Crossing the Canadian Border - Who's done it?

[93LXHORSE]

My current job is going to require travel to many places outside the country, including Canada. I do not have a clean background, and my research shows me I am going to need to apply for "rehabilitation" at the border before being allowed in. I should qualify, based on passage of time for some things in the 90s, it's the more recent 2011 item I am concerned about.

I know I need some documents, and need to plan to spend some time and perhaps some money. For the most part, I have the documents I'm going to need, and of course I have a Passport....... but who has been through any crossing at all..... and what was your experience? Especially if you've had to explain any type of priors?

Thanks!

[MattB]

Are you going to be doing it in a car, or airport? I've done it in a commercial vehicle and a motorhome, and holy shit what a pain in the ass! It was mainly documenting everything I was taking with me, and making sure nothing more/less came back with me.(unless I wanted to be taxed heavily). If you are going to be bringing a bunch of tools and work related items, you will probably be questioned about that. I can't say much about the criminal background aspect of it. I'd do a lot of googling!

[yellowstang]

I know where this farm is on the border, they have a barn with an underground parking facility, and several row boats. Once you get to the other side, they will transport you to town and drop you off, so you'd be on your own to figure out how to get around. Let me know if you want someone to contact you from there.

[95DRGT]

Here now and Canada sucks. We had to get letters from our company inviting us in from the Canadain DC and another letter from our corporate office stating we have health care and money and what be needing any government services.
Also we also tell customs we are here for 'meetings' not working.

[bcoop]

I've been twice, and didn't apply for "rehabilitation". I wasn't aware of that and it never came up. It was all air travel fwiw.

[talisman]

I've driven through it 4 times at British Columbia and Alaska. Had no problems, but i've never been arrested either. The border guards were friendly, asked me a few questions, especially at the Washington/ BC border. I raised her eyebrows when I told her I didn't know how long I would be in the country, but she seemed satisfied when I told her I was driving to Alaska. The guy at the Alaska border asked if I had any knives, and I told him I had a folding one in my suitcase and could show it to him. He just waved me on through. That was also at 4am and I was the only person for miles.

[Cooter]

Alaska asked if you had KNIVES!??! LOL

[KBScobravert]

I have flown into Vancouver without much of an inquisition. I have had a couple friends denied entry for DUI and other crimes when driving in. My stepdad got arrested driving in when he failed to disclose a firearm...he misses that S&W .357 now.

[talisman]

Alaska asked if you had KNIVES!??! LOL

British Columbia did, leaving Alaska on the way back. LOL I think it was one of those typical fishing cop lines "Do you have any nuclear warheads, heroin, guns, knives..." etc iirc, and I just laughed and told him about the knife.

[Cooter]

ahh... I thought Alaska asked

[Ruffdaddy]

I've been in and out of canada several times both flying and driving. Mosty for work, once for vacation. Never was it difficult, just tell them why you're there. I ALWAYS said it was a meeting so it was understood I wasn't taking any jobs and was employed. Not sure how a criminal background plays into that...but it was always easy and straightforward.

[93LXHORSE]

I am up in Michigan with a co-worker and he's training me. I will continue to shadow him on machine installations for several months. He told me be prepared to travel anywhere in the world. Then he said that Canada had been troubling for a previous employee several years back because he had a felony. Upon arrival at the border, a check of his background revealed that felony and he was not allowed in.

All other paperwork needed to get in for our work is supplied by the company and was learned the yard way... years ago one guy was there to work, but simply said he was on vacation there... but he was carrying tools, parts, company laptop, etc. The laptop was gone through by the border patrol and enough info was gleaned to discover that he was told to say he was there for vacation so he'd just pass right through (Sometimes Canada thinks Americans are taking work away from them by coming up there to perform jobs and they won't let you in just because they don't feel like it that day.) Since he lied, he was turned away simply for lying.

My coworker has crossed over 100 times, and he tells me that each time (since it's always for work) it's a different requirement as far as required for entry, above and beyond a passport. Different border agent, different scenario. Delay for hours sometimes, sometimes get right in.

My research tells me that with a felony conviction even 15 years ago, it's a HUGE pain in the ass and a variety of things can occur. So.... I am trying to get ahead of the curve and see what I need to do, so I will be prepared if they want to send me there.

The other thing is I am going to need to discuss the issue with my boss so he won't be blindsided by it. My coworker says the worst that may happen to me is they'll just send me to Dubai instead, or Italy... or Panama, or Japan.... there could be worse consequences I suppose.

[Sean88gt]

Well, not many discussions about voting or legal gun ownership in here, so I'll just back out.

[SonicblueGT03]

Things sure have changed since the late 70's/early 80's. We road tripped up to Michigan to see Bob Seger play at Cobo Hall and while we were there that week, we crossed probably 10 times to check out the Canadian strip club scene. At least half of those trips back into this country, the check point wasn't even staffed after 2 a.m. Good times!

[93LXHORSE]

even President Bush had to file special paperwork to cross the border by air or by vehicle because of his prior DUI. True story... its in all of the Google searches I've done in relation to this matter I am looking into for myself.