Canada Clubs News From Gerry In Ontario Gerry Brissenden CSA Past President What a wonderful summer we have had in Canada this year but I guess, like me, many of you are looking forward to spending the winter season in nice warm areas of the United States. Before you get ready to migrate, you should prepare yourselves for the border crossing. This should not be a cause for concern. We have the friendliest border in the world and crossing it can be easy if we prepare ourselves. Let’s look at some of the ways in which we can make the crossing a pleasant trip for both us and the border guards. First of all, we must understand that spending time in the United States is a privilege and NOT a right. Therefore, be prepared to obey the rules. At the present time, we are allowed to enter the U.S. for up to 182 days in a 12-month period. This means that if you have been border-crossing to shop or attend a sporting event, the border guard has the right to deduct the amount of time which you have already spent in the U.S. from your 182 days. This does not mean that they will always do this but, as we cross the border on a B2 visa (this is the verbal visa which the guard provides to you when he or she gives you permission to enter their country), the guard has the right to use his or her discretion. Therefore, I would suggest that you make it as easy for the guards to do their job as possible. Enjoy your time in the United States and try to attend some of the Canadian Snowbird Association events; these are put on for your benefit and can prove valuable to you. Have a safe and enjoyable trip. The following are a few of the things that will assist you in crossing without problems in a vehicle. ■■ Ensure that you have your up-to-date passports ready and opened to the photo page. This includes every person in the vehicle. ■■ Take off your hat and glasses unless you wear them in the passport photo. ■■ Speak clearly and with respect to the guards. They have a tough job to do. ■■ Open both front and rear windows on the driver’s side to enable the guard to see clearly into the vehicle. ■■ Have a border-crossing binder (or envelope) prepared and include in this any doctor’s appointments which you may have upon your return to Canada. A copy of your hydro bills, TV bills, etc. A copy of your property deed or a copy of a house rental agreement. Also, a copy of your most recent 8840 (Closer Connection Form). Anything which can show that you intend to return to Canada. DO NOT SHOW THIS UNLESS THEY ASK HOW YOU CAN PROVE THAT YOU INTEND TO RETURN TO CANADA. But, as we learned in the Boy Scouts, Be Prepared. ■■ Ensure that your driver’s licence and vehicle stickers are up to date and do not expire while you are away. The same goes for your vehicle insurance. ■■ If you have purchased anything from the Duty Free Shop, have the receipts available. ■■ Answer only the questions asked of you, do not try to joke with the guards. Theirs is a serious job. Remember, they are there to ensure that only the best people are allowed to enter their country. The following topics will be covered: •Who we are •Lobbying the federal, provincial, territorial and U.S. governments •Benefits of being a CSA member •Trip planning •Border crossing issues •How to count days in the U.S. •Forms – 8840 and W-8BEN •Travel medical insurance •Canadian Retiree Visa •Question & answer period ATTENTION ALL SNOWBIRDS! To arrange a FREE presentation in your community, please email the CSA at csastaff@snowbirds.org Canadian Snowbird Association Directors are available for presentations in your local communities CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION 180 Lesmill Road, Toronto, Ontario Canada M3B 2T5 1-800-265-3200 csastaff@snowbirds.org www.snowbirds.org 18 | www.snowbirds.org
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