Hurry Up and Wait…

It’s no surprise that government moves slowly. So, when going to a border crossing (Port of Entry) to submit any kind of application for approval (work, student, waiver), be sure to be equipped with:

• plenty of reading material;
• snacks, like granola bars, to hold back a growling stomach (eat before you go so a full stomach will give you energy);
• water;
• patience;
• a positive, optimistic attitude.

This is in addition to a fully completed application, preferably prepared and reviewed by a U.S. immigration attorney. Your attorney can accompany you to the border to represent you in case there are any problems or the officer has additional questions.

Don’t bring:

• any family or friends who shouldn’t accompany you (and especially if they have any criminal background or don’t have proper documentation);
• and a negative, entitlement attitude.

Regarding cell phones, you can bring them but use inside the waiting area is frowned upon. If you do have to use them, make sure you keep it on “vibrate” and talk quietly. Don’t stand up, walk around, or fling your arms in a demonstrative fashion!

There are certain times of day and days of the week that are better than others to go to a Port of Entry. The border is typically busy during normal business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Weekends are usually worse. Holidays (both U.S. and Canada) … forgetaboutit!! You could be waiting for 4 hours or more.

Border shifts are typically 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 4 p.m. to midnight, and midnight to 8 a.m. You don’t want to arrive just before a shift start, since the officer is less likely to review an application if they may have to stay later than their normal shift time.

If you need to go during the day, the earlier the better, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Remember, the border is open 24 hours a day, and there must be an officer present to adjudicate your case. Seriously, if you show up at 8 or 9 p.m., there may be no one waiting.