Canadian overstay in the us. Any suggestions appreciated Immigration forums for visa, green card, visitors insurance, OCI and more (2024)

Canadian overstay in the us. Any suggestions appreciated Immigration forums for visa, green card, visitors insurance, OCI and more (2)

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  • jsuelin

    Member

    • Jul 2020
    • 1

    #1

    Canadian overstay in the us. Any suggestions appreciated

    Question for Canadians or U.S citizens that may have been through something similar.

    I'm from New York. I fell in love with a women from Canada. She visited July 2014. Went back after 2 weeks.
    She then came back a month later and stayed 5 months then went back December 23rd 2014 and returned January 3rd 2015.

    The plan was to get married and request adjustment of status. Then her grandmother got really sick in August 2017 and she returned to say her goodbyes.

    We checked her travel records online. It only shows her arrivals in the US. Doesn't show any departures. She claims in august they never scanned her passport.

    How would she have a 3-10 year ban if the Canadian border never scanned her passport? How would the United States know she left or not?

    If she is banned. Is there any way to petition her back if I marry her in Canada?

    Any suggestions would be appreciated.

    flyingtogether.ual.com

    I have heard stories of Canadians not receiving automatic bans for over stays. Some say it's up to the border agents to allow entry or force a ban?

    Last edited by jsuelin; 07-12-2020, 07:26 AM.Reason: Spelling

    Tags:None

      • R78

        Senior Member

        • Jun 2019
        • 731

        #2

        Biometric passports only work when opened / in close proximity to the CBP agent
        Global Entry / Nexus / Sentri cards can be scanned within 25 feet of the CBP booth when removed from the sleeve.
        Passports are not scanned when exiting the US
        Entry scans into Canada (for Canadian Citizens) is currently not shared with US authorities.
        So it is safe to assume that they do not have that information.
        Note: If she is ever asked by a border agent if she overstayed, she should not lie.

        Opinion only. Cannot be construed as legal advice.

        Comment

        • Tibwa

          Senior Member

          • May 2020
          • 207

          #3

          I am confused. Are you saying each time she left the US, the Canadian immigration border agent does not stamp her passport? when you cross a border, an agent always stamps your passport regardless if you are a citizen or not. At least that is how it always worked for me. I travel to Canada US and I am a citizen of a 3rd country. The always stamp my passport at the port of entry.

          05/08/20: I-485, I-765, I-131, I-944 sent to USCIS
          05/13 Rejected due to lack of I-864
          05/27 resubmitted with explanation
          06/03 Rejected again-same reason
          06/13 Resubmitted with I-864
          07/07 Lockbox emailed back and ask to resubmit
          07/09 Filings accepted with PD 05/08/20 (nice)
          08/06 Prior biometrics applied to I485
          08/28 Took biometrics for I-765 only
          09/28 I-765's Cards Ordered
          10/02 EAD/AP received
          04/12 Interview Sched
          05/11 Interview done approval on the spot but no USCIS update online

          Comment

          • R78

            Senior Member

            • Jun 2019
            • 731

            #4

            Are you saying each time she left the US, the Canadian immigration border agent does not stamp her passport?
            >>> That is correct. Citizens of the US and Canada almost always "never" receive a stamp on their passport when entering by land. This is done to save passport pages. Can you imagine all those US citizens who travel to canada for work on a weekly basis ? If they received an entry / exit stamp each time, they would be spending $110 for a passport every six months

            when you cross a border, an agent always stamps your passport regardless if you are a citizen or not.
            >>> Not when traveling by sea. Recently, even some airports have installed computer systems that track entry / exit and therefore passport stamps are no longer required.

            At least that is how it always worked for me. I travel to Canada US and I am a citizen of a 3rd country. The always stamp my passport at the port of entry.
            >>> Yes, because you are a citizen of a third country and they want to make sure you do not overstay your visit (that's how they track you)
            Citizens of the US and Canada, when crossing borders are asked to show their passports, only asked a few questions (if the agent wants to) and let in

            Opinion only. Cannot be construed as legal advice.

            Comment

            • R78

              Senior Member

              • Jun 2019
              • 731

              #5

              Originally posted by R78View Post

              Are you saying each time she left the US, the Canadian immigration border agent does not stamp her passport?
              >>> That is correct. Citizens of the US and Canada almost always "never" receive a stamp on their passport when entering by land. This is done to save passport pages. Can you imagine all those US citizens who travel to canada for work on a weekly basis ? If they received an entry / exit stamp each time, they would be spending $110 for a passport every six months

              when you cross a border, an agent always stamps your passport regardless if you are a citizen or not.
              >>> Not when traveling by sea. Recently, even some airports have installed computer systems that track entry / exit and therefore passport stamps are no longer required.
              I MEANT LAND OR SEA

              At least that is how it always worked for me. I travel to Canada US and I am a citizen of a 3rd country. The always stamp my passport at the port of entry.
              >>> Yes, because you are a citizen of a third country and they want to make sure you do not overstay your visit (that's how they track you)
              Citizens of the US and Canada, when crossing borders are asked to show their passports, only asked a few questions (if the agent wants to) and let in

              Opinion only. Cannot be construed as legal advice.

                • Likes1

                Comment

                • newacct

                  Senior Member

                  • Mar 2012
                  • 6622

                  #6

                  Whether she has a ban or not is a matter of law, based on the facts. It is not dependent on whether they "know" or not. Even if the CBP officer lets her in, that does not mean she does not have a ban -- they could have let her in in error. If she manages to get let in, and applies for Adjustment of Status, she would have to honestly answer the questions on the form, including whether she has ever violated the terms of her status, and whether she has left the US after accruing 180 days of unlawful presence. (Obviously she cannot lie.) Even if the officer lets her in, that does not somehow absolve her of the ban if she has one, and if she has a ban based on the facts, USCIS will find her ineligible for AOS until the ban is over or it is waived. If she does Consular Processing in Canada, she will have to similarly answer questions on the immigrant visa application about her previous stays in the US, and they will find her ineligible for the visa until the ban is over or it is waived.

                  The ban does not apply differently for Canadians. There is one potential technicality regarding "unlawful presence" that may apply for Canadians, where if they were not issued an I-94, it is equivalent to being issued an I-94 with "D/S", which means that they do not automatically start accruing unlawful presence on any date. However, these days, I-94s from entry are electronic, so just because she didn't get a piece of I-94 paper doesn't mean she didn't get an I-94. I believe that, in most cases, even land entries of Canadians generate an electronic I-94 these days.

                  Last edited by newacct; 07-09-2020, 10:50 PM.

                  This is my personal opinion and is not to be construed as legal advice.

                  Comment

                  • Tibwa

                    Senior Member

                    • May 2020
                    • 207

                    #7

                    Originally posted by R78View Post

                    Everything you said makes sense. But how do the US government tracks overstaying Canadians? By the way, ain't nobody tracking me. I have been legally "overstaying" in the Country for over 19 years :-). I received notice of my I-485 receipt today. in between I have all types of status :F-1, OPT, H1Bs and TPSs.

                    05/08/20: I-485, I-765, I-131, I-944 sent to USCIS
                    05/13 Rejected due to lack of I-864
                    05/27 resubmitted with explanation
                    06/03 Rejected again-same reason
                    06/13 Resubmitted with I-864
                    07/07 Lockbox emailed back and ask to resubmit
                    07/09 Filings accepted with PD 05/08/20 (nice)
                    08/06 Prior biometrics applied to I485
                    08/28 Took biometrics for I-765 only
                    09/28 I-765's Cards Ordered
                    10/02 EAD/AP received
                    04/12 Interview Sched
                    05/11 Interview done approval on the spot but no USCIS update online

                    Comment

                    • Tibwa

                      Senior Member

                      • May 2020
                      • 207

                      #8

                      Originally posted by newacctView Post

                      Whether she has a ban or not is a matter of law, based on the facts. It is not dependent on whether they "know" or not. Even if the CBP officer lets her in, that does not mean she does not have a ban -- they could have let her in in error. If she manages to get let in, and applies for Adjustment of Status, she would have to honestly answer the questions on the form, including whether she has ever violated the terms of her status, and whether she has left the US after accruing 180 days of unlawful presence. (Obviously she cannot lie.) Even if the officer lets her in, that does not somehow absolve her of the ban if she has one, and if she has a ban based on the facts, USCIS will find her ineligible for AOS until the ban is over or it is waived. If she does Consular Processing in Canada, she will have to similarly answer questions on the immigrant visa application about her previous stays in the US, and they will find her ineligible for the visa until the ban is over or it is waived.

                      The ban does not apply differently for Canadians. There is one potential technicality regarding "unlawful presence" that may apply for Canadians, where if they were not issued an I-94, it is equivalent to being issued an I-94 with "D/S", which means that they do not automatically start accruing unlawful presence on any date. However, these days, I-94s from entry are electronic, so just because she didn't get a piece of I-94 paper doesn't mean she didn't get an I-94. I believe that, in most cases, even land entries of Canadians generate an electronic I-94 these days.

                      Cannot she verify her online I-94s? My last I-94 dated May 2005. It was the paper one. I have never left ever since :-) but I am legal though.

                      05/08/20: I-485, I-765, I-131, I-944 sent to USCIS
                      05/13 Rejected due to lack of I-864
                      05/27 resubmitted with explanation
                      06/03 Rejected again-same reason
                      06/13 Resubmitted with I-864
                      07/07 Lockbox emailed back and ask to resubmit
                      07/09 Filings accepted with PD 05/08/20 (nice)
                      08/06 Prior biometrics applied to I485
                      08/28 Took biometrics for I-765 only
                      09/28 I-765's Cards Ordered
                      10/02 EAD/AP received
                      04/12 Interview Sched
                      05/11 Interview done approval on the spot but no USCIS update online

                      Comment

                      • R78

                        Senior Member

                        • Jun 2019
                        • 731

                        #9

                        Originally posted by TibwaView Post

                        Everything you said makes sense. But how do the US government tracks overstaying Canadians?
                        >>> A country that spends Over $70 Billion in intelligence can track people of interest if there is a need to. Credit card purchases, facial recognition cameras at the border, gas stations etc, RFID chips in documents.
                        It could all start with a traffic or CBP stop, questions get asked, intelligence can be shared between countries on a case by case basis etc.

                        By the way, ain't nobody tracking me.
                        >>> How do you know that ?

                        I have been legally "overstaying" in the Country for over 19 years :-). I received notice of my I-485 receipt today. in between I have all types of status :F-1, OPT, H1Bs and TPSs.
                        >>> Yes, as long as you are legal / not overstaying / respect the terms of the visa waiver, you won't have any issues. This applies to all non resident & resident foreign nationals.

                        Opinion only. Cannot be construed as legal advice.

                        Comment

                        • Tibwa

                          Senior Member

                          • May 2020
                          • 207

                          #10

                          Originally posted by R78View Post

                          By the way, ain't nobody tracking me.
                          >>> How do you know that ?

                          With a simple search, everybody knows everyone. ********, Google, twitter and IG have everything on me and even better data than the government. And yes, USCIS knows everything that needs to know about me. I know I am not being track because I am a pretty layman, work hard, pay my bills, take care my kids and stay out of trouble ( oh well I have a couple of trafic ticketCanadian overstay in the us. Any suggestions appreciated Immigration forums for visa, green card, visitors insurance, OCI and more (13). I am from a shi**t hole country, we are pretty decent and taking care our simple daily business.

                          I understand that it is up to the applicant to prove that he/she maintained a lawful presence in the country. My point if immigration does not issue proper tracking documents, it may be she/he says types of case. AND YES people lie to immigration all the times and they get away with it because the current system is pretty flaw.

                          Since I have been working legally in the country since 2003 after getting my masters, both immigration and I have the papers. Immigration is the one that issues these papers. This is how I know they have my track record.

                          05/08/20: I-485, I-765, I-131, I-944 sent to USCIS
                          05/13 Rejected due to lack of I-864
                          05/27 resubmitted with explanation
                          06/03 Rejected again-same reason
                          06/13 Resubmitted with I-864
                          07/07 Lockbox emailed back and ask to resubmit
                          07/09 Filings accepted with PD 05/08/20 (nice)
                          08/06 Prior biometrics applied to I485
                          08/28 Took biometrics for I-765 only
                          09/28 I-765's Cards Ordered
                          10/02 EAD/AP received
                          04/12 Interview Sched
                          05/11 Interview done approval on the spot but no USCIS update online

                          Comment

                          • R78

                            Senior Member

                            • Jun 2019
                            • 731

                            #11

                            Awesome !

                            Opinion only. Cannot be construed as legal advice.

                            Comment

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                            Canadian overstay in the us. Any suggestions appreciated 
		
		Immigration forums for visa, green card, visitors insurance, OCI and more (2024)

                            FAQs

                            What happens if a Canadian citizen overstays in the US? ›

                            The U.S. Immigration & Nationality Act essentially states that you will have a 3-year ban if you overstay your time in the country by more than 181 days and less than 1 year. However, you are subject to a 1-year ban if you overstay 1 year or more!

                            Can I come back to Canada after overstaying? ›

                            Re-entry into Canada may be prohibited for a predetermined amount of time if you overstay. The prohibition's length is determined by several variables, including the circ*mstances behind the overstay and its duration.

                            What happens if I overstay my tourist visa in the USA? ›

                            Overstaying a visa can have long-reaching effects on a person's ability to travel to the US again. For those who overstay for more than 180 days but less than a year, they face a ban from returning to the US for three years. If someone overstays by more than a year, that ban extends to a whopping ten years.

                            Is it easier to get a green card in the USA or Canada? ›

                            A. Contrary to popular opinion, it is much easier to immigrate to Canada than to USA. In general, USA immigration is employment based which means the easiest and fastest way to enter the USA is via a work permit. After that, an applicant can “adjust their status” for permanent residence.

                            What happens if a Canadian stays in the U.S. for more than 180 days? ›

                            If they happen to overstay these 180 days, the additional time spent could be counted as unlawful presence and could harm any eventual U.S. visa and green card immigration applications down the line.

                            Can an overstay be forgiven? ›

                            Overstay Forgiveness Eligibility

                            You may be able to obtain a waiver if you were deemed inadmissible in the following situations: You are applying for temporary protected status. You are outside the U.S., you applied for an Immigrant, K, or V nonimmigrant visa.

                            How does immigration know if you overstayed? ›

                            The I-94 form, whether paper-based or electronic, is a critical tool in tracking arrivals and departures. It records a visitor's entry date, visa status, and the date by which they must exit the U.S. Immigration authorities use this data to identify individuals who overstay their visas.

                            Can I apply for green card after overstaying? ›

                            Applying for a Green Card Through Family After a Visa Overstay. One of the only ways to apply for a Green Card after a visa overstay is through a family member who is a U.S. citizen, this includes spouses and in certain situations parents or children.

                            Will I be deported if I overstay? ›

                            Immigration Consequences: Overstaying can severely affect your chances of obtaining future visas or immigration benefits, like a green card or citizenship. It may lead to removal proceedings, potentially resulting in a deportation order and a ban from re-entering the USA for a specific period.

                            How to fix an overstayed visa? ›

                            By filing the Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status, and other required forms in a single package, intending immigrants give U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) everything necessary to process the case and make a decision as soon as possible.

                            What is immigration forgiveness? ›

                            A request for forgiveness is a procedure in which we ask the government to forgive us for any violation of immigration laws that we have committed in order to obtain residency or maintain residency.

                            Can Canadians apply for a US green card? ›

                            Even if you entered as a “non-controlled Canadian,” you can still apply for a green card (permanent residency). Common pathways include: Marriage to a U.S. citizen: File USCIS forms I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and I-485 (Adjustment of Status).

                            How fast can a Canadian citizen get a US green card? ›

                            The length of time it takes to get a green card varies depending on several factors, including the type of application you are submitting and USCIS processing times. A marriage green card or spousal visa, for example, can take anywhere from 13.5–40 months.

                            How much does it cost for a Canadian to get a US green card? ›

                            Green Card Costs
                            Mandatory Government Fees for Green Cards
                            State Department ProcessingNot required$325
                            USCIS Immigrant FeeNot required$235
                            Medical Examination*Varies*Varies
                            Total$3005$1340
                            7 more rows

                            How long are Canadian citizens allowed to stay in the US? ›

                            Canadian visitors are generally granted a stay in the U.S. for up to six months at the time of entry. Requests to extend or adjust a stay must be made prior to expiry to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.

                            Can you go to jail for overstaying in the US? ›

                            How severely you are punished depends on how long you overstayed a visa: 180 days to one year: You will not be allowed to enter the United States again for three years. One year or more: You will not be able to obtain a visa for 10 years. You could also face fines and jail time for ignoring a final order of removal.

                            What happens if a Canadian stays out of Canada for more than 6 months? ›

                            In actual fact, you can be absent from Canada as long as you want. The Canadian government recognizes that citizens may travel extensively, work or study abroad. You will always maintain your Canadian citizenship. What absentia may affect is your Canadian health care coverage and income tax.

                            How long can a Canadian stay in the US without paying taxes? ›

                            If you plan to stay in the United States for less than six months, you don't have to worry about paying any taxes. If you stay longer than that, you'll have to file tax forms with the IRS. Here's how to figure out whether you're liable to pay taxes as a Canadian citizen to the United States.

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