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US customs

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Ozsail, Feb 5, 2007.

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  1. Ozsail, Feb 5, 2007
    #1
    Ozsail

    Ozsail New Member

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    Hi,

    I was trying to travel to the US from Canada for a job interview which i didnt mention but was not allowed in.

    Im going back tmr morn but now I have a letter of employment and also an onward ticket to Bahamas.

    Which would be the best angle to go in on the letter of employment?

    Or the im moving on to the Bahamas route?

    Thanks for any help
  2. Ozsail, Feb 5, 2007
    #2
    Ozsail

    Ozsail New Member

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    Btw

    Forgot to say Im travelling on a Canadian passport
  3. yotphix, Feb 5, 2007
    #3
    yotphix

    yotphix New Member

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    Can't say if it's the best thing or not but I always tell the US immigration folks exactly what I am doing when I enter to join the boat (with my Canadian Passport). I have never had any problems or even had to show the papers I always carry. I'm told you should have a letter of employment, a copy of the vessels registry (foreign I hope!), a copy of the cruising permit and a crew list with your name and position on it. As I said though, I have never been asked to show them in the last 7 or 8 entries. Usually the immigration folks are politely curious about the yacht and want to know if the owner is anyone famous!
    I do occasionally get stamped with a B1 visa stamp (meaningless without the visa!) and fill out an I-94.
    Good Luck! Although they can prevent you if they feel like it or if you give them a reason not to like you, you are doing nothing illegal by going to work on a foreign flagged vessel.
  4. Ozsail, Feb 5, 2007
    #4
    Ozsail

    Ozsail New Member

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    Thanks

    Thanks Yotphix,

    It is a foreign flagged vessel I think the reason i didnt get in last time was I had a big night previously and probably looked a bit scruffy combined with the wrong agent and thats it a bad combo.

    Cheers for the info Im feeling more at ease.

    Paul
  5. yotphix, Feb 5, 2007
    #5
    yotphix

    yotphix New Member

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    Too true! Agent in a bad mood can be tough entering any country!
    Good luck with the new boat!
  6. Ken Bracewell, Feb 6, 2007
    #6
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    Look them in the eye

    Having lived on a border town most of my childhood I became a pro at crossing through customs/immigration checkpoints.

    Best Tip- NO SUNGLASSES take them off and look them directly in the eye.

    Be pleasant and prepared to kiss their @$$es
  7. Talon, Feb 8, 2007
    #7
    Talon

    Talon Senior Member

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    Don't overdo the mints!!