CANADA clearance

[releaseher]

Hey guys,

I think this might have been asked before in this forum, but i couldnt find it in the archives.

I have a cousin who wants to come fishing with our group up to Canada this June, but he has a DUI on his record from 4 years ago. At the sports show in MSP last weekend i guess he approached a Canada Border Patrol guy and was told "you aint fishing this year"--and was treated pretty poorly. He then talked to the resort that we are going to, and was told that there is a "50/50 chance" he makes it through no problem. This is a 5/6 hour drive and i am not sure that it is worth the risk. Do any of you guys have any more information, ideas? i feel like i know some people who are a little rough around the edges and probably dont have the cleanest records that fish north of the border almost every year...

Thanks a lot.

[Snizz]

Bring your passports and drivers license/state id's and cross at night and hope the border patrol guard is having a good day...

Prolly drive separate cars a few miles before you get to the border so he can drive home...

It's a crap shoot...good luck

[Cold Front]

It took me 9 hours at the border one time and a whole lotta talking and $120.00 but I got in. Every other time I've gotten across with no problem. I haven't been up for four years so whether or not it has gotten worse I don't know. I gotta believe with the down economy that they've relaxed a little, thier tourism from the US is still way down. I know you can get ahold of the consloate office and get an official waiver from the Canadien Government for a one time fee of about $150.00 that will get you in forever, it takes 4 or 5 months to get all the paperwork sorted out though.

[muskie921]

I have a phone # to call best to phone Canadian Immigration. There are to many factors that
weight in on getting approval to cross the CA border with a DWI. The phone #
is : 1-800-852-3968. They best can answer your questions.

[Ty Sennett]

Thanks muskie921. That sounds like the best option. I've got a few friends that could use that number.

[ryanmitchell]

I am one of those "rough around the edges" guys. When I was 17-18 I got into some trouble with the Law. I got caught up with the wrong crowd and made some poor choices. When I was 17, 4 "friends" and myself decided it would be fun to break into the local golf course pro shop. We stole candy bars, chips, golf balls and like $40 in cash. I got into trouble a couple times shortly thereafter and the prosecutor decided I was a bad seed and stuck me with the Felony. The other 4 got misdemeanors.

It has haunted me ever since. That was 15 years ago, I am 33 years old now.

A few years ago my Dad setup a week long trip to Totem Lodge in Canada for my 2 brothers, my Dad, a few of his buddies and me. We were so excited.

We drove up to International Falls, missed the entrance on accident and tried to enter at the Baudette crossing. They took all four of our IDs. After 20 or so minutes, they asked which one of you is Ryan. Knew that wasn't good. I was told I could not enter. Shocked and devastated, we quickly contemplated all options. Fish Minnesota, try again to go thru Int. Falls, or I bail and they carry on. I sucked it up, rented a car in International Falls, and drove back by myself thru the night to Madison. Suckiest day night of my life. My brothers and dad went on and of course had the trip of their lives fishing with the lures I picked out! Forgot to add that once we parted ways in Int. Falls, my brothers and Dad zipped right thru that Int. Falls crossing. The immigration officer did not even bat an eye! I spent my days off next to my apartment pool sulking. My brothers had a guide for the week that was included in the Lodge package and guess what his name was, Ryan!

A couple years ago I applied thru Canadian Immigration for a CanPass to cross over and do some walleye fishing in Saginacka(sp). I received a letter a couple weeks later saying I was denied.

My 2 brothers and I after getting a boat want to take on LOTW on our own this summer. At the beginning of the year I filled out the proper paperwork and submitted to Canadian immigration. A month ago I got a letter back saying I had not properly filled out the application and needed a more detailed explanation of the circumstances 15 years ago when I was getting into trouble. I resent all corrected paperwork a week ago, and now will wait for the decision.

Just thought I would share my story, as maybe it will help someone else fulfill a dream. We all make mistakes, hard to think trouble I got into as a minor would disallow me from satiating my fishing passion in canadian waters.

I have my fingers crossed! Wish me luck!! Ryan

If it were me, I would see what I could do to increase my odds of crossing rather than throwing my hopes into the hands of the Immigration Officer at the border who may have woke up on the wrong side of the bed.