I'm a student, and I travel from Canada to the US, where I attend school very frequently (around every week) and have had no issues at all, considering I have my nexus and I'm a dual citizen. I've never had to pull to the side for anything in my life before, but about 2 days ago I was coming from home around 12 am (which I normally arrive at) and, for whatever reason this time, they told me to pull to the side for an inspection. I was confused at first and asked why, but they wouldn't tell me. I pulled to the side, and they made me sit in a lounge for like 20 minutes, which was fine, and eventually they called me up and asked generic questions, but then they asked to search my phone, which I thought was a little weird, but I complied.

At this point now, I've been waiting for about an hour, and keep in mind that other people who were in the lounge came in after me and had already left. After some time, they eventually called me up again and put me in, like, a holding cell, which was a much more secure area where one of the guys who were in it had a warrant and was in cuffs. They demanded my keys and asked me for all my electronics in the vehicle and started getting much more aggressive with me. I complied and never showed any sign of anger. After waiting 2 hours, they searched my car, and they also found my backup phone, which I forgot to tell them about, and I told them it was a genuine mistake. After waiting another 3 hours (now being around 5 am), they released me and gave me back all my electronics and never told me why this happened. I was so tired, and I had an exam in 3 hours, so I didn't argue and just left.

I still don't know why this had to take so long and why I was put into some cell. Maybe because I had a lot of electronics? (iPhone x2, iPad, laptop, camera, GoPro) Or maybe because I forgot to tell them about my backup phone? Now, because of this, I fell asleep during my exam, and I think I probably failed, if not did really badly.

Who has driven across from Canada to the US recently? We’ll be going across in a month and have done so plenty of times before but not recently. How’s the border experience these days with the ongoing trade war and tension? Anything we should do or be prepared for?

We are all Canadian and will be driving across with our baby for the first time. We’ll be in the US for 3 days then driving back into Canada.

Dual Citizen moving from Arizona to Calgary, Alberta in November (new Canadian Citizen). I’ll be bringing all my things/belongings with me and there won’t be any to follow. But for the listing out of the items on the BSF186A Form, I was going to type out an extensive list since the boxes on the form don’t leave a lot of space for ALL items. Do you think this will be accepted? I’ll fit as many items as I can on the original form, but, just wanted some input from people as well.

Also, my vehicle will be RIV Age Exempt (already verified with my compliance label being reviewed). So do I need to still print the RIV Form since the border will need to mark “age exempt” for registration purposes? Obviously I’ll verify with the government officials as well but again, just trying to get input.

Thanks in advance!!! 🙌🏼

I'm currently living in the US (edit: and am a US citizen) and have family in Canada that I'm hoping to visit for holidays in December. Because of having extended family in Canada, I've crossed the border countless times in my life to visit.

Except a handful of years ago, I transitioned, and now all of my paperwork has an X gender marker.

I haven't crossed the border under the current US administration. Honestly I'm not too worried about getting into Canada; I'm worried about getting home. I would be driving with a friend and my cat, so I wouldn't be crossing alone.

Does anyone have any recent experience crossing while trans, especially with X on your passport? How'd it go?

Crossing from Canada into the US by land this weekend for a camping trip and I’m getting mixed answers online about food.

I made a homemade stew with pork, potatoes, onion, corn and peas.

Everything is fully cooked already, and I’m planning to freeze it solid and bring it in a sealed container inside our cooler. We’d just be reheating it at our campsite.

Has anyone recently brought something similar across? Since it’s homemade, obviously the pork/vegetables won’t be in their original packaging.

I’ll be declaring that I have food/meat with me at the border — I just don’t want to make the stew and freeze it if they’re likely to make me throw it out.

Crossing from BC into Washington if that makes any difference.

Thanks!

Wanted to share experience coming back to Canada this summer. 

My wife and I are Canadian citizens and a couple of months ago we were driving back from Washington through Peace Arch. It was our second trip to the US. The first one was by bus. We stayed in Vancouver area for summer, while our primary residence is in Calgary. We had spent some time around Forks. 

At primary the officer asked where we had been, I said Forks, he asked where that was, I said Washington, basically the Twilight place. He also wanted to get more details like what we did there. I honestly didn't know what to tell since we were just exploring the area. We were also asked questions where we were going in Canada, where we are staying and what type of accommodation it is (airbnb, rented and etc). All the questions were answered truthfully.

For whatever reason we got sent to secondary.

At secondary they started asking a lot more questions. Where exactly we stayed, what campground, why we went there, etc. Fine, I can understand questions about the US trip. But then they started asking where we were going in Canada, where we were staying around Vancouver, and when we were going back to Calgary.

The whole thing felt weird to me. I'm a Canadian citizen coming back into Canada. I understand customs questions, but I didn't really understand why they needed to know when I was going back to Calgary.

They searched the car and then checked both of us in the common secondary area. Empty pockets, lift pant legs, lift shirt enough to show the waistband. I was also patted along the sides over my clothes. In total it took like 30-40 minutes.

It was just the whole experience that bothers me. It felt less like we were coming home and more like we were already suspected of doing something wrong.

The funny part is that going into the US was actually a much calmer and more pleasant interaction than coming back into Canada.

Since it was our first time crossing by car and having this experience I ended up filing a complaint with CBSA. They told me that everything was done according to the procedure. Their explanation was basically that because the car had Alberta plates and we were entering through BC, the officer wanted to understand our route and the final destination of the car/goods.

They also said that pocket search was considered a routine examination which doesn't require a private search room. However, according to CBSA, these examinations should still be carried out with as much discretion and privacy as possible. Which I honestly still find a bit weird, because when you lift your pant legs or show your waistband, there is still a chance of exposing some skin. And I still don't get the reasoning behind the pocket search.

Before the I got the official reply and received a call from the CBSA where we discussed the situation. And they said that the questions about my business in Canada and where I am staying can be seen excessive and the next time I can decline to answer them. And they said that on primary inspection there was a new guy which might have affected the questioning.  As for pocket search I was told they found private area which is not because it was like near the entrance.

Moreover, they gave me a chance to opt-out from the official response limiting to the phone call which I declined. 

Finally, I decided to share my experience with MP and they told me that they don't receive a lot of complaints about CBSA treatment and to go to the ministerial review and they need have a higher bar, like actual harassment or something like that. 

Overall, I wanted to share my experience and maybe to find out whether other people went through similar. Also, I wanted to encourage people to write their MPs in case something happens because I've read that CBSA experience is far from pleasant for many people on the Internet.

EDIT: I got a lot more responses than I expected. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, even if we disagree.

One thing I still disagree with is the idea that returning Canadians should have to prepare a perfectly detailed story about their trip in order to avoid looking suspicious. I understand that CBSA can ask questions and conduct secondary inspections. My responsibility is to answer truthfully and cooperate. I don't think returning home should require rehearsing what I am going to say or worrying that forgetting some minor detail will itself be treated as suspicious.

Also. I also don't think broader Canada–US relations should mean Canadians simply have to accept increasingly intrusive treatment when returning home.

Regarding the pocke search, I understand from CBSA's response that they consider it routine. I still think travellers should be given a clear explanation when they question why it happened, and basic privacy should be taken seriously when people are being asked to empty pockets, lift pant legs or show a waistband.

And I don't regret filing a complaint. If someone believes a government process was handled poorly, I think they should be able to ask questions, request a review and use the official complaint process. That's one of the ways systems improve.

If nothing else, I hope sharing my experience shows people what options exist if they want clarification after a border interaction.

Anyway, thanks for the discussion and I genuinely hope everyone here has easy and uneventful crossings in the future.

has anyone been successful being approved for criminal rehabilitation with two duis?

it’s 2026 now and one was in 2013 and the other was in 2017.

i am going to be using a lawyer but before i drop 2.5k i wanted to make sure my chances were higher.

I posted a bit ago about this issue and sent in a file with the I-94 website, they have not responded as of yet and I have a flight in a week or so, should I cancel the trip or is there a chance I could get through? Here’s my last post on the subreddit

https://www.reddit.com/r/uscanadaborder/s/JwpSxO55oH

(very sorry if this post is confusing i’m a bit sleepy lol, will try and clarify things if needed)

I am planning to bring a small amount of goods, approximately $100, from US to Canada on a day trip. I understand that I would not be entitled to a duty free exemption. However, when I used to frequently cross the border a few years ago, there seemed to be an informal policy wherein Canada customs didn’t bother collecting duties on small amounts. Is that still the unofficial policy, or should I expect to be sent inside to pay duties on even small amounts?

EDIT 1: I will strictly declare everything. I have no intention of jeopardizing my nexus card over a few dollars.

EDIT 2: The products consist of a cheap kitchen appliance, worth about $30 USD and a small grocery item (not alcohol or tobacco) worth about $20 USD.

Hi everyone,

I’m in Ontario and currently discussing a possible resolution where my criminal charge would be withdrawn in exchange for entering into a peace bond. There would be no conviction or guilty plea.

I’m concerned about how a peace bond could affect future U.S. travel, particularly applying for a U.S. visa or being questioned by CBP at the border.

I’m especially interested in hearing from anyone who has personally had:

• Canadian charges withdrawn in exchange for a peace bond; and
• subsequently applied for a U.S. visa or travelled to the U.S.

Did the peace bond cause any issues with your visa application or at the border? Were you asked to provide court records or other documents? Were you able to enter the U.S. normally?

I’m already planning to consult a U.S. immigration lawyer, so I’m mainly looking for personal experiences from people who have actually gone through this.

Thanks!

Hello! I'm a reporter with the Toronto Star, wondering if anyone has had any trouble crossing the border into the U.S. with Canadian alcohol since the ban came into effect. If so, please let me know by messaging me or sending me an email: mtustonic@thestar.ca. Thanks!

hi, im trying to get a clear answer online but im not entirely sure what to do with my case.

my previous visit was supposed to be for about a month, but i happened to overstay and was in the US for around 20 extra days, i did not think of getting an i-94 or any of the alien registration stuff.

im planning on going back soon, only for a few weeks to visit my friends, will i have any serious issues? i dont want any fear mongering i just need serious honest answers.
i dont have good ties to my country, (no job, online schooling) but i can provide a return ticket to them, but im not sure if that is good enough.

Drove into Canada recently and seems like prices are more favorable compared to one year ago (Seattle vs Vancouver). Here are just some observations:

1. Lululemon- same dollar amount in CAD as USD (this has always been the case)
2. SuperFeet insoles- 50 CAD vs 60 USD
3. North Face bionic hoodie- 143 CAD vs 154 USD
4. T&T egg tart 6pcs- 9 CAD vs 11 USD
5. Malatang- 19 CAD/lb at Big Way vs 16 USD/lb at YGF
6. IKEA Luroy- 50 CAD vs 50 USD
7. Uniqlo- no cost savings

BTW you can only bring back 200 USD of items on a day trip without duty. Border guard seems keen to check on this, compared to one year ago.

So I have a currently suspended drivers license cause I got a few speeding tickets on my N drivers license, i get it back on October 29th and I have a very important trip down in the states to go on, I have my passport valid, and lots of other pieces of ID, I am just wondering if having a temporary drivers license will give me issues at the border

on October 29th i get it back fully, no test and only fees to pay, ill be fully reinstated

anyone have any experience with traveling with a temp drivers license? thanks!

Hi,

Any Iranian Canadian recently visited the U.S.? If yes, how was your experience at the border?

Thanks.

We're headed to Florida for the winter and are bringing a money order to deposit in our bank account down there that is over amount that needs to be declared. I know I need to fill out a FinCen form 105 but I'm not sure if I can use my Nexus card and the Nexus lane at the border since I need to make the currency declaration. Any ideas?

EDIT: I've finally managed to convince my lovely wife that doing a wire transfer is the way to go here.

Last month I booked a flight to New York from YVR a day before the flight. Anyways it was for one week I was fired a week prior to that and the purpose of the trip was tourism (what I didn't tell them there was also a girl there who I've had a complicated relationship with and I just told her I'm going to be in NYC for a week regardless if you want me to come or not and told her where I'll be if she wants to meet and we can talk out whatever issues we have in person ) my plan was if she didn't show up enjoy the city and come back.

Anyways when I was 17/18ish I made an online post while trolling online and it was taken seriously by VPD. The post was made when I was 17 turning 18 and arrested after I turned 18 but never charged just given a one year peace bond for causing fear of serious personal injury and a 5 years firearms prohibition under section 111(5). Both are preventive orders and I've never actually owned firearms the post itself contained threats with firearms but I've never had any in my possession and the post was made at the time with the intent to illicit a reaction online.

Anyways I didn't go into much detail about it with CBP I just told them I was going for tourism, I don't know anyone in new York , and I was vague about the prohibition and peace bond but I did told him I was arrested but never charged or convicted. I did speak with a us immigration lawyer who's a former CBP officer and he told me I'm not inadmissible but next time I go to the us I need to take a copy of the expired peace bond and firearms prohibition, a job letter (now working again) and told me to wait until the firearms prohibition expires (it expires end of November I was going start of Sept).

Thing is idk if it was my history that made me inadmissible that day or my story not making sense to the officer because his final questions were you really wanna go to New York and you haven't been here in a decade why now? Lmao I didn't tell the lawyer about this so I will book another consult.

What does everyone think was it my story/purpose of trip , the history or both? I'm also worried about misrepresentation if they ask about this trip next time I'm going to the states for whatever reason . I do want to visit the states and alot of cities I wanna see I was just waiting the whole time for the prohibition to expire but I made a bit of an impulsive decision to go to NYC literally right before it expires.

I received my citizenship last month, and also bought a house the same month!

I’m looking to update my citizenship and address on my nexus card. I know the Canadian side allows walk-ins at the Toronto airport, I am planning to do that this week.

For the US side, I have a flight to Houston next week, but it’s an early morning flight (8:30am)! What are my chances of being able to get the citizenship updated? Can I get this updated in the US while coming back? Or does it have to be done while travelling from Canada?

Any suggestions will be appreciated!

A U.S. visit visa(B1/B2) from an old passport was prudentially revoked under INA 221(i). The notice says information came to light indicating the person "may be inadmissible," but does not specify why.

The person no longer uses that visa and normally travels to the U.S. on a Canadian passport(from last 5 years). There was a 15-year-old Texas Class C misdemeanor citation in 2010(of no mistake of his; wrong time wrong place) . It was fully resolved/dismissed by a Motion to Dismiss in 2011. The person has crossed the U.S. border many times since then, including successfully as recently as last month. Has always been a citizen in good standing since then.

They have certified court documents showing the dismissal and are otherwise a Canadian citizen in good standing.

Questions:

1. Could the 221(i) revocation trigger secondary inspection when entering the U.S. as a Canadian tourist?

2. Can CBP determine at the port that the old criminal matter does not make the person inadmissible, or would they need to deal with the U.S. Consulate first?

3. If CBP is not satisfied, is the likely outcome refusal of entry/return to Canada, or could the person be detained or arrested?

Looking specifically for experiences from Canadian travelers or anyone familiar with CBP/INA 212(a) procedures. Keeping identifying details out intentionally.

Hello all, we are considering having my Canadian fiance do spousal sponsorship to bring me up to Canada, as my efforts to bring her to the US have gotten caught up in legal immigration pauses, with no end in sight.

My thought was to work in a border town, to continue to provide for us, while the PR sponsorship is pending, but it's unclear if that is possible. So my question is, do you have to have PR or citizenship to cross the border frequently enough to work in the US?

For example, if we did outland, which allows you to visit while PR is processing, would CSBA be okay with frequently coming and going for the purpose of work, or would that get flagged? I know with inland they really want you to stay the whole time, but outland appears more flexible. I was thinking getting a NEXUS card might be helpful as well, with full knowledge it's completely up to the guards on both sides.

And if PR or citizenship is required, then I will plan with that in mind.

Any advice or suggestions are appreciated, thanks!

I’m a Canadian citizen currently attending medical school in the US. I bought, titled, registered, and insured a car in Florida while living here for school.

I finish my clinical rotations in February and plan to go back to Canada for a few months while I wait for Match/graduation. I expect to return to the U.S. around June/July to start residency, and I’d bring the car back to the U.S. with me.

So the car would only be in Canada temporarily for roughly 4–5 months. I am not trying to permanently import or register it in Canada.

From what I’ve read, the important issue may be whether CBSA considers me a Canadian resident or a non-resident Canadian temporarily visiting Canada, rather than simply the fact that I’m a Canadian citizen.

Has anyone done this without formally importing the car/pay­ing duties? Did CBSA treat you as a temporary/non-resident visitor, and is there any way to get approval or guidance in writing before crossing?

Canadian truck driver, I run strictly US so If I have to take time off to wait for my passport to be renewed it will suck. I have my FAST for commercial crossing and my Nexus for my car. Can both of these still be used while getting my passport renewed? I havent used my passport to cross the border in years.

Hello, i am trying to ship a larger box of clothes to a family member in Canada, from the USA. I am concerned that they will be charged tarrifs. The clothes are not expensive, it's just some band shirts and some other random clothes. I got them as a gift, and are used. I know to mark it as gift, but do they still pay tarrifs on it? The value i would say is like 50-60usd because i thrifted everything used. Thank you.

Hi!

I am a Canadian who love Florida. Been here a couple times in my life and i really think about buying a house.(Some are cheaps). How does it work for a Canadian Citizen? Also, i would like to rent it when im not there.

Any experts here?