Year: 2018

The prohibition of cannabis in British Columbia and elsewhere in Canada has come to an end, and although the substance was legalized in the state of Washington as far back as 2012, taking it across international borders is still illegal. U.S. immigration laws are based on the fact that marijuana possession is against federal law. … Continue reading “US immigration: Jay Inslee asks B.C. cannabis users to be patient”

British Columbia individuals with extraordinary achievements or abilities need special visas to enter the United States. To comply with U.S. immigration laws, individuals who accompany these exceptionally talented people as assistants, and also their spouses and children, need special visas. These are classified as O nonimmigrant visas, and are subdivided according to the unique skills … Continue reading “US immigration visa requirements for those with special skills”

According to Statistics Canada, over 42 million Canadians, including many from British Columbia, made overnight or same-day trips to destinations south of the border in 2017. However, with the imminent legalization of the retail marijuana market, authorities are speculating over the problems this will pose for Canadians crossing the U.S. border. Under U.S. immigration and … Continue reading “US immigration: Marijuana vs. border agents”

There are various reasons why a Canadian citizen from British Columbia could be refused entry into the United States. However, anyone who does not require a visa under the U.S. immigration laws, and who is not approved for entry into the United States might be eligible to make an advance application for a temporary waiver … Continue reading “US immigration: Declared inadmissible — what now?”

NEXUS is a bi-national program that allows low-risk Canadian travellers who are preapproved to enter the U.S. at designated points of entry — land, air and marine ports. Lawful permanent residents of British Columbia or other Canadian provinces or territories are eligible to file applications for NEXUS membership. Juveniles who are not yet 18 years … Continue reading “US immigration: Reasons for ineligibility for NEXUS participation”