ADW & JOP
Difficulty:  | Review Topic: Port of Entry Review
I will start by saying that this was a unique situation. Today, Canada and US agreed to close the border as of March 21, 2020.
I obtained my CR1 visa on March 20, 2020. I had planned to enter my POE at Toronto Pearson Airport en route to San Diego on March 30, 2020 (delay due to work-related). However, with the uncertainty of the border closure, I decided it was best to activate my CR1 visa and become a permanent resident before flying to San Diego.
I drove from Toronto to Lewiston-Queenston Bridge. With the Provincial Emergency declaration, there was minimal traffic to the border (probably, 1h20 minutes each way). When I arrived at the bridge, there was only one lane open and it was eerily quiet. I explained that I wanted to enter using my CR1 visa and the CBP officer at the booth took my passport, asked me to lower my back windows and took a quick glance, and asked me to park on the left-side where I was directed into the CBP office where I was the only other person there.
Approximately 10 minutes later, I was called up to speak to a very nice officer. He asked me to verify my spouse's name, my intended address and explained some information to me (including my tax obligations, to always carry my green card, etc.) and he stamped my passport and welcomed me to the United States.
Overall, I had a great experience. It was expeditious but mostly because of the unprecedented situation.
(updated on March 20, 2020)
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Port of Entry Member Review #17098
Entry Date: 2020-03-20