Minimum age for crossing Canada US Border?

What is the procedure when crossing the US border from Canada to renew my work permit?

• Hi, I need some advice. I am currently in Canada on implied status (came here on a 1 year working holiday visa, which expired 6 weeks ago). I applied for an extension so I would be on implied status to buy me some time until my new 2nd year visa application came through. So my application has now been accepted, and I just have to leave Canada and re-enter to be issued the new visa/ work permit. I also just got a letter in the mail today from the Immigration office to tell me my visa extension application was refused (which I knew was going to happen anyway, I just applied to buy me extra time until the new one was issued). The thing is, I'm a ridiculous worrier, and I'm nervous about crossing over the border. I have no reason to be worried - I have no criminal record or anything (obviously, I just got a visa for Canada), but people have told me not to say to the US border police that my reason for entering the US is to renew my work permit (which is what I probably would have said) Apparently, if I was unfortunate enough to get an *** hole they could just refuse me entry (this is what I have been told). Then I know of people who have apparently just crossed over and literally turned back around?!! A Canadian friend is driving me over, and we are going to the border crossing at Point Roberts, WA (just south of Tsawwassen, BC) as it is near to us, and I am literally just crossing to get my visa renewed. We are going tomorrow evening btw. Someone told me that because my implied status is now expired I need to make the US border police aware of that so they can issue me a letter that I have left Canada (or something like that)?? So my questions are (and sorry about the big long essay): 1: Do I tell the US border police when crossing into the US that I am leaving Canada because my visa has expired, and I need to be reissued a new one - or do I say something like I am visiting someone/ shopping (as far as I know Point Roberts wouldn't really be a shopping destination)/ etc? 2: Do I need to be given a letter (or something) from the US border police to show I have left Canada now that my implied status/ visa is expired? Or do they automatically see this and give me/ do something themselves? 3: Has anyone been in a similar situation, and can tell me what to expect? I know this all might sound a little stupid - but I get extremely nervous at the sight of a cop stopping traffic, let alone an immigration border crossing! But at least if I know what to expect I'll look somewhat less like a terrorist! Thank you in advance for your answers! :)

• Answer:

  I am assuming you have already done this now, but border crossing is quite simple if you have no criminal record or complicating circumstances. You don't say which passport you will be using, so that might make a difference. I assume that you can use your passport to enter the US without a visa. I may be incorrect, but I did not think you needed to leave Canada to get your new work permit. In fact, I do not think it is a good idea to leave while your work permit is expired. Check what these sites say. I hope everything worked out ok. http://www.mcgill.ca/gps/postdocs/international/workpermit/leaving/ http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/extend-stay.asp