canaboy

If you're traveling by air, it's safe to assume that the US knows when you arrived and left. Passenger manifests are tracked.

Traveling by land crossing is different. Up until three years ago, both countries didn't track anyone's departure...only arrivals. Now they have a new US/Canada initiative in place called "Beyond the Border" to reconcile entries and exits, but who gets tracked depends on your status in Canada. If you're a Canadian citizen, then no, the US doesn't track when you leave. If you're a permanent resident or visitor, they do. This initiative was to be extended to citizens earlier this year, but that phase has been put on hold.

http://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/minister-downplays-missed-deadline-in-canada-u-s-border-security-pact/

So you're saying if I travel from Canada to US by land, the US will know i've entered but then if I leave the US to enter Canada by land again, the US would not track that?

The I94 website was useful though, it has the dates I arrived and departed which is good to know.

Thanks everyone!

I doubt you will have issues crossing the border again, just make sure you bring proof of ties to Canada.

Thanks for all the information guys, figured I would try to learn more before I try to go back.

LiliBurd, when you mention proof of ties to Canada...what exactly would you/they consider that to be?

Earlier this year I visited the US, flew in from Canada (I’m canadian). So they stamped my passport which showed the days I’m allowed in, so 6 months from when I arrived.

I stayed in the US for about 5 1/2 months before flying back to Canada.

When I flew home I checked in with Delta, went through TSA and then on my way back home. I never went through any US customs, the only customs I went through was the Canadian customs when I landed in my home town. And they didn’t stamp my passport or anything showing I returned.

So I was wondering how does the US know now that I’ve left the country? If I try to return in the next couple months will they think I had never left or is there something that happens behind the scenes to let them know (Canada customs wise).

Thanks!