I am usually delayed at the Canadian border. What can be done?
Whenever I cross into Canada, I end up taking an extra ten or twenty minutes because there's some other American out there who has (A) the same first and last name as I do, and (B) a criminal record. That's not surprising; the USA has a population of almost 320 million people, and my first and last name are not uncommon.
When this becomes an issue, I have to speak calmly with Canadian border agents and explain that this other guy has a different middle name, different age, different social security number, etc, than I do. After a short discussion they invariably reach an understanding and wave me through. It's not that big a deal because I usually fly or take the train into Canada, and this processing delay always takes place at my destination city, well inside the country.
Next time, however, I have plans to take a bus. This means that my usual processing delay will take place at an actual border station in the middle of nowhere. Delay time will be arbitrarily subject to how many people are in the 'requires additional processing' group ahead of me, and whether or not the agents are at lunch. And if the delay takes too long, it's possible that the bus could leave without me. After all, bus drivers have schedules to keep.
My first question is: What happens then? What does one do if the border control people say "Welcome to Canada, sorry about the delay" just as one's bus is disappearing over the horizon?
My second question is: What can be done? Is there any way to speed up the approval process? Is there anyone in the CBSA that I can write a letter to, or any kind of form I can fill out to get my passport un-flagged?
I suspect very few people have actually experienced this. Thanks in advance for any relevant, knowledgeable replies.
Best Answer
Actually there is a simple thing you can do - get yourself a NEXUS card. As it says, it "allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing when entering the United States and Canada". While part of the expediting means you can use dedicated lanes at borders, a NEXUS card also shows border guards that you have already been cleared, and is evidence that you are not the guy on their list. Show it at the border whenever you cross.
Pictures about "I am usually delayed at the Canadian border. What can be done?"
Why is Canada Post taking so long?
Unprecedented parcel volumes combined with new safety protocols, reduced international flights, and pandemic measures worldwide are creating delays for customers.How do I contact the Canadian Border Service?
contact@cbsa.gc.ca....Telephone:How long does it take to get through customs at the Canadian border?
Generally, customs officers will visit multiple sites during the day and process their releases in the afternoon. The process can take anywhere from 12-48 hours and even longer during high traffic periods.How long are the wait times at the Canadian border?
U.S. to Canada border wait timesCustoms OfficeCommercial Flow - Canada boundTravellers Flow - Canada boundPacific Highway Surrey, BC/Blaine, WA Last updated: 2022-06-17 15:10 PDT26 minutes20 minutesDouglas (Peace Arch) Surrey, BC/Blaine, WA Last updated: 2022-06-17 15:10 PDTNot applicable53 minutes23 more rows⚠️ WARNING: MAJOR DELAYS AT CANADIAN BORDER
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