A medical graduate and spouse, both International Medical Graduates (IMGs), faced repeated denials while attempting to enter the United States on valid B1/B2 visas. The couple had been invited to attend short medical observerships but were stopped each time by border officials.
First Denial at US-Canada Border
Their first attempt took place at the US-Canada border in Michigan. Despite holding valid visitor visas and presenting official letters from the clinic, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer accused them of visa misuse after prolonged questioning and denied them entry.
Second Attempt Ends in Threat
The couple tried again through Detroit, but officers flagged their earlier denial and accused them of “border hopping.” This time, they were threatened with a potential five-year ban, leaving them deeply anxious about future travel.
Wife Flagged as “High Risk”
When the wife later attempted to travel alone by air, her passport was flagged, and both were marked as “high risk” travellers. She was stopped from boarding, forcing the couple to abandon their plans entirely.
Professional Setback for IMGs
The IMG explained that missing observerships seriously impacts residency eligibility in the US. These observerships are vital for building experience and securing medical placements, and repeated denials now put their future J-1 visa applications at risk.
Growing Concerns for Visitors
The case highlights the uncertainty many Canadian-based IMGs face under current US immigration policies. With border officers exercising wide discretion, many professionals are being forced to seek alternative routes as visa entry rules grow increasingly inconsistent.
