US border-crossing checklist (by profile) for Canadians

Profile 1: B-1/B-2 visitor (typical snowbird)

Required documents

• Canadian passport valid ≥ 6 months past entry (or NEXUS card, or enhanced driver license per mode of entry).
• Return ticket or proof of funds to leave.
• (Recommended) Proof of Canadian residence: recent utility bill, mortgage, lease, employer letter if applicable.
• (Recommended) Proof of funds: credit card, bank statement (~$100/day minimum suggested).

Typical CBP questions

• "What is the purpose of travel?" → tourism, family/friend visit, real estate purchase, etc.
• "How long do you plan to stay?" → max 6 months admissible on B-1/B-2.
• "Where are you staying?" → precise address (hotel, property, family).
• "Do you have ties in Canada?" (establishing nonimmigrant intent).

Red flags

• Lying or overstating (you'll be flagged via CBP database).
• Suggesting intent to work in US (e.g., bringing tools, equipment).
• Repeat stays near 6 months without strong Canadian ties — read as de-facto residence.
• Cannabis in luggage (federally illegal in US, possible permanent bar).

Profile 2: Work visa (TN, H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-2)

Required documents

• Canadian passport valid.
• Form I-797 (USCIS approval notice for H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-2) or USMCA employer letter (TN).
• For TN: all original file documents (diplomas, letters, detailed USMCA employer letter).
• For E-2: visa stamp in passport (unless internal US change of status).
• I-94 + processing fees: $6 + $50 = $56 USD at POE for TN.

CBP questions

• "What is your visa and role?"
• "Who is your employer? Address?"
• "What is the planned duration? Salary?"
• For TN: "Is your profession on the USMCA Appendix 2 list?"

Red flags

• Generic or vague employer letter.
• Unlisted TN profession (near-automatic refusal).
• Foreign degrees not evaluated (credential evaluation required).
• Walk-up TN application at POE without preparation = many refusals.

Profile 3: Permanent resident (LPR)

Required documents

• Green card (Form I-551) physical or expired less than 12 months (with proof of pending Form I-90 renewal).
• Passport Canadian (valid ≥ 6 months if traveling internationally).
• (If absence > 6 months) Proof of US ties: home, employment, annual tax return, bank accounts.
• (If absence > 1 year) Re-entry Permit (Form I-131) obtained before departure.

CBP questions

• "How long have you been abroad?"
• "Where do you live? Do you work in the US?"
• "Do you file US taxes?"

Red flags

• Absence > 1 year without Re-entry Permit = presumed abandonment of LPR (possible NTA).
• Repeated absences totaling majority of the year.
• No US tax return as resident.
• Primary address in Canada.

All profiles: common rules

• Customs declaration: cash ≥ $10,000 USD (FinCEN 105). Imported items to declare.
• Phone and computer: CBP may search without warrant in border zone (100-mile zone). Prepare by removing sensitive data.
• Prescription medications: keep in original containers + prescription.
• Food and plants: strict ban on fruits, meats, live plants (USDA).
• Pets: recent (90-day) veterinary certificate required.
• Firearms: federal permit required, ATF form, declaration. Many Canadians skip for simplicity.

After the POE: I-94 and admitted length

• CBP issues an electronic I-94 (sometimes with handwritten "D/S" or specific expiration date).
• Verify at i94.cbp.dhs.gov within days of entry.
• If error: return to a POE to correct (rare but possible).
• For visa-exempt Canadians: admissible duration up to 6 months (182 days), sometimes less per officer.
• The I-94 is the official proof of admitted duration — not the passport stamp.

Formulaires officiels (toujours utiliser la dernière édition)

• CBP — I-94 Lookup
• CBP — Travel page
• WHTI — Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
• FinCEN 105 — Currency report
• Form I-131 — Re-entry Permit (LPR)
• USDA APHIS — Travelers