Which would be better...

[Eric Parker]

When the time to "Land" comes, which is better to do?

1. Airport or Land Border Crossing?

2. If Land Border Crossing - Peace Arch to Vancouver, Laurier WA crossing to Cranbrook, or Eastport ID crossing to Crowsnest Pass (in other words, do I go to the more popluar crossing or do I go to the lesser known (and less traffic congested) crossings)?

3. In any case, would they allow me to settle up in Canada for a couple of weeks, then come back to the US to pick up the rest of my stuff (the 'goods to follow' route)? Even though they would be sending to me my PR card to my new Canada address, would I have to wait for my PR card to show up to get my stuff, or would they have something for me to show in lieu of a PR card (temporarily, of course) for me to return to the US to get my items after settling for two weeks or so?

 

[mitamata]

As you're an US citizen, you shouldn't have any problems driving across the border without a PR card, especially if you had your COPR with you (which you should). My mother-in-law's been doing it for years. I doubt you'd have any problems with an airline either.

Not sure which landing to recommend. I landed at Vancouver airport and the whole thing was very painless - took some 10, 15 minutes, most of that time was spent checking the forms while I waited. I got there at 5 pm in the afternoon and there was only one family landing there before me, so there was no waiting time.

 

[Suin]

but if you are from the country that requires visa, you cannot leave until you get PR card

 

[rjessome]

but if you are from the country that requires visa, you cannot leave until you get PR card

Not true. You can have your PR card sent to you by a family member or friend when it has been sent by CIC or you can apply for a travel document from the Canadian embassy in the country where you are located.

 

[PMM]

Hi

When the time to "Land" comes, which is better to do?

1. Airport or Land Border Crossing?

2. If Land Border Crossing - Peace Arch to Vancouver, Laurier WA crossing to Cranbrook, or Eastport ID crossing to Crowsnest Pass (in other words, do I go to the more popluar crossing or do I go to the lesser known (and less traffic congested) crossings)?

3. In any case, would they allow me to settle up in Canada for a couple of weeks, then come back to the US to pick up the rest of my stuff (the 'goods to follow' route)? Even though they would be sending to me my PR card to my new Canada address, would I have to wait for my PR card to show up to get my stuff, or would they have something for me to show in lieu of a PR card (temporarily, of course) for me to return to the US to get my items after settling for two weeks or so?

The only border office with Immigration services in South East BC is Kingsgate and only from 8-Midnight.

PMM

 

[Suin]

but if you are from the country that requires visa, you cannot leave until you get PR card

Not true. You can have your PR card sent to you by a family member or friend when it has been sent by CIC or you can apply for a travel document from the Canadian embassy in the country where you are located.

they don't recommend you to travel, especially if you do not have anyone to receive a PR card for you. also in Visa Office abroad it takes time to apply and receive a travel document. these are not my words - words from experts

 

[Eric Parker]

Thanks PMM. I would assume Kingsgate is the one next to Eastport ID.

Would you know any data of the crossings to Alberta? I assume Coots is 24/7 (being it is the endpoint of US Interstate 15)?

 

[PMM]

Hi

Thanks PMM. I would assume Kingsgate is the one next to Eastport ID.

Would you know any data of the crossings to Alberta? I assume Coots is 24/7 (being it is the endpoint of US Interstate 15)?

1. Coutts is 24/7 but Carway has limited hours for Immigration.

PMM