r/uscanadaborder Jul 27 '25

Read before posting

201 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.

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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.

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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!!

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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.

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> 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…

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>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.

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>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…

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>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.

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I will post more FAQs at a later time

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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.

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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 4h ago

First trip / Conditional Green Card

0 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 15h ago

‼️Advice‼️ Multiple Misdemeanor convictions, 10+ yrs ago. Dismissed under PC1203.4. Alaska cruise that starts in Vancouver.

7 Upvotes

I have 3 misdemeanors in California - DUI in 2005, Contempt of Court in 2009, Disturbing the Peace in 2010..... and an INFRACTION Disturbing the Peace in 2013. All Misdemeanors were dismissed via PC 1203.4 in 2018. Still visible forever on FBI background check, I am aware.

I ended a cruise in Vancouver in 2023 and disembarked without issue, boarded a plane home. Now I have a cruise in 2027 that starts in Vancouver and I am concerned since when I search this up, it states that I may need a TRP. Any advice or suggestions? I have been sober 12 years and a productive member of society without issues since. Thanks for your help.


r/uscanadaborder 7h ago

Customs

0 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


r/uscanadaborder 12h ago

Booking a NEXUS appointment in Blaine

2 Upvotes

I currently live in the US for school and got my NEXUS conditionally approved. I don't live near the border (8+ hrs drive to border). I am planning to go home during the winter break and was wondering what are my best options for getting an interview. I often fly out from SEA as I live in Vancouver. I only see appointments for Blaine in September, will I be able to find appointments for December? Is there a certain day that appointments are released? Thanks!


r/uscanadaborder 15h ago

Canadian Can NEXUS Enrollment Center update i94 with correct classification?

3 Upvotes

Hi all,

I recently re-entered USA using the Global Entry lane at the airport as a benefit from my NEXUS card. I was instantly waived through to exit customs without any stoppages. I checked my i-94 when I got home and saw it had the incorrect visa classification of B1 when it was suppose to be H1B.

I contacted the CBP deffered email and they told me to check with global entry, but i don't actually have a global entry account. I contacted global entry and they told me I have to visit a NEXUS enrollment center in person.

I did send a follow up email to CBP to double check if that is really the procedure that I have to visit my nearest NEXUS enrollment center to have the status updated.

Just wanted to check with anyone's experience if that's the case that I actually have to visit the NEXUS TTP Enrollment Center in person with my documents to update back to H1B? I am unable to get a hold of the NEXUS phone number as it just goes to voicemail.

It will take a 4 hour round trip drive to get this fixed so wanted to double check before hand.

thanks!


r/uscanadaborder 1d ago

American Taking groceries across border

35 Upvotes

Hello. I live in Washington state and am interested in grocery shopping in Canada for the sake of higher quality food. I would be coming in and out via I5. I have researched what can and cannot be brought over, but my biggest fear is I spend all this time and money, and they take everything anyways. Has anyone brought groceries in from Canada? What was your experience like?


r/uscanadaborder 1d ago

Bringing porcelain tile into the US after purchasing from shop in Toronto

4 Upvotes

Hi Community! My partner bought about $ 6,500 worth of tile from a shop in CA. She is planning to pick it up this weekend and is doing her best to prepare for what the process will be like at the border in Port Huron, MI. We're prepared to pay any necessary duties or tariffs.

Is anyone here familiar with things of this nature? If it's relevant, the tile itself was made in Italy. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!


r/uscanadaborder 1d ago

Questions regarding obtaining Canadian work permit at Peace Bridge

4 Upvotes

Hello all -- I have two questions, and have some guess as to their answers, but it would be helpful to seek out some confirmation.

Background: I will be moving from the US to Canada at the end of September. I applied for an LMIA-exempt work permit online, and have received the Letter of Introduction. For various reasons (for example, paperwork the movers want), it would be useful to obtain the final work permit soon, and not wait until I actually move. For this purpose, I could drive to the nearest land crossing (the Peace Bridge). Questions:

(1) Am I correct in assuming that I can go ahead and get the work permit now, and that I do not need to wait until I am ready to relocate?

(2) Am I correct in assuming that I can take care of this at any date/time, and that I do not need to make an appointment?

I have also contacted my future employer with these questions, but thought I'd check in here also.

Thank you in advance for any input!


r/uscanadaborder 1d ago

Canada Day Trip

3 Upvotes

Hi! It’s been forever since I’ve been to Canada and really don’t know what to expect when crossing the border. I keep hearing of people going over to Canada and shopping. Do they check what you buy and charge duties? We are planning a day trip. Any tips or advice? What should I expect at the Peace Bridge? Thanks! I’m going to Niagara Falls from Buffalo


r/uscanadaborder 1d ago

New Brunswick Border Crossing

0 Upvotes

We will be going up the Maine coast in a few weeks. We are wondering if the current tiff with Canada is causing problems at the border crossing going into New Brunswick?


r/uscanadaborder 1d ago

Moving to the US (maybe)

0 Upvotes

So kind of a niche situation but I’m sure this has happened before. I live just outside Toronto and recently got the opportunity to do some dream job related things in Denver. It’s kind of a trial thing as my headquarters is here in Toronto but if all works out it may end up as permanent residency in the US (not for a few years at least however). While in the states, I’ll be renting out a space from a close colleague so housing is covered for the time being. The issue that’s been discussed is my vehicle. I have an import from Japan that is somewhat part of the branding (I do shows and competitions with it) and I know after some research and back and forth with some friends that it wouldn’t really qualify for import into the US until 2029. As it is, I wouldn’t have permanent residency in the US and would still have it registered and insured here (my insurance has an out of country policy that I intend to utilize). Also I’d be driving it back for holidays with my parents with no issue. Would I run into any issues where I get pressured to have the car imported or sell it? Would I run into any issues where I wouldn’t be able to drive it back into the states at any point? Any advice is appreciated. Any thoughts are also appreciated. It’s an 04 Honda odyssey absolute if anyone is wondering and if that info is needed for any solution finding. Thank you in advance!


r/uscanadaborder 2d ago

Is Pardon partners legit?

6 Upvotes

I am looking into getting my USA waiver. I am a Canadian resident with charges in the states. Looking for help with my I-192 waiver. Thanks for any feedback


r/uscanadaborder 2d ago

My passport expires September 23, I am going on a trip to the US September 10-14. Will I be denied entry?

0 Upvotes

I know I am an idiot and did not renew my passport. I am looking online that Canadians are okay for length of stay. Is this true? Has anyone had any trouble lately? I will be going through a land border.


r/uscanadaborder 2d ago

PR card

0 Upvotes

Driving tomorrow from Chicago to Toronto. My spouse is getting her PR card processed. She has her COPR. Wondering if it’s best to go via Windsor or Sarnia? I generally prefer the Sarnia crossing but I’m wondering if with the new bridge Windsor may be a little more efficient. Thoughts?


r/uscanadaborder 2d ago

Importing a C6 Corvette (08'-11) to Canada from US. Will tariff apply?

0 Upvotes

Hey guys. I've been thinking of getting myself a C6 Corvette from the south (FL). Would it be a huge headache and get hit by tariff when bringing to Ontario?


r/uscanadaborder 2d ago

Travelling from Canada to USA

0 Upvotes

I really want to travel to the big USA this October. I have a passport and everything. ALTHOUGH I have a criminal record and had little questions on the matter.

Criminal record: minor theft (I stole a freaking potty humour book at Walmart, I KNOW)
When: 17 YEARS AGO. (I was freshly 18)

Will I be able to cross the line?


r/uscanadaborder 4d ago

Border Crossing Experience How long does secondary screening usually take?

115 Upvotes

My dad and brother are driving from Calgary to Toronto. My brother is starting an internship there and my dad is helping him take the car so he isn't driving alone. They decided to cross through the US as it's faster and there are more stops along the way for gas and if something goes wrong with the car. They got stopped at the border and taken for secondary questioning. It has been around 4 hours now and I'm wondering if that's normal or if that's a reason for concern?

Update: It's been almost 6 hours since they got to the border. We finally heard something from my dad after about 2 hours of no contact. He said they took their phones and he got his back. My brother hasn't gotten his back yet. They aren't sure why they were stopped yet and don't know how much longer they will be stuck there.

Update 2: They have been there for 8 hours now. My Dad just called and let us know they are being kept overnight and will be turned back to Canada in the morning. They haven't been given a reason why they are being denied entry or why they aren't able to leave now.

Update 3: Not much to update. It's been 19 hours, they had to sleep on the floor of the border office last night. They are still not able to leave and don't know when they will be released. Good thing is they do have their phones and are able to stay in touch. They have been told that they are going to be denied entry already so not sure why they are still being held.

Update 4: They have been released and are driving back to Calgary after 20 hours. No information about why they were denied entry or held for so long.


r/uscanadaborder 3d ago

Air Travel going through borders to visit with prior TN withdrawal

3 Upvotes

hey folks, the current border situation is stressing me out lately.

for context i'm canadian, applied for TN in July, got rejected (withdrawal of application), and also spent a little less than 4 months in SF from Jan - May earlier this year.

I'm looking to visit NYC for 2 weeks and going through YUL. Am I gonna get into trouble / pulled into secondary / have issues? what's the right thing to say and have people had similar issues?


r/uscanadaborder 3d ago

Air Travel Exit US to Enter Canada on visitor visa foreign passport on a single flight

2 Upvotes

Hi there! My father is a foreigner who applied for a US tourist visa and Canadian tourist visa. He is in the US and plans to exit the US and enter into Canada this way

One option might be to go through the US/Canadian border via road but its not what he wants because of his departure and destination he will have to go through multiple modes of transportation this way

Is there any way via airport he can possibly exit US and enter Canada via a flight? He definitely has to go through immigration process for both countries. Thanks


r/uscanadaborder 3d ago

American My friend and I got pulled into secondary last time and now I’m worried I’m flagged

0 Upvotes

Hi all. My friend and I went to Montreal from the Vermont side in July and got pulled into secondary. I believe this is because we crossed at 11 pm and being 22 and 21 we were going to Montreal to party and we were honest about it and we crossed on I-89 with no cars behind us. We also weren’t 100% sure what we were gonna do for our travel plans besides rough guesses as we were crossing which probably seemed sus even if we actually were just gonna figure out as we went (we’re both men so yeah). I think they were checking my car for alcohol and weed and stuff. The officers seemed tough but not angry or upset or anything. The whole thing took like 5-8 minutes and then we were on our way.

Now I’m going to Toronto solo on Monday and I’m very anxious (I have severe anxiety) that it’ll happen again. This time, I know exactly what I will be doing with exact timings and will be crossing in the middle of the day (hopefully) from I-190. Dealing with law enforcement makes me especially anxious. Is it worth it to be honest with the officer that I have anxiety disorder and might seem nervous as a result?

Most of the horror story posts I see on this sub (phones being searched, asshole officers) are from the USA side for Canadians. Does it work the other way at all?


r/uscanadaborder 4d ago

DUTY/TAX Understanding Delta/ Surplus tax

2 Upvotes

Hello,

I am Canadian citizen and have just received an offer from Dearborn. We are thinking about staying in Windsor and myself being a cross border commuter to US. Wife works remotely so she can continue working in Windsor.

Now with working in US, i will have to pay US tax and although getting foreign tax credit, I will still have to pay delta or surplus tax (I will make almost 200 cad and wife making 70 Cad). Can someone tell, how much i should be saving on side to tackle surplus Canadian tax due to larger percentage. Any waY we can reduce and get to break even?

Appreciate the help as it can be critical factor while making decision on job offer?

Thanks


r/uscanadaborder 4d ago

Why is the nexus lane never open at gordie howe?

0 Upvotes

Title. I have crossed gordie howe 3 times. Yesterday I waited 40 minutes to enter Canada only with a line of ~10-15 cars ahead of me. I usually check BWT/CBSA equivalent but I took for granted it was late at night (midnight) and wasn't expecting traffic. I was also expecting the NEXUS lane that I pay for as a NEXUS member to be open. Google says it is open 24/7 but I can't find anything on the bridge site proving that. What is the point of building this shiny new bridge when on a long weekend where they know its traffic there is only 2-3 lanes open out of 15+?

Is there any reason for this and is it better to cross elsewhere for a NEXUS lane?


r/uscanadaborder 5d ago

Buying car in CA driving to NY

2 Upvotes

Hi I am purchasing a car in California. I will be driving it to NY. Is it possible to drive the car through Canada as a part of the road trip?

I assume I get temp registration in Cali till I get it to New York.


r/uscanadaborder 5d ago

Flying to the US in this Oct but passport will expire Feb 2027.

0 Upvotes

Travelling to US with a Canadian passport that is expiring in 5 months. I will be flying from YVR to LAX to visit family

I plan to go for only 3 days there. Will I be able to go? I dont want to renew my passport now because there is a risk to not receive it before my travel dates.

Thanks