Crossed into Canada by land

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Interesting - this is the first time the Canadian border guard has asked what my status was in the US and asked to see my GC. He even scanned it.....I felt like saying - is it really any of your darn business what my status is in the US? I of course didn't since I had no desire to be considered cheeky at 11:15 pm and be pulled into secondary

When we first pulled up we handed over our passports as per the usual way - my husband the USC and me the Cdn....anyone else been asked for their US status by the Cdn border guards? Weird.

[Gypsyangel 11]

It has happened to me only two times. Once by land (on my most recent trip in April) and once at Pearson (a couple of years ago). It surprised me too. I guess they're just trying to understand something that's confusing them. I can't imagine it would really matter if you couldn't produce it, if you're Canadian.

[la2011 5]

The same thing happened to me last time I went to Canada! I, too, felt like saying, what the heck do you care what my status is in the US, do you know who you work for haha but I also refrained and told them I was on a TN work visa.

[Flames9_RN 358]

I recall neiks stating something about this, she had a valid response, it made sense, but I can't recall exactly why. And I have not had enough coffee yet this morning to make anything sound senseful!!

[Colleens 40]

I have been asked what my status is in the US when I have returned to Canada (I guess since I put a US address on my customs card and check the card as a visitor). They haven't asked for my green card tho. Both times I have gone to Canada since I have had my GC I have had my LO and have been travelling alone, so I think they didn't want to ask me for anything more then they absolutely needed

[Krikit 1,163]

I've been asked for my GC for the last year or so at the land borders. Now I just give them my NEXUS pass and they don't ask. Having said that, I know for sure they're going to ask for my GC next visit.

Here's Neik's response: Link

Glad to hear you made it safe and sound, Udella. Have fun!! It's super scorching here today.

[Marilyn. 340]

both times i have crossed the land border into Canada, there and back, I have just shown my GC and they didn't bat an eye

in my humble opinion a green card is harder and more expensive to get then a passport..i am pretty sure you go through more security checks to get a green card too... so i think it is a better id then a passport...it does also state your country of birth on the green card too...

[BH45 0]

We cross at Port Huron / Sarnia as it is closer to my family living in Southern Ontario. The first time we crossed I just gave them my passport. The next time, they asked to see my GC. So since then, I've always just handed them my passport with the GC tucked into it.

[Inky 1,110]

Could they be adopting a new thing now?

Needing to check the GC on entry to Canada to make sure you have been staying in the USA legally?

[Flames9_RN 358]

Could they be adopting a new thing now?

Needing to check the GC on entry to Canada to make sure you have been staying in the USA legally?

Read Neiks link above provided by Krikit. Neiks does work for Cdn Customs

[Udella&Wiz 325]

So Flames - now that you're a citizen - do they bat an eye when you're obviously both a Cdn and American?

Guess he next time I cross homr I will be a citizen and find out

Edit - just rtead link to Neiks response - that now makes total sens ewhy they're asking and it doesn't bother me a bit,

Edited July 3, 2011 by Udella&Wiz

[Lami 0]

Can't we just show them our Green card and not our passport?

[Marilyn. 340]

Can't we just show them our Green card and not our passport?

taht is what I have done in the past with no problems..

[shawna7 4]

I was asked twice crossing at the peace bridge..they told me it was because I had a rental car and only a US citizen(or PR) can bring a rental car across from the states..so I assumed every time i brought a rental car across I would be asked..but not the case..I cross all the time..so now when I'm not asked I find it weird

[Flames9_RN 358]

So Flames - now that you're a citizen - do they bat an eye when you're obviously both a Cdn and American?

Guess he next time I cross homr I will be a citizen and find out

Edit - just rtead link to Neiks response - that now makes total sens ewhy they're asking and it doesn't bother me a bit,

I drove back to Sask from DC at the end of April. My CRV was pretty full and I had my dog!! I drove up to the CDN Customs gal, I handed her my CDN passport. She asked me the purpose of my visit- (Visit family) Where I resided (Virginia) How long I was staying in Canada (approx 1 month) and that was it!!! Didnt even ask me questions about my dog!! Wasn't even stopped for a minute. Too easy. Never showed my USA passport, to validate what I had said. I may have said I had USA citizenship, but I dont think so, as I never admit to that,lol

I was asked twice crossing at the peace bridge..they told me it was because I had a rental car and only a US citizen(or PR) can bring a rental car across from the states..so I assumed every time i brought a rental car across I would be asked..but not the case..I cross all the time..so now when I'm not asked I find it weird

Yep thats correct. A fair # of Canucks (stil resident of canada)get themselves into a pickle on those Alaskan cruises, as they rent a car in 1 of the stops,then try to enter Canada with it as they tour around. Some get thru, but some get stopped and told to turn around!!