Cross the border on TWP
 

Hi we are British citizen and on the TWP in canada and we want to cross the border to go shopping to USA, can we do that and what questions do they ask at the border and what is the limit to bring back on clothes, grocery and wine??

Re: Cross the border on TWP
 

Can't help you with your question but really pleased that you asked it as we are looking to do the same thing! good luck

Re: Cross the border on TWP
 

my sis and her hubby are same and they just had to show TWP and passport.not sure on limits on purchases.

Re: Cross the border on TWP
 

There are no problems crossing on a work permit but you'll need to get an I-94 to get into the states which at busy times can take a long time (I once waited almost 3 hours). So pick your time.

The limits depend on how long you are in the USA for. When you say amount do you mean volume or cost? If you are just going for a day then none is duty free. The info should be on the Canadian Border Services Agency website, generally though the border patrol staff are inconsistent in their application of the rules, if you have a couple of bags of clothes then they will probably let you back in without any duty being paid but if your car is bursting at the seams with stuff then they almost certainly will. There is no set practice. Be sure to keep your receipts to show if you are asked.

Re: Cross the border on TWP
 

Read:.....http://www.traveldocs.com/ca/customs.htm

Being British citizens does not give you any special allowances.

Re: Cross the border on TWP
 

We are on a TWP and shop in the US almost weekly. The supermarket we use is about 30 minutes closer than any Canadian supermarket and a damn site cheaper.
We usually spend around $200 in a trip on groceries, clothes etc. We are asked by the Canadian immigration officer to see our reciepts and 9 times out of 10 we are sent on our way, only once have we been asked to pay any tax and that only amounted to CAD$12.
We are still useing our ESTA's to cross into the US as they are still valid till the end of November.
I suppose it will depend on your local border crossing, ours is very quiet. We have never taken more than 5 minutes to go through.

Re: Cross the border on TWP
 

What is I-94? We have got ESTA, Do we still have to get I-94??

Re: Cross the border on TWP
 

ESTA is required if you are flying into the US with a passport from a visa waiver country.

The I-94 is the old visa waiver card. They are used at land crossings. They cost $6 US currency only and are valid for three months.

There seems to be some inconsistency. Some posters have reported that they have been able to use the ESTA instead of an I-94 at a land crossing. However, some border officials (e.g. Blaine March 2011) insist that they don't recognize the ESTA for crossing a land border and an I-94 visa waiver is required.

Re: Cross the border on TWP
 

As mentioned above we use our ESTA just about weekly to go shopping in the US. We initially used it to land in Chicago on our way to Canada at the end of August and believe it is only valid for 3 months from that date of use even though the ESTA itself has a lifespan of 3 years.
I guess from December onwards we will have to use I-94s.

Re: Cross the border on TWP
 

How do i apply for I-94?

Re: Cross the border on TWP
 

I believe you can get one at the border post on entry to US. As someone mentioned above you will have to pay for it there and then, US dollars only.

Re: Cross the border on TWP
 

As GC44 says just turn up at the border. You will be directed to park up and go into the immigration office where they may photograph you and take your fingerprints. Also as said previously it can take some time when the border is busy so it is a good idea to choose the time you cross wisely.

The I-94s must be returned to US immigration. If you intend to visit the US frequently then keep it. Otherwise, or when it is close to expiry, on return to Canada ask the Canadian border officer to take it out of your passport and return it to the US.