BIRD TALK

4:00 a.m. – arrived at the U.S. Ambassador Bridge border crossing & advised the CBP officer that we had acquired provisional I-94s (can only be filed/paid for less than 7 days prior to entry) and were looking to secure the I-94s for our 4.5-month winter in Florida. He tagged our driver’s vehicle and advised us to head inside. At secondary inspection, they advised us to open the car and place the dog in the outside kennel, and they radioed officers inside that three people were entering. We entered and were advised to take a seat. (Fortunately, being early, no one else was there.) 4:10 – advised that my wife’s little dog was cold and, after asking if it was harmless, advised that she could retrieve it and bring it inside; radioed outside that she was coming out to get it (very thoughtful). 4:20 – the individual CBP I-94 officer came in the door and took his place at the counter. 4:26 – called us up. My wife went first; passport was reviewed with data entered; they fingerprinted and photographed her. (Advised them of her NEXUS card, however appeared irrelevant.) 4:30 – same process for me. Upon completion, handed us both of our passports which were stamped with B-2 visas for six months. Thanked all the officers and wished them a happy thanksgiving. Headed to the airport, arriving as planned at around 5:00 a.m. Two days later, checked on I94.com and found that our electronic I-94s were now current and indicated that we were permitted to be in the U.S. for six months from entry. In summary, the overall experience went quite well; very pleased that we gave ourselves adequate time and, being that early in the a.m., there was no one ahead of us. Could be stressful if it were busy, causing delays.

Marcel Asschert
Kingsville, ON

Ed.: Thank you for sharing that detailed experience with us. I think that we can all rest assured that the new rules and procedures are designed to keep the “bad guys” out and let the “good guys” in. I hope that you enjoyed your winter in the sun.