American entry into Canada by land
[2] If asked, they must satisfy an immigration officer of ties to their country of origin, such as a job, home, and family.
[3] Canadian law requires that all people entering Canada must carry proof of both citizenship and identity.
[4] However, the documents required to return to the United States can be more restrictive (for example, a birth certificate and photo ID are insufficient) – see the section below on Return entry into the U.S. An enhanced driver's license (EDL), currently issued by the states of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington, is specifically designed to meet the requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) to re-enter the United States via a land or water border.
An EDL will also suffice as proof of identity and citizenship for American citizens entering Canada via land and marine ports of entry.
[2] As of 2011[update], if a person is denied entry and advised to re-enter the U.S., they are issued form IMM 1282B.
[6] Certain documents, such as the following, can serve to reduce these doubts:[9][failed verification] A single criminal conviction, no matter how long ago, can be grounds for exclusion from Canada.
[11] To be a candidate for rehabilitation, at least five years (or more depending on the severity of the offense) since the conclusion of any sentence imposed (imprisonment, probation, fine paid, suspension of driver's license, etc ... ) must have elapsed.
Due to differences between legal systems, an overturned conviction or dismissed charges does not automatically overcome inadmissibility, unless the offense itself occurred in Canada.
In simple cases, such as a single misdemeanor conviction, the application can typically be reviewed and approved by a Canadian Embassy, High Counsel, or CIC office.
For more complicated histories or in the case of a felony conviction, the application will need to be forwarded to Ottawa for approval.
Applicants are required to obtain clearances from law enforcement in the communities in which they have lived, and are strongly urged to submit documentation showing stability and reform such as records of employment and any education or treatment programs completed, as well as character references.
[10] A person with a past conviction can also be "deemed rehabilitated" by an immigration officer at the port of entry.
Temporary resident permits are a one-time authorization for someone who is otherwise criminally inadmissible to enter Canada.
Permits are rarely granted without cause, typically only in extenuating circumstances (such as a documented family emergency), on significant humanitarian grounds (such as sponsoring an inadmissible spouse or child), or for reasons of Canadian national interest, or in circumstances where the reasons for criminal inadmissibility are negligible.
In theory, a person is not inadmissible if they were convicted of a crime before the age of 18 and were tried as a young offender or through the juvenile justice system.
[1] Any person wishing to bring a hunting rifle into Canada is required to be at least 18 years old, and the firearm must be properly stored for transport.
[1] In all cases, travelers are required to declare to Canadian authorities any firearms and weapons in their possession when entering Canada.
[18] Once declared, a CBSA officer will ask questions about these items, such as their country of origin or intended use.
[18] A failure to declare can lead to confiscation of products, fines of up to $400 (Canadian) per undeclared item, as well as prosecution.
[1] Computers and mobile phone are subject to search without a warrant at the border, and illegal content can result in the seizure of the electronic device as well as detention, arrest and prosecution of the bearer.
[22] Persons who believe that they have not received their full entitlements under Canadian law, and have been unable to reach an agreement with the CBSA on a duty or penalty matter, have the right to a formal review of their file.
[23] The representative who reviews the case will not have been involved in the original assessment, determination, or ruling of a duty, penalty or other matter.
[27] Beginning in 2009, U.S. citizens aged 16 and older traveling into the U.S. from Canada by land or sea (including ferries) have had to present documents denoting citizenship and identity, which include a valid U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST), an Enhanced Driver's License, U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders, U.S.
[28] [29] Persons who do not present acceptable documents may be delayed as U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry attempt to verify identity and citizenship.
[30] The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has the authority from the U.S. Congress to conduct searches of persons and their baggage, cargo, and means of transportation entering the United States.
[31] Prohibited items include absinthe, biological materials, endangered species and products thereof; explosives, including fireworks; some fruits, vegetables, and meats; narcotics and paraphernalia, pornographic materials, seditious or treasonable matter, and switchblade knives (except by one-armed persons).
