $186 CAD for a 24-hour rental with drop-off anywhere in Seattle. 
- The CBP officer at the first window asked me what I was bringing with me, I presented my itemized list and she asked a few clarifying questions about produce/seeds/narcotics etc. 
- I was sent to secondary to process my visa and a second officer came up to me after about 10 minutes, took my passport and orange slip given by the first officer, and told me to sit tight and stay comfortable
- The officer came back about 20 minutes later and handed back my passport with the IR-1 stamp placed in it, congratulated me and recognized how long I must have been waiting for this whole immigration process to end, at which point I started bawling 😅
 
I know some folks have had to go inside recently to finish the processing and pay the $6 fee for the I-94 but I was not asked to do so. The whole process was painless and I was so thrilled to finally be able to use a land crossing again to enter the US after having to fly when visiting over the past year! Still has not set in that this isn’t just another one-month visit and that I’m here for good - AHHHH! It’s safe to say that I haven’t slept as well as I did last night in a long, long time. 
 
I’ll keep you all updated on the arrival of my SSN and permanent green card. Sending best wishes to all who have interviews in the coming weeks!  ❤️