Is it true that if we cross the US border by land using the I-94W form and then return to Canada that we can ask the Canadian border authorities to remove it from our passport to allow us to return to the US after the 90 days?

For example if I went to the US tomorrow but then wanted to plan a trip to go in September, upon my return from the US from my first trip would the Canadians remove the I-94W so that I could get a new one in September? Or would I have to go through a stupidly long process in order to visit the US again?

I have a working holiday visa in Canada so I have some status in the country.

Yes, that is correct.

The Canadian border guards should remove the green stub automatically. If they don't make sure you give it to them. The I-94W gives you 3 months access to the U.S, but if you ever try to enter the U.S with an expired stub still in your passport you could be turned back as they can't prove when you previously left the U.S.

Yeah, I faced that "ooooooooooooooooooooooooh suspicion" before because the Canadian Border guy didn't take it out and then a year later (why owuld I take it out if its stapled in there!?) returned to the states.

Fortunately when I told them I left USA by road, they were pretty understanding, I guess maybe it happens alot.

no they don't automatically remove it. Its valid for a while so its your job to ask the border guard to remove it, if not you can send it back.

How do they know your not coming back over the boarder in a few days or weeks time ?

I usually have the opposite problem - the border guard wants to take it out and I want him to leave it so we can return to the States within the three month period. The trick is to make sure you remove it after it has expired before you go back in, I forgot once and I got quite a lecture!

I recently flew to Chicago for a work conference and I applied for the Visa Waiver using the ESTA online application. It was by far easier and quicker for me travelling. So no green form to worry about and its all linked in electronically with my passport.

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

This only applies for flying into the US though and is a requirement for VWP Country's citizens. It does not apply to land crossings and is not a requirement.

Thanks, So as long as I ask them to remove it they will. Thats good to know. I wasn't sure if there was going to be some stupidly complicated way in doing it.. I know how border officers can be.. From my experience at the airports the Canadians aren't the friendliest which I always find strange as its not a good first impression on the Canadian people at all!

Slighlty different to the UK border agency, who are generally half asleep and don't really look like they care too much what is going on! haha