Tourist visa needed for Canada and re-entry to US for holders of valid I-94 but not US visa?

Question

Hi,

My parents have entered US with a valid US visa and got I94 valid for 6 months. Their visas expired 2 days later. We now consider taking a cruise to Alaska. Questions are

a) will they be able to avoid having Canadian visas if they don't leave ship in Canada?

b) will they be able to return back to US without problem on their valid I94?

thanks

Answer 1

Answer to Q-a is they need a Canadian Visa even if they are not getting down at any port in Canada. I am saying this because 2 weeks back my aunt and uncle who have a tourist US visa and No Canadian visa were not allowed to board the ship to Alaska from Seattle and they had to come back to San Jose and my cousin and family who have green card went on the cruise. The reason they were refused is even if you are not getting down, the ship sails on Canadian waters and hence the Visa.

Answer to Q-b -They will obviously face immigration issues since their Visa is expired and I-94 is invalid the moment you go out of the country since the folks at the port take your old I94 when you leave the country