How to prove Canadian residency at the border

[rvingprincess]

We will be full-timers next year, we are selling the house and will have no domicile. We can use our Daughter's place for stuff like license, income tax etc. but it is only a 1 bedroom apt., but what we are worried about is when we cross the border do they actually check when you give the address (if asked), we don't want to be turned away. Any help would be much appreciated.

[Almot]

I have never been asked by the US for how long I am going or to show any proof of my Canadian residential ties. But the could, of course. Normally, DL is the proof enough. It is an offense not to change the address on DL and on vehicle papers when you change your physical address permanently - it has to be changed within 2 weeks. You may also keep the copy of your tax papers with the same address.

It is Canadian medical plan and GIS social pension that you should worry about. Your annual absence should not exceed 7 months for medical plan, and uninterrupted absence should not exceed 6 months for GIS. Additionally - and they do check this from time to time - you have to satisfy CRA that you have "significant residential ties to Canada", check their Circular SS-F1-C1, par. 1.10-1.17.

As you will see, it's not just a matter of renting a mailbox in Canada. Things like mailbox or safety deposit box CRA considers to be "of limited importance" in determining your residency status - see par. 1.15 in the above Circular.

[Gadget_Guy1]

rvingprincess wrote:
The problem is we won't have tax bills/mortgage papers as we are selling the house, and we won't have any lease papers, hydro bills etc. because it will all be in our daughters name. We will be changing our address on everything to my daughters place for all the stuff like income tax, insurance, drivers license etc. I just hope it will be enough.

Why not change your daughters utility bills into your name. That would at least give you a utility bill which seems to carry a lot of weight together with your Tax assessment documentation, drivers licence and insurance.

[MPI_Mallard]

Keep your driver's licence-plate renewal form with you,it'll have your home address on it.

[n7bsn]

rvingprincess wrote:
The problem is we won't have tax bills/mortgage papers as we are selling the house, and we won't have any lease papers, hydro bills etc. because it will all be in our daughters name. We will be changing our address on everything to my daughters place for all the stuff like income tax, insurance, drivers license etc. I just hope it will be enough.

Eh, no phone-bill? no sat-tv bill? no taxes on the vehicles? nothing? Except you said you are having the federal income tax statements sent to your daughter. Obviously there is not "nothing"

Rent some things, get a private mail-box, get a safety deposit box, you do have to demonstrate a strong connection to Canada, the US "ICE" folk to do not have to let you in. If there is any doubt you will be returning, they will not let you in.

[rvingprincess]

The problem is we won't have tax bills/mortgage papers as we are selling the house, and we won't have any lease papers, hydro bills etc. because it will all be in our daughters name. We will be changing our address on everything to my daughters place for all the stuff like income tax, insurance, drivers license etc. I just hope it will be enough.

[Gadget_Guy1]

michelb wrote:
The OP is correct to have some concerns. If you can't show proof of Canadian Residency, you can be denied entry in the US. I can't imagine you'd have any issues with the place being a one bedroom apartment but you do want your DL, insurance, etc all using that address. Unless you really look suspicious (in which case they could just refuse entry because they felt like it anyway so it's a moot point), I don't think they would (or even could) check what kind of place it is.

X2; you most DEFINITELY need to be able to prove a closer connection to Canada than the US. From experience and advice from the US customs supervisor always be prepared to show documentation such as copies of Property Tax Bill, Utility Bill, Telephone bill, Income Tax Notice Of Assessment, property insurance. The Canadian Passport has NO relevance to them when they want you to show them your closer connection to Canada. We ALWAYS carry these documents with us in an envelope and update the envelope once a year with current information. You never want to get into a situation where entry is denied because then the fun really begins.

[MPI_Mallard]

Using your daughter's home address is fine, we use our oldest son's with no problem however ALL our documentation (driver's licesnce,passport,insurance and such) all have the same address. Every time we've crossed at the Ambassador bridge we've been treated with utmost courtesy and respect from the US customs officers, when at the booth have your passports in hand, take off your sun glasses and hats, answer all questions concisely and clearly, know exactly where your going and how long you will be in the USA,they will probably want to have a look inside your RV,make sure your not bringing anything across that you shouldn't and after a short time you'll be on your way. Good luck.

[Falcon35]

We always take a property tax bill with our name and address on it. One time the officer at the boarder asked all kinds of questions about our Canadian connections. Finely he asked us did we own or rent our condo when I told him we own he let us go. We then decided if they try that again we would be ready for them.
I would make sure that your drivers and vehicle permit have your Daughter's address on it. The last time we crossed I was asked if I had the permit in the motor home for the car I was pulling. I told her it was in the glove box of the car. She went back and checked the plate and checked her computer then told us we could go. They just ask all kinds of questions to make you nervous if your hiding something.

[michelb]

The OP is correct to have some concerns. If you can't show proof of Canadian Residency, you can be denied entry in the US. I can't imagine you'd have any issues with the place being a one bedroom apartment but you do want your DL, insurance, etc all using that address. Unless you really look suspicious (in which case they could just refuse entry because they felt like it anyway so it's a moot point), I don't think they would (or even could) check what kind of place it is.

[Community Alumni]

If you intend to be in the US for a substantial amount of time, i.e. longer than 120 days each year on average, don't forget to complete the 8840 form to avoid possibly being dinged with fine. Also be aware that even if Ontario permits you to be away 7 months a year, the US limit remains 182 days after which you may be subject to paying US income tax to the IRS.

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8840.pdf

[Fizz]

All you need is a passport.
I would be more worried about medical coverage. You're covered for seven months out of province. Comes a time you may have to prove residency for coverage.

[MudChucker]

My parents always carry things like phone bills and bank statements etc...

[crabbin_cabin]

Pass port and drivers license should satisfy them.

[mdamerell]

Crossing U.S. Borders

Canada Border Services

Guess your passport would solve that issue.