A Canadian was recently denied a weekend visit from Toronto to NY due to two previous overstays for about a year.
- What is the the penalty for this overstay?
- How does he correct this so the next planned weekend doesn't get denied?
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3it's my understanding that this is permanent. It was for my uncle, anyway. I recommend you contact a US consulate for advice specific to your situation.– Kate GregoryCommented Sep 24, 2014 at 14:26
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How the [....] do you overstay for a year? O.O– Burhan KhalidCommented Sep 24, 2014 at 14:56
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1Doesn't answer my question he was engaged to a US citizen planning on marrying. He overstayed by 1 year. Not so hard to believe. He was not working.– Carrie ZieglerCommented Sep 24, 2014 at 15:07
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fascinating, I don't know how you'd correct that problem. I bet, there are sub-specialities of immigration attorneys who take care of this.– FattieCommented Sep 24, 2014 at 15:28
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Did he overstay with more or less than one year (here, the exact duration of the overstay is relevant). When did he overstay? Did he leave the US voluntarily before the institution of removal proceedings?– Tor-Einar JarnbjoCommented Sep 24, 2014 at 15:45
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2 Answers
On his previous entries when he overstayed, did he receive an I-94 (paper or electronic) upon entry? Canadian visitors are usually not given I-94s. One generally only starts accruing "unlawful presence" after staying beyond the date on the I-94. If he did not get an I-94 (as is usual for Canadian visitors), then he does not automatically accrue "unlawful presence" even if he overstays. If he has no unlawful presence, then he has no ban. (There is a 3-year or 10-year ban for accruing 180 days or 1 year, respectively, of "unlawful presence", and then departing the U.S.)
Just because he has no ban does not mean they have to let him in. It just means he is not automatically denied entry. But the immigration officer at the border always has the discretion to deny entry to a visitor, especially one who has overstayed in the past. Since he has no ban, he does not file a waiver (because there is no ban to "waive"). He can just hope that they will let him in. There is no way to guarantee him entry.
answered Sep 26, 2014 at 5:54
The penalty for an overstay of six months to a year is a ban on entry for 3 years. The penalty for more than a year is a ban on entry for 10 years. That's why it's important to be precise about the time of overstay. I don't know how a second offence would be viewed. You can apply for a waiver of this period, but with two offences I wouldn't hold out much hope.
Your friend should probably be reconciled to staying home for a while, or if that's not possible, getting professional legal advice.
answered Sep 24, 2014 at 16:20
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2It's not "overstay"; it's "unlawful presence". Canadian visitors generally do not get an I-94 with a date when entering, and do not automatically accrue unlawful presence. Commented Sep 24, 2014 at 21:12