Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that the Canada Border Services Agency website offers a detailed Frequently Asked Questions section, with information tailored to the specific needs of travellers, importers and exporters.

Questions for Canadians in the United States Questions for non-Canadians Questions for Canadians in Canada

FOR CANADIANS IN THE UNITED STATES:

Canada-U.S. Border

How can I get general information about the Canada-U.S. Border?

For questions about the border, we suggest you refer to the Canadian Border Services Agency. The CBSA provides a wealth of information, from Border Wait Times (updated hourly), documents on border initiatives, and information for general travellers to detailed policies for importers and exporters.

I am moving back to Canada from the United States. How can I get information about this process?

The Canadian Border Services Agency provides useful information on moving back to Canada, including details on legislative requirements, on what you can and can't import to Canada, and on the necessary forms. We suggest you visit their website .

Business

How can I locate Canadian businesses in the United States?

The website of the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. provides detailed information on Canadian businesses, as well as directories and other resources related to business.

Citizenship and Passports

Where can I find information about Canadian citizenship and obtaining proof of citizenship?

Citizenship and Immigration Canada's website provides up-to-date information on citizenship and proof of citizenship issues. You can learn how to apply for Canadian citizenship and find useful information about becoming a Canadian Citizen. If you have a Canadian parent, were born outside Canada, and/or are a Canadian who had a child outside Canada, please refer to the Born Outside Canada to a Canadian Parent section.

Where can I get information about Dual Citizenship?

We suggest you visit the Dual Citizenship section of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. It can provide you with information about who to contact, as well as an informative brochure.

How can I apply for a Canadian Passport? Why can't I renew my Canadian Passport?

For questions about passports, we encourage you to visit Passport Canada's website. The Frequently Asked Questions section is particularly useful.

Diplomatic Missions

How can I locate Canadian diplomatic missions? (Embassy, Consulate, High Commission, Trade Office)

Links to Canadian Consulates in the United States are available here. For a list of all Canadian diplomatic missions, see: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/world/embassies/cra-en.asp

Finance - Taxes, Investments, Tax Treaties and RRSPs

I need information on Canada-United States related taxes, investments and tax treaties. Where can I access resources and frequently asked questions?

We receive many questions about taxes and investments. The Canada Revenue Agency provides comprehensive information about these issues, and the Internal Revenue Service has posted a helpful Frequently Asked Questions section.

Retirement

How can I get information about retiring in Canada?

For questions about retiring in Canada, we suggest you refer to Human Resources and Social Development Canada. The International Benefits section applies to Canadians outside of Canada. We also suggest you consult www.sdc.gc.ca/en/gateways/topics/rzp-gxr.shtml for general information about retirement planning.

I am retiring, but worked in Canada in the past. How can I claim my benefits?

The Canada Pension Plan website provides useful information on your entitlement to receive CPP benefits and a retirement pension. It's the best place to look for information about claiming benefits for work previously conducted in Canada.

FOR NON-CANADIANS:

Travel to Canada/Visiting Canada

Do I need a visa to visit Canada?

As is true with all countries, there are many rules regarding entry requirements to Canada. For information about visas, we suggest you refer to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. It lists the countries whose citizens require visas to visit Canada. If necessary, we suggest you visit the Application for a Temporary Resident Visa to Visit Canada section of the website.

I am moving to Canada for the first time. Where can I get general information about the process and Canada in general?

Congratulations on your decision to experience new beginnings and adventures in a new country! Citizenship and Immigration Canada's website offers a great deal of information on moving to Canada, including the useful guide, A Newcomer's Introduction to Canada.

FOR CANADIANS IN CANADA

Travel to the United States

I have questions about travelling to the United States. Where should I look?

For information about travelling to the U.S., we suggest you refer to the Consular Affairs website.

I am interested in moving to the United States. Where do I start?

For information about immigration and visas for working in the United States, we suggest you refer to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

Retiring abroad

I am a Canadian and am interested in retiring abroad. Where can I get information about this?

For questions about retiring in the U.S. or elsewhere, the Canadian government has posted information in the brochure Retirement Abroad on its website.

Disclaimer: Meet Me at The Border has selected this list of links to provide as much useful and up-to-date information as possible. Please note that Meet Me At The Border and the Government of Canada are not responsible for the content of links listed above that are not Government of Canada websites.