Canadian living in Dubai – visiting US to see ill parent. Visa Off has put a 3 mnth ban from entering. Can I appeal? Should I apply for a visa

1/19/2019 9:56:30 PM

Since you already have an Ontario driver license, upgrade it to an enhanced driver’s license on your next visit to Canada. Mind the paperwork and timing.

Once you have it, or even to get it, fly from Dubai into Toronto. You cannot be refused at Toronto because you are a Canadian citizen.

Then, with or without the enhanced DL, cross the border by land. At Niagara Falls, you will be one in a blur of Canadians presenting either passports or Enhanced DL’s, and there will be nothing special about you.

It simply isn’t weird for an American or Canadian to cross the land border on a frequent basis. It used to be much less formal before 9/11, and restoring that ease is what Enhanced DL’s are all about.

The Enhanced DL is only valid for land crossings and is used instead of a passport. It is not valid for entry by air, for that you need the passport.

1/18/2019 2:48:53 PM

While most CBP officers are professional and courteous, I’ve encountered a fair number who were incompetent, disrespectful and outright abusive. They wield a lot of power over you and they know it. That’s one of the reasons I got a Global Entry card (when I could).

You seem to have encountered one of the bad examples. As a Canadian you may be eligible for a Nexus Card, that would allow you to bypass that whole process and there is no need to interact with any CBP officer. It will speed up your entry and provide peace of mind for travel.

Ironically my Global Entry interview was much simpler than the average CBP interaction. In contrast to a CBP officer, the interviewer has your entire information available and can make a decision much quicker.

2/21/2019 12:41:33 PM

Did he give you any paperwork about a ban? Quoting which section of USA immigration law? If he didn’t (which he likely couldn’t because it doesn’t exist) then there’s no ban. For all intents and purposes he was grouchy and was just blowing hot air and lecturing you how to live your life. Ignore him.

Immigration officers are vested with the power to deny you entry and the bans which follow (typically 5 years for Expedited Removal) are by law (and in the law books), not arbitrary. There’s nowhere I have seen that an immigration officer can just ban you for a period of time determined by him. This is a country of laws (at least most of the time).

On subsequent trips have all your documentation printed out showing your strong ties (which you mentioned) to your home country.

You don’t need a visa for anything. Unlike UK visas, USA visas only give you the opportunity to present yourself at the border/airport for admission to the country. You’re able to satisfy that with your Canadian passport.

A great suggestion by Phoog is to if possible fly through Abu Dhabi and go through preclearance. That is preemptive and reduces the chances of encountering such issues after a long flight.

Reference

Expedited Removal of Certain Applicants for Admission

The expedited removal order bars reentry for 5 years following the
removal, or 20 years in the case of a second or subsequent removal,
unless the alien obtains advance permission to reenter the United
States.

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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