Entry documents for Canada

bruce · Post by **bruce** » Mon May 21, 2007 2:52 pm

I am a dual citizen (US & Canadian) that plans to move permanently from the US back to Canada in the near future. My Canadian passport is expired and I'm not sure there is enough time to renew prior to the move (especially given the current passport backlog). Can I enter Canada (become a resident) if all I have is my US passport plus my Canadian citizenship card?

I know the above documentation is more than enough as a visitor but I'm not sure what kind of additional complications will arise when I tell the Canadian border/immigration officer that I'm moving to Canada. I will probably drive across the border and need to advise them of this fact since, as I understand it, I need to give them a list of all the personal belongings that will be accompanying me (or to follow on the moving company truck).

Thanks.

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Mon May 21, 2007 3:07 pm

As a citizen of canada (and your Cdn citizenship card is ample proof, who cares about your US passport), you can do what you want when you enter.

Look at the CBSA site for various forms etc for returning residents. the US plates on your car will be sufficent clue that you weren't living in Canada.

bruce · Post by **bruce** » Mon May 21, 2007 3:20 pm

As I understand the new rules, you now have to have a [u]passport[/u] to cross the border. That's the only reason I figured the Canadian authorities would want to see a passport (even if it was a US one). Either way, it sounds like the citizenship card is the key document. Thanks.

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Mon May 21, 2007 3:24 pm

You only need a pasport to enter US, by air.

Not canada, and not by land.