Hockey Gold Helps Highlight Canada's Success In Sochi

How would Canadians sum up the Sochi Olympics? In just two words: hockey gold. The winter Olympics this year will be remembered for many things, however the most notable? The gold medals awarded to Canada in both men and women's ice hockey. Since the conclusion of the games, Canadians from every province have been celebrating non-stop. Yes, "We Are Winter" turned out to be pretty darn accurate! Now that the closing ceremonies are over and the dust has settled, it's time to take a look back at our proudest moments.... like how hockey gold has helped to highlight Canada's success in Sochi.

Hockey has always been an important part of life in Canada. Many of us have memories of playing on man-made ice rinks or watching games with our loved ones. So, it should come as no surprise that Canadians were thrilled with the outcome of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Things started off well with an assortment of medals being won by our athletes in new and old events alike. There were certainly many reasons to get excited! However, once the women's hockey team made the finals, things really started to get interesting. It was then that the Canadian players really proved themselves - and national pride went through the roof.

During that much talked about showdown between the Canadian and US women's hockey teams, the impossible happened. It was the third period and the US was leading 2-0. It seemed clear that there was silver in our future. Wrong! The Canadian team completely turned things around by scoring not one, but two goals in just a few short minutes. It took everyone by surprise in the best possible way. When the team won in overtime and snagged the gold medal for Canada, it was truly a moment for celebration. People all over the country discussed the game on social media and around the water cooler for days and days. From that game alone, it quickly became clear that Canada's success in Sochi was going to be measured by the success of our hockey teams.

With one gold under our belts, it was time for the men to prove themselves. They were facing Sweden in the finals...and there was one thing on everyone's mind: winning the gold medal. Countless men, women, and children across the country got up very early (and very eagerly) on a Sunday morning to watch it all unfold. From the moment the athletes stepped onto the ice, it became clear that the Canadian team was ready. They wanted to win that medal. Aiming to defend the title of Winter Olympic champs, the athletes went into it with all guns blazing. They played a solid game throughout, winning 3-0. It was a fantastic way for Canadians to celebrate the end of the Sochi Winter Olympics.

While another Olympic games has come and gone, Canadians are still talking about the success of our athletes in Sochi. It was downright impressive. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, the games this year were definitely memorable. And hey, those gold medals from the men and women's hockey teams certainly didn't hurt!

Julie Cammisa is proud of Canada's success in Sochi. As the owner of US Waiver Pardon Canada, she has helped clients with her professional experience and extensive knowledge of US Waivers and Canadian Pardons.

Have You Been Turned Away From the United States Border?

There is nothing worse than being turned away from the border. Imagine it...you've got your bags packed, your hotel reservations confirmed, and your plane ticket in hand. Everything is ready to go. Except the United States border patrol has denied you entry. Not only is this embarrassing and frustrating, but it can also be awfully confusing. A million thoughts are running through your head: Why has this happened? And what about your travel plans? If you've been turned away from the United States border, it's important to understand why - and how to prevent it from happening again in the future.
The first thing to do is determine why you have been denied entry. The Border Patrol may tell you on the spot why you are being turned away - or they may simply ask you to return home. It all depends on the situation. Whatever happens, try to remain calm. You don't want to make the situation worse in any way. Remember, causing a scene certainly won't help you get into the country. So, take a deep breath and start to think about why you may have been denied entry.
There are actually a number of reasons that you may be ineligible to cross the United States-Canadian border. The most common reason is having a criminal record. Have you been found guilty of a moral turpitude offence? (This is considered anything that goes against justice or strong morals.) If you have, then this may be why you cannot cross the border. Whether you have a criminal record in Canada or the United States, this can be enough to keep you out of the country. Since the terrorist attacks in 2001, security has become much stricter. That means that even if you were able to cross the border prior to that point, you may not be able to anymore. It is all up to the discretion of the border patrol officer.
Other reasons that you may have been turned away? If you have been found guilty of any crimes that are linked to prostitution or drugs, you will likely be considered ineligible. The United States border patrol takes drug offences very seriously, so be aware. If you have any possession or trafficking charges on your record, that is likely why you were denied entry. You may also have been turned away if you have a history of overstaying a work or travel visa. By law, Canadian citizens are able to spend up to six months each year in the United States. That is a total of 182 days within a twelve-month period. Any more than that and you have overstayed. Yes, it is actually possible for you to overstay without realizing it...so be careful!
How can you prevent being denied entry in the future? The most important thing to do is get a US Waiver. This document allows ineligible Canadian citizens to cross the United States-Canadian border legally. That means you won't be turned away again! In order to obtain this document, you will need to go through the application process. Keep in mind that there is an awful lot of working involved. You will need to fill out the application form, supply supporting documents, provide fingerprints and recent photos, and so on. To ensure that your application is filled out correctly, you may want to get a little professional help. Choose a company that specializes in US Waiver applications. They can help you present the strongest case possible, which will help you get back into the United States faster.
No one wants to be turned away from the border. If it's happened to you, make sure that it never happens again. Start your US Waiver application process as soon as possible. It can help you get your freedom back and let you travel with ease.
Julie Cammisa understands why people are turned away from the United States border. As the owner of US Waiver Pardon Canada, she has helped clients with her professional experience and extensive knowledge of US Waivers and Canadian Pardons.

3 Reasons You May Not Be Able to Cross the Border

There is nothing worse than being turned away at the border. You've spent half the day travelling only to be turned away partway through your trip! Not only can this be embarrassing, but it can also be confusing. Why have you been turned away? What should you do next? And what about your future travel plans?
To avoid experiencing this situation, you'll need to determine whether or not you are eligible to cross the United States-Canadian border. If you are, then great! Your travel plans should go off without a hitch. If you're not, then you will need to start looking into your options. Here are 3 reasons you may not be able to cross the border:
1) A Criminal Record
There are many reasons that you may be unable to cross the border into the United States. The most common reason, though, is having a criminal record. Simply having a criminal record in either Canada or the United States is enough to bar you access from the country. If you have been found guilty of a moral turpitude offence (which is a crime that goes against justice or strong morals), you may be turned away at the border. However, anything on your record may be enough of a reason. It all depends on the decision made by the US Immigration. Since the terrorist attacks in 2001, border security has been much stricter. That means even if you were able to cross the border in the past, you may be unable to do so now.
2) Offences Related to Drugs or Prostitution
The border patrol takes national security very seriously. So, if you have been found guilty of crimes related to drugs or prostitution, you may also be turned away at the United States-Canadian border. Drug offences may relate to either possession or trafficking charges.... and either may be enough for you to be ineligible to cross the border. The same goes for any links to prostitution. To travel with ease, it is essential that your record is squeaky clean.
3) Overstaying or Deportation
Another common reason for being unable to cross the border? Overstaying a work or travel visa - or a history of deportation. Let's start with deportation. If you have been deported from the United States in the past, all of that information is kept on file. If you try to return, the border patrol will be alerted. Why? You may be considered at risk for trying to sneak back into the country. The same can be said for overstaying. If you have overstayed in the United States with either a work or travel visa, you will be ineligible to return. This is true even if you overstay by accident (Canadian citizens can only spend up to six months, or 182 days, in the United States within a period of 12 months).
Before you give up completely, there is hope. Look into getting a US Waiver! This document gives Canadian citizens a second chance. It allows those with a criminal record to visit the United States, despite their past. To cross the border and re-gain your freedom, get a US Waiver! Find a professional in your area to make the application process simpler. When you can cross the border legally, you'll be glad you did.
Julie Cammisa understands why you may not be able to cross the border. As the owner of US Waiver & Pardon Canada, she has helped clients with her professional experience and extensive knowledge of US Waivers and Canadian Pardons.