Almost done. What do I need at Customs?

[Nnickol 0]

I'm almost done the process of acquiring my spousal visa and want to do some preparatory work so I'll be ready when the time comes to cross the border. I'll be driving across and only have personal effects with me, TV, high end triathlon bike, some laptops and personal electronics and my clothes. There'll be nothing to follow as my wife is already in the U.S. with all our furniture and other effects. What documentation and paperwork will I need? I've already determined that my truck is compliant to be imported but I'm not sure what documents I'll need for it or all of my other items. Thanks for any responses.

[Smiley-one 13]

You will need a certified letter from the vehicle manufacturer stating that the vehicle meets US standards. If you do not have this letter they will not allow you to import your vehicle. I did not have this letter and was allowed to drive my car into the US from Canada but a family member had to come and get my car and take it back to Canada. I was not allowed to import my vehicle as I was missing this letter.

[Nnickol 0]

As I said I know the vehicle is compliant. I should have mentioned I have that letter. However there must be more documents I require than just that letter?

Also, what about all the rest of my items I'm bringing with me.

[NikLR 13,227]

Make a manifest stating what you have, but for the most part it's rarely looked at an not a big deal as you are accompanying your goods. Bring your do not open package passport with visa. They will have everything else you need. Be prepared for being at the border for a bit doing paperwork.

[Ms Hogan 295]

I also suggest double checking the border crossing you are using to be sure they have someone available to process your paperwork during the time you plan to cross. Especially if it is not a particularly busy one that doesn't deal with a lot of us Canucks immigrating. I know some people have run into problems with this before. I myself crossed at a very busy crossing but my officer went on his dinner break in the middle of my process which drew it out to be over 3 hours instead of much faster!

There is a form to fill out for your vehicle but they have it there. You will want to make sure you have the documents you need in order to register it in whatever state you are moving to. There are different requirements for different states.

[Ryan H 3,813]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to General Immigration-Related Discussion; topic is applicable to multiple types of visa holders, not just spousal visa holders.