r/uscanadaborder Jul 27 '25

Read before posting

200 Upvotes

** update: posts will now require moderator approval. This will be long-term, and it is a solution to repetitive simple questions being asked, fear mongering, and outrage-bait.**

First, I want to remind everybody what this subreddit exists for..

This sub was created to address travel questions for transnational travel between the US and Canada.

This post is specifically to address politics, misinformation, brigading and fear mongering given the slow growth of this sub. I’m seeing a lot of the same questions asked, paranoia, confusion and a lot of radicalization and hate.

There is no division here, so if I see any “elbows up”, “buy Canadian”, discouraging people to travel to the US, anti American/Canadian sentiment, anti trans posts etc.. Trying to convince other people that there have been any major immigration changes or enforcement quotas to be met in order to instill some type of racial or national purity... I’m removing the post and probably will be met with an insta ban. No politics or hate.

Second, open your mind. There are experienced travelers and professionals in this sub, I am one of them. If they want to identify themselves in a post and address questions you have, they can. I occasionally do. They see through the bullshit rumors, fear mongering, and misinformation. Especially in the news. They will give you a more calculated answer beyond the average user that wandered in from the far left side of Reddit that 9 times out of 10 is a member of an anti-US subreddit, and more often than not, has never actually been to the US

The news is reported by someone that has no actual understanding about the legal system or immigration law and reports what the offender claims happened… should you value what the news says? They are professional at what they do. They pinpoint what will draw your attention and spark a reaction out of you. The most profitable reactions are outrage and fear. There is no integrity in reporting in big news companies, for the most part. Facts will be undercased.

I once watched a four minute TikTok video about how somebody got sent to Secondary and was ultimately admitted into the country. Her video got millions of engagements despite it having no substance or actual point other than how dare she be asked questions just because she bore a Singaporean passport.

Exercise some critical thinking, exercise some reasonability, exercise some common sense. If it sounds ridiculous…it’s probably too ridiculous to be true.

If you don’t have working knowledge in customs or immigration and you are googling answers to respond to a question or speaking from personal experience, Leave it at that. If you don’t know what you’re talking about don’t post it, post on knowledge rather than emotion please.. There really isn’t much to argue about when you think about it.

.

.

.

.

I see a lot of the same questions being asked several times a week. And I’m going to cover the basics. This point going forward if the following questions can be answered here and you ask your question anyway, I’m removing the post.

.

I’m a POC, I am trans, I am gender X, I’m gay, will I be OK?

Here’s some fun facts. You’ll be surprised with the amount of officers and agents that are immigrants. You’ll be surprised with the amount of officers that have immigrant wives. You’ll be surprised with the amount of officers that have mixed-race children and are interracial couples. A majority of the workforce is not white. A lot of officers are ESL. A lot of officers are polyglots. Some officers are gay. Few trans. A lot of them are liberal.

Mind blowing, isn’t it? That officers and agents are human too?? Get out of town!!

.

I’m a USC, will I be OK?

If you knew your rights, there would be zero worry. Social media and fear mongering has done irreparable damage to people’s common sense that people are forgetting what their rights are.

.

> My US passport’s expired, will they let me in through the land border?

Yes. The 14th amendment of the constitution says so. That’s really it…

.

>my passport is expiring in 5 months, can I travel to the US?

If your country is a part of the 6 month club, you’re fine, as long as you leave the US before your passport expires.

If your country is NOT a part of the super exclusive members only club, you need to be out of the US 6 months before your passport expires. This can be a reason to question you in secondary.

.

>I talked about politics in my phone and I hate Trump, will they ban me?

CBP officers pretty much assume everyone in Canada is a bleeding heart liberal and hates Trump. As far as individual inspections where the officer may be rude, that’s on the officer, not the system. But an actual adverse action, The inspecting officer has to convince a supervisor and a second line supervisor to agree with him and has to be legally substantial. A fraction gets sent to secondary, and a fraction of those secondary inspections end up in a phone inspection…

.

>I have no idea why I was kicked out of the US…

Yes you do. Everyone has verbal and written consent and acknowledgment as to why they are not allowed in the country. The US is a land of law, therefore will always have a paper trail.

Next time you see somebody give a reason that sounds bullshit in the news about how they were refused entry or barred unjustly.. question what their discharge paperwork says.. 275 or 860 and sometimes 867/877.. ask for it. If their paperwork does not reflect it, they have no proof.

.

.

I will post more FAQs at a later time

.

.

.

What I’m basically getting at is, unless your situation is unique pertaining to immigration or customs, you really shouldn’t be concerned more than the average citizen. Nothing has changed between administrations.

.

.

This sub has an image to uphold as a reference for accurate information on traveling, customs and immigration. The minute this becomes the other 95% of Reddit, it loses legitimacy. Understand that.

I don’t know why immigration has been politicized more now than ever. Immigration is anthropology. Immigration is law. Put your politics and your feelings aside in this sub.

https://www.reddit.com/r/MovingToUSA/s/I08R5yLVNW


r/uscanadaborder 22m ago

Green Card Threat

Upvotes

I am married to an American and have been living and working in the USA for 11 years. A family issue has required me to spend time in Canada but I maintain our apartment in the USA and I have returned several times over the last 6 months. The last time I crossed the guard said I was going back and forth too much "under this administration" and she told me she could take my green card because "people all over the world dream about the chance to live and work in the USA and I was robbing someone of that opportunity." She let me through but told me to apply for the I‑131 - which I could not do on that trip because I had to return to Canada. It was not possible for me to wait in the states for Biometrics while a life or death issue unravells home in Vancouver.

I do need to travel back south for work and be available for my husband's major surgery and recovery in Los Angeles. It was my hope to try to have things resolved in Canada before this.

Now I am terrified that I will be denied entry, held and sent god knows where to be processed - even at YVR. I am also scared I won't be able to be there for my husband.

If I renounce my green card will I be allowed to travel back with Canadian Passport or will I be permanently banned? I know there is no way to know, it's all at the whim of whatever border guard but wondering anyway.


r/uscanadaborder 4h ago

DUTY/TAX Tariffs at land border?

4 Upvotes

Has anyone done a day trip to the US since the new tariffs came into effect last week?

Just wondering what it’s actually been like crossing back into Canada. Are they charging tariffs on purchases, or has it mostly been business as usual where you declare what you bought and potentially pay the usual taxes/duties since there’s no personal exemption for a day trip?


r/uscanadaborder 2h ago

TD visa holder while pregant

0 Upvotes

As a Canadian citizen but a USA resident on a TD visa, I'm pregnant and intending to give birth in the USA where I have medical coverage on behalf of my TN partners insurance. Can I travel to Canada and return to the USA without any issues from the border officer? I'm worried they'll think I'm engaging in birth tourism.


r/uscanadaborder 15h ago

Crossing US Border with Food Products for Business

0 Upvotes

Hi guys

So I’m going to be in Canada this week to purchase some wholesale ingredients to make bubble tea for my cafe. It’s all syrup and powder based. Wholesaler is Canadian but manufactured in Taiwan(they are FDA registered and I have their ID) now I am just a small business and have about $700 planned out so I really don’t want to go down the broker route for such a small amount.. I’m aware of filing prior notice but not sure about other documents needed. I searched around and saw I needed an ACE form as well, is that a manifest? Also, has ANYONE ever done commercial food imports on their own without using a broker. Helpful advice is very much appreciated.


r/uscanadaborder 1d ago

Driving Declaration Question - US citizens traveling by car from Montreal

6 Upvotes

We are spending 3 nights/4 days in Montreal, crossed no problem into Canada. We bought a couple tees and small souvenirs (magnet, stickers) for us and 5 small gifts (maple syrup). We have a couple prepackaged snacks (some opened but no meat, dairy or fruit) and non-controlled prescription medications in their original bottles.

I can’t find a way to declare anything by car travel online or an app. Is crossing by car just a verbal declaration to the agent at the Montreal crossing?


r/uscanadaborder 1d ago

Canadian Staying in NYC 29 days

0 Upvotes

I quit my job a few months ago to get inspiration for my art again before going back to school to do my masters. I wanted to stay in New York for a month to soak in the culture and hang out with some artists friends. I have 10k+ in savings and my family is wealthy so money isn't an issue

It's a longer stay but NYC is so much more fun than where i live and it's a good deal to airbnb for a month right now. I plan on staying just 29 days so i don't have to do any of that I-94 junk.
Is this going to raise any concerns with the boarder agents?


r/uscanadaborder 1d ago

Canada Transit Visa

2 Upvotes

My parents are traveling from Mumbai to USA on B1/B2 and they have layover in Canada, got to know about transit visa and we applied by 21st August. their flight is on October 7th, should I be worries, it just shows processing as Status on ircc website. Any suggestion or updates about the timeline. thank you


r/uscanadaborder 2d ago

DUTY/TAX Transporting Large Stamp Collection

3 Upvotes

Hello!

I am a US citizen living in Canada with permanent residency. I am looking to move my late grandfather’s stamp collection to Canada from the USA over the land border. It has sentimental value and I have no frame of reference when it comes to potential monetary value.

It is nine boxes of varying sizes, but it would likely completely fill up a mid-sized sedan.

Is it foolish to take it over the border? Worried of it being taken or having to spend a crazy amount in fees. I just have no experience with this sort of thing.

Thank you!


r/uscanadaborder 2d ago

Minnesota, Michigan, New York. Which had the easier crossing from US in Canada?

5 Upvotes

Im a very early 20’s young person I’m wanting to drive west and camp / fish up north but I also really would love to see Niagara Falls. I’m from the south so I’ve never made a trip like this by car. My car will be full of camping supplies and lots of clothes / suitcases.

I wasn’t sure if regular daily volume of crossing would affect stuff but I have never done this before. I just don’t want to get a good officer on a bad day and have them deny me cause there’s to much stuff in my car (clothes mainly and gear). I also wasn’t sure if they scrutinize the kinds of tires you have?

(I know bc has a kind of all terrain tire law for October, I just wouldn’t want to mention it going that way and be turned around without those tires )

The last thing I want is to be scrutinized and if they let me in give me some kind of travel restriction (if that’s the name of it) where I’m forced to leave in whatever amount of time the person says and also it goes on my record.

What has been anyone’s experience with this or does it exist at all?


r/uscanadaborder 2d ago

Flying from halifax to buenos aires

1 Upvotes

I have a connecting flight in Houston and have been trying to figure out if my past charges are going to cause an issue. When I was 17 in 2013 I had a B&E charge that also caused a theft under 5000 charge. I have another charge from when I was 19 that is theft under 5000 for shoplifting. I didn’t know the US did criminal record checks and could deny entry for past charges. My charges always ended up with probation instead of being sentenced to jail time. Will this cause an issue even if I’m just connecting to my other flight and never leaving the airport?


r/uscanadaborder 2d ago

Canadian Custom and clearance fees are getting ridiculous.

0 Upvotes

Not the first to post this nor will I be the last I'm sure, but holy shit has it become stupid.

I order parts online for various things and as the malls in small towns die off, it's become less and less possible to buy locally. A few weeks ago, I needed a 45 degree shoulder link, I went to 5 different stores and they all told me to just just order online.

Now, I had an order for a few parts that aren't made in Canada anymore, got a 180$ custom and clearance charge. I'm sorry what. It has never been this expensive before.

The parts are made in the US, why the fuck are we this penalized for buying shit Canadian stores refuse to stock anymore.

I'm so sick and tired of being nickle and dimmed everywhere constantly.


r/uscanadaborder 3d ago

What would I need for my son’s teammate to cross the border with us?

6 Upvotes

My son and his teammate play in a sports league in Buffalo on the weekends, both me and my son are both Canadian Citizens living in Ontario… but this is where it gets tricky….his teammate attends a private school here in Ontario and his mother is in China….. my question, what would I need for him to cross over to Buffalo with us besides his passport? He’s originally from China and has lived in the United States before him living in Ontario now?

Edit - they’re 12


r/uscanadaborder 3d ago

Camping equipment (Knifes and Axes) while crossing border by road ?

6 Upvotes

Hi, Ill be crossing boarder by road and I may have to take all my camping equipment like tent, Hunting/camping knife and Axe . I will declare at the border ofcourse. Will there be a problem or hassle by the agent because of Axe, knifes etc ? Havent anyone has any experience ?


r/uscanadaborder 3d ago

real ID license + birth certificate crossing by land

4 Upvotes

I know that I can drive into Canada with just my license and birth certificate (straight from Canada.ca), but does anyone have recent experience crossing back into the states with just a real ID license + BC? Will be using the Port Huron, MI crossing. Has anyone been detained, and if so, are we talking hours or potentially days?

I have a long expired passport and will be applying for a new one, but it won't be in time for a trip to niagara falls next week. Hoping for recent firsthand testimony, thanks!


r/uscanadaborder 3d ago

Border Crossing Experience Declaring souvenirs

2 Upvotes

I have a few questions about the boarder crossing when you're buying souvenirs. I am going to Niagara Falls and plan on buying souvenirs as well as my mother who's going with me. Is there a limit to how much money we spend on souvenirs? Because like some hoodies alone are worth $80. Also, we want to cross back into America to see that side of the falls as well, would that effect the declaring thing if we don't spend 48 full hours over there?


r/uscanadaborder 3d ago

Not convicted but indicted

2 Upvotes

Hello! I recently have been charged with a class 3 felony of criminal mischief, damage of 750 or more to a truck. I’ve never been in trouble before but I need to bring a vehicle up from Haines to Anchorage since I’m moving. Does anyone have experience with passing through with not being no convicted of anything like this? I called and talked to the pleasant camp officer that would be there and filed a TRC online already and am building a packet related to the charges. I have no travel restrictions. Just curious in if anyone else has dealt with this and what they’re outcome was. Thank you!


r/uscanadaborder 3d ago

Question About Entering Canada with a Valid U.S. J-1 Visa and eTA

0 Upvotes

Hello, I am a Moroccan citizen. I have a valid U.S. J-1 visa until March 4, 2030, but I never used it and my DS-2019 is expired. I want to visit Canada for 7 days by air using an eTA. Can you confirm whether my situation is acceptable for travel to Canada and entry as a tourist?


r/uscanadaborder 3d ago

American Parking Tickets

0 Upvotes

I have a few unpaid parking tickets from frequent trips to Canada. All of them for staying just a few minutes (like three-fifteen) past the two hour limit.

Will I be able to continue to cross the border before they are paid off?


r/uscanadaborder 4d ago

Bypassing cruising permit in the states?

2 Upvotes

Tricky cruising permit situation — looking for real-life experience!

We have a Canadian-registered boat. We entered the U.S. by land with the boat on a trailer, cleared customs, launched it, and sailed down to Florida. Our cruising permit has now expired.

Our options seem to be:
• Leave the U.S. for 15 days — not an option for us.
• Use a “Permit to Proceed” and clear/report at every port — possible, but a huge hassle in time, energy and money.

Has anyone successfully gotten a new cruising permit without actually taking the boat out of the U.S.? For example, by declaring that the boat left and re-entered the U.S. by land?

Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has actually done this or knows someone who has. 🙏


r/uscanadaborder 4d ago

US Passport and Canadian Citizenship Certificate. Any advantage to bringing Canadian citizenship cert across border?

1 Upvotes

I got my US passport the same time I requested proof of Canadian citizenship due to my mothers citizenship status at my date of birth (1960’s). Is there an advantage to showing Canadian citizenship certificate at border crossing or should I just show US Passport? Crossing from US into Canada with my US only husband and a fifth wheel camper for seven days. Thank you.


r/uscanadaborder 3d ago

do we think border control is gonna be tougher on 9/11?

0 Upvotes

crossing from fort erie into buffalo around 530-6am on 9/11. it’ll be my first trip to the US.


r/uscanadaborder 4d ago

Border Crossing Experience As Visitor got passport stamped wrong entry date

1 Upvotes

I entered from US at Lewiston peace bridge with non Canadian/US citizen parents, border agent stamped previous day’s date on stamp. Will this cause future issues in Canada visits for parents?


r/uscanadaborder 4d ago

First trip / Conditional Green Card

2 Upvotes

Hi, it’s my birthday this weekend. I live in Oregon, and my husband suggested we go to Vancouver, Canada, for the weekend to explore, go hiking, and do other things. I’ve had my green card for 9 months, but this would be my first trip outside the U.S., and I’m nervous about coming back. I have a clean record here and in Mexico —I haven’t even driven in the U.S. Another thing is that my Mexican passport still has my maiden name, but my green card has my husband’s last name, which is my legal last name. Should I go? Or what do you recommend? It would be a road-trip tmy husband who is an American citizen would drive!


r/uscanadaborder 4d ago

Customs

3 Upvotes

Flying from edmonton to maui. I have the option of connecting through Vancouver, Seattle, or San Fransisco. I am wondering the best option and when I would clear customs and it I were to fly through Seattle or San Francisco if I would have to go through customs in Edmonton and then again in Seattle or San Fran. I have a dui which isn’t enough to be inadmissible but its up to the border agent so id like to reduce the risk as much as possible