Daily commute (Detroit-Windsor) (H1b and Canada PR)

[ImmiToCanada]

Very glad to find this post. Please count me in for those who wish to get Canadian citizenship while working in USA.

My situations are much tougher. I accepted a job on H1B in Connecticut and I plan to drive back to Quebec on weekends to get 4 out of 7 days Canadian residence in the near future. The four days will be Fri (day entering Canada), Sat, Sun and Mon (day leaving Canada).

Getting a Nexus card is quite useful for faster clearance at customs and will save a lot of time in the long run.

According to my limited research and based on the friendly feedback from the other post http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/work-in-usa-travel-back-to-canada-at-weekends-residence-time-calculation.451557/page-3#post-6127610, we need to face serval issues that may hurt the chance of citizenship.

1) car imported to USA from Canada, with insurance changed from Canada to USA. This may be considered as having weaker 'Canadian tie'.

2) tax filed to both USA and Canada, lengthy procedures depending on which province and which state.

3) lack of evidence for a 'real life' in Canada. Advice from senior members who got citizenship after residence questionnaire: reserve a credit card that only pays bills or spending in Canada. Keep receipts that can support real life activities in Canada,

4) mis-recorded entry information. As suggested by several senior members in the forum, it is useful to keep a detailed log for border crossing trips. The USA and Canada customs may be unable to provide accurate trips logs for everyone due to the amount of tedious work.

 

[hfinkel]

I am currently commuting daily to US for a temp job contract, driving home to BC every day in a Canadian registered & insured vehicle. I do not maintain any US residence but do use a friend's WA address for US credit cards & banks.

I filed an online US Freedom of Information Act request and received a free copy of all US border crossings to demonstrate that I do not stay overnight in US.

I presume this is sufficient to establish days of physical presence in Canada when I eventually apply for citizenship?

 

[_neil]

Hey guys, I am also in the same boat. I am moving to Windsor in Aug. I am sharing below some information that I have gathered. I would love to hear thoughts and suggestions…I will update the list as I find more.

1. Use the Tunnel instead of the Bridge
   1. Tunnel is faster, bridge is more unpredictable. I have been monitoring the traffic between 8-8:45 am for the past 6 months, and found the tunnel to be more consistent.
2. Get the Nexpress card. This is different from Nexus card.
   1. https://nexpress.dwtunnel.com/
   2. It is like the EZPass for the tunnel. It will allow you to pay toll at the entrance automatically.
   3. Lower toll rates than what you pay in cash.
   4. Pay in CAD instead of USD. Both are $100 for the reload, and the toll is the same. So you save some money because of the exchange rate.
   5. Save the statement monthly. This will help with evidence that you crossed over to Detroit, and back, the same day.
   6. https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/rescalc/redir.do?redir=faq#Q3
3. Take about 10 mins daily to keep track of your daily travel: https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/rescalc/resCalcStartNew.do
   1. Create a new account and in the Absences from Canada section, start tracking your travel to the States.
4. Working remote
   1. This is not allowed. Once in a while you may work from home, but you should be in the office because your H1b petition is tied to the work address. If you are in the States, your company can give alternate work locations on your petition.
5. Banking
   1. Open a USD account with a bank like TD. I have not done this yet, but this is based on advice from friends living in Windsor.
   2. It allows you to convert your USD salary to CAD while avoiding high fees.
6. Credit Card
   1. If you get paid in USD, it is easier to have a US Credit card with no foreign transaction fee.
   2. I have Chase Sapphire, and I love it. The exchange rate that I get on transactions is waaaay better than any bank, casino or the train station. USD 100 = $77.45 when the rate was 77.31. Which means within 0.15%
7. Moving - as advised by the tunnel authorities, you can drive a UHaul to Canada. They will direct you to Immigration services.
   1. Have an itemized list of possessions with you
   2. They appreciate pictures.
   3. Most often, they don’t even care to open your truck.
   4. I have heard mixed incidents about taking mattresses. Some people have been allowed, while others have been denied.
8. Postal mail
   1. I have lived in the US for more than 10 years. USPS will not forward your mail to Canada.
   2. Get a PO Box at USPS or UPS .
   3. This will also give you a US address for all the US accounts, like banks, phone etc…
9. Buy a house, if you can afford. If you are renting, make sure to have a legit rental agreement.
   1. This is helpful proof that you plan to live in Canada, and are contributing to the economy.
   2. Can be helpful at the time of applying for Citizenship.

Things I am not sure about:

1. State taxes - I have to find an accountant to help with the taxes. If anyone has suggestions, please do share.
   1. Like several people have mentioned on the thread, US and Canada have a double taxation treaty - https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p597.pdf. We don’t have to pay taxes twice. Taxes paid in the States are credited in Canada.
   2. Part that I am unsure about; will have to check with accountant - If I am not living in Detroit, would I be able to file non-resident tax form and get credit for MI state tax? The company pays MI tax because it is located in MI, but we pay the resident tax only if we live in that state.
2. Nexus card - I called the US CBP, and they informed that resident aliens are not eligible for the Nexus card. You have to live in the country of your permanent residence(i.e. Canada in my case) for at least 3 years to be eligible.
   1. If anyone has been able to successfully get the Nexus card, please do share your experience.
3. Drivers License
   1. I have not dug into this yet. I assume that you can get a Canadian license easily if you have a US license.

 

[HamiltonApplicant]

If you don't have the nexus card, and you are crossing border with passport and visa, will you be stopped and questioned by US officers daily at the border?

No, last time I checked.

When I drove to Canada while in H1B, the Canadian border agency asked me whether I am going to return US. When I answered affirmative, they allowed me to keep it. On returning to the US, my i-94 saw me through the border control without an interview.

When you enter US for the first time on a B1/B2, they will issue a paper multiple entry i-94 valid for six months. Cost is less US$10 I guess. You can enter US without undergoing interview if you carry it with you. Return the i-94 Canadian border control when you are sure that it will expire before your next trip to USA. Meaning: If i-94 expires on 7/10/2017, and your last trip back to Canada was on 7/7/2017, then return it that day. Get a new i-94 during your next entry through an interview

Interviews at land crossing to US can take upto one hour on a good day, 50 minutes waiting and 10 minutes interview. On a bad day, write off 2 to 3 hours... Canadian side is smoother, interview is gets over in about 5 minutes. However, traffic can be heavy.

Caveat, they say it is done electronically now, but it would hurt if you carry it with you and return when the time is right. After six months you will have to acquire a new i-94, if you are on B1/B2

Every thing said is based in peace bridge crossing...

 

[prudhvi]

Hey guys, I am also in the same boat. I am moving to Windsor in Aug. I am sharing below some information that I have gathered. I would love to hear thoughts and suggestions…I will update the list as I find more.

1. Use the Tunnel instead of the Bridge
   1. Tunnel is faster, bridge is more unpredictable. I have been monitoring the traffic between 8-8:45 am for the past 6 months, and found the tunnel to be more consistent.
2. Get the Nexpress card. This is different from Nexus card.
   1. https://nexpress.dwtunnel.com/
   2. It is like the EZPass for the tunnel. It will allow you to pay toll at the entrance automatically.
   3. Lower toll rates than what you pay in cash.
   4. Pay in CAD instead of USD. Both are $100 for the reload, and the toll is the same. So you save some money because of the exchange rate.
   5. Save the statement monthly. This will help with evidence that you crossed over to Detroit, and back, the same day.
   6. https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/rescalc/redir.do?redir=faq#Q3
3. Take about 10 mins daily to keep track of your daily travel: https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/rescalc/resCalcStartNew.do
   1. Create a new account and in the Absences from Canada section, start tracking your travel to the States.
4. Working remote
   1. This is not allowed. Once in a while you may work from home, but you should be in the office because your H1b petition is tied to the work address. If you are in the States, your company can give alternate work locations on your petition.
5. Banking
   1. Open a USD account with a bank like TD. I have not done this yet, but this is based on advice from friends living in Windsor.
   2. It allows you to convert your USD salary to CAD while avoiding high fees.
6. Credit Card
   1. If you get paid in USD, it is easier to have a US Credit card with no foreign transaction fee.
   2. I have Chase Sapphire, and I love it. The exchange rate that I get on transactions is waaaay better than any bank, casino or the train station. USD 100 = $77.45 when the rate was 77.31. Which means within 0.15%
7. Moving - as advised by the tunnel authorities, you can drive a UHaul to Canada. They will direct you to Immigration services.
   1. Have an itemized list of possessions with you
   2. They appreciate pictures.
   3. Most often, they don’t even care to open your truck.
   4. I have heard mixed incidents about taking mattresses. Some people have been allowed, while others have been denied.
8. Postal mail
   1. I have lived in the US for more than 10 years. USPS will not forward your mail to Canada.
   2. Get a PO Box at USPS or UPS .
   3. This will also give you a US address for all the US accounts, like banks, phone etc…
9. Buy a house, if you can afford. If you are renting, make sure to have a legit rental agreement.
   1. This is helpful proof that you plan to live in Canada, and are contributing to the economy.
   2. Can be helpful at the time of applying for Citizenship.

Things I am not sure about:

1. State taxes - I have to find an accountant to help with the taxes. If anyone has suggestions, please do share.
   1. Like several people have mentioned on the thread, US and Canada have a double taxation treaty - https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p597.pdf. We don’t have to pay taxes twice. Taxes paid in the States are credited in Canada.
   2. Part that I am unsure about; will have to check with accountant - If I am not living in Detroit, would I be able to file non-resident tax form and get credit for MI state tax? The company pays MI tax because it is located in MI, but we pay the resident tax only if we live in that state.
2. Nexus card - I called the US CBP, and they informed that resident aliens are not eligible for the Nexus card. You have to live in the country of your permanent residence(i.e. Canada in my case) for at least 3 years to be eligible.
   1. If anyone has been able to successfully get the Nexus card, please do share your experience.
3. Drivers License
   1. I have not dug into this yet. I assume that you can get a Canadian license easily if you have a US license.

i appreciate you for taking time and sharing the information. i am also planning to move to Windsor this September. Actually my new employer filled an application for H1B transfer. do you have any idea if i can do daily cross border commute when my H1B application is in transfer process?

 

[prudhvi]

No, last time I checked.

When I drove to Canada while in H1B, the Canadian border agency asked me whether I am going to return US. When I answered affirmative, they allowed me to keep it. On returning to the US, my i-94 saw me through the border control without an interview.

When you enter US for the first time on a B1/B2, they will issue a paper multiple entry i-94 valid for six months. Cost is less US$10 I guess. You can enter US without undergoing interview if you carry it with you. Return the i-94 Canadian border control when you are sure that it will expire before your next trip to USA. Meaning: If i-94 expires on 7/10/2017, and your last trip back to Canada was on 7/7/2017, then return it that day. Get a new i-94 during your next entry through an interview

Interviews at land crossing to US can take upto one hour on a good day, 50 minutes waiting and 10 minutes interview. On a bad day, write off 2 to 3 hours... Canadian side is smoother, interview is gets over in about 5 minutes. However, traffic can be heavy.

Caveat, they say it is done electronically now, but it would hurt if you carry it with you and return when the time is right. After six months you will have to acquire a new i-94, if you are on B1/B2

Every thing said is based in peace bridge crossing...

Thanks for the info, it's really helpful.

 

[prudhvi]

Guys can someone help me how to import my US car into Canada.

 

[VOBuckeye]

Hey guys, I am also in the same boat. I am moving to Windsor in Aug. I am sharing below some information that I have gathered. I would love to hear thoughts and suggestions…I will update the list as I find more.

1. Use the Tunnel instead of the Bridge
   1. Tunnel is faster, bridge is more unpredictable. I have been monitoring the traffic between 8-8:45 am for the past 6 months, and found the tunnel to be more consistent.
2. Get the Nexpress card. This is different from Nexus card.
   1. https://nexpress.dwtunnel.com/
   2. It is like the EZPass for the tunnel. It will allow you to pay toll at the entrance automatically.
   3. Lower toll rates than what you pay in cash.
   4. Pay in CAD instead of USD. Both are $100 for the reload, and the toll is the same. So you save some money because of the exchange rate.
   5. Save the statement monthly. This will help with evidence that you crossed over to Detroit, and back, the same day.
   6. https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/rescalc/redir.do?redir=faq#Q3
3. Take about 10 mins daily to keep track of your daily travel: https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/rescalc/resCalcStartNew.do
   1. Create a new account and in the Absences from Canada section, start tracking your travel to the States.
4. Working remote
   1. This is not allowed. Once in a while you may work from home, but you should be in the office because your H1b petition is tied to the work address. If you are in the States, your company can give alternate work locations on your petition.
5. Banking
   1. Open a USD account with a bank like TD. I have not done this yet, but this is based on advice from friends living in Windsor.
   2. It allows you to convert your USD salary to CAD while avoiding high fees.
6. Credit Card
   1. If you get paid in USD, it is easier to have a US Credit card with no foreign transaction fee.
   2. I have Chase Sapphire, and I love it. The exchange rate that I get on transactions is waaaay better than any bank, casino or the train station. USD 100 = $77.45 when the rate was 77.31. Which means within 0.15%
7. Moving - as advised by the tunnel authorities, you can drive a UHaul to Canada. They will direct you to Immigration services.
   1. Have an itemized list of possessions with you
   2. They appreciate pictures.
   3. Most often, they don’t even care to open your truck.
   4. I have heard mixed incidents about taking mattresses. Some people have been allowed, while others have been denied.
8. Postal mail
   1. I have lived in the US for more than 10 years. USPS will not forward your mail to Canada.
   2. Get a PO Box at USPS or UPS .
   3. This will also give you a US address for all the US accounts, like banks, phone etc…
9. Buy a house, if you can afford. If you are renting, make sure to have a legit rental agreement.
   1. This is helpful proof that you plan to live in Canada, and are contributing to the economy.
   2. Can be helpful at the time of applying for Citizenship.

Things I am not sure about:

1. State taxes - I have to find an accountant to help with the taxes. If anyone has suggestions, please do share.
   1. Like several people have mentioned on the thread, US and Canada have a double taxation treaty - https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p597.pdf. We don’t have to pay taxes twice. Taxes paid in the States are credited in Canada.
   2. Part that I am unsure about; will have to check with accountant - If I am not living in Detroit, would I be able to file non-resident tax form and get credit for MI state tax? The company pays MI tax because it is located in MI, but we pay the resident tax only if we live in that state.
2. Nexus card - I called the US CBP, and they informed that resident aliens are not eligible for the Nexus card. You have to live in the country of your permanent residence(i.e. Canada in my case) for at least 3 years to be eligible.
   1. If anyone has been able to successfully get the Nexus card, please do share your experience.
3. Drivers License
   1. I have not dug into this yet. I assume that you can get a Canadian license easily if you have a US license.

Hello Neil,
Thanks so much for your detailed post!
I'm also planning to move to Windsor mid-October once I get H1B status.
Do you mind sharing your daily commute experiences when you get there.
All the best!!

 

[vins1]

Things I am not sure about:

1. State taxes - I have to find an accountant to help with the taxes. If anyone has suggestions, please do share.
   1. Like several people have mentioned on the thread, US and Canada have a double taxation treaty - https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p597.pdf. We don’t have to pay taxes twice. Taxes paid in the States are credited in Canada.
   2. Part that I am unsure about; will have to check with accountant - If I am not living in Detroit, would I be able to file non-resident tax form and get credit for MI state tax? The company pays MI tax because it is located in MI, but we pay the resident tax only if we live in that state.
2. Nexus card - I called the US CBP, and they informed that resident aliens are not eligible for the Nexus card. You have to live in the country of your permanent residence(i.e. Canada in my case) for at least 3 years to be eligible.
   1. If anyone has been able to successfully get the Nexus card, please do share your experience.
3. Drivers License
   1. I have not dug into this yet. I assume that you can get a Canadian license easily if you have a US license.

Nexus Card - I have lived several years in US and Canada on Work Visa's and just had 6 months as a Canadian PR when my Nexus was approved.

Drivers License - You can get a Canadian license by surrendering a current valid US license. But you would need a drivers extract from your current US state, this process can take sometime depending on which state you are talking about.

You will also need Auto insurance history for 5+ years from the US to get a reasonable rate in Canada.

 

[VOBuckeye]

I have a question in regards to daily commute US H1B/ Canada PR.
Can you cross the border to the US side on weekends as well using the H1B visa? Will there be any issues if you enter the US on an H1B visa on a weekend when you're not going to work?

 

[karthik2479]

i appreciate you for taking time and sharing the information. i am also planning to move to Windsor this September. Actually my new employer filled an application for H1B transfer. do you have any idea if i can do daily cross border commute when my H1B application is in transfer process?

In theory you are expected to be in the US while your amendment is in process. Especially with the Premium Processing not in place now, it is a bit risky. However there may be otehrs who have done it before and can chime in.

 

[Jeksis]

I have a question in regards to daily commute US H1B/ Canada PR.
Can you cross the border to the US side on weekends as well using the H1B visa? Will there be any issues if you enter the US on an H1B visa on a weekend when you're not going to work?

I believe you can. I am on H1B and had a visitor visa to Canada (H1B transfer was also in progress at the time and lawyer advised not to leave US ) when I crossed from US to Canada this past Memorial Day weekend returning on the Sunday. This should not be different with Canada PR in place of visa. If in doubt, it could also be that you are returning on the weekend for work on Monday morning!

Can someone advise how much it will cost in tolls per month to commute between Windsor and Detroit seven days a week via the tunnel or bridge? What is the cheapest option? Thanks.

 

[prudhvi]

I believe you can. I am on H1B and had a visitor visa to Canada (H1B transfer was also in progress at the time and lawyer advised not to leave US ) when I crossed from US to Canada this past Memorial Day weekend returning on the Sunday. This should not be different with Canada PR in place of visa. If I doubt, it could also be that you are returning on the weekend for work on Monday morning!

Can someone advise how much it will cost in tolls per month to commute between Windsor and Detroit seven days a week via the tunnel or bridge? What is the cheapest option? Thanks.

If you are working in Detroit downtown, cheapest way is to do bus commute from Windsor to Detroit

Monthly pass is for 94 cad only, which will also help us at the time of filing candian tax.

We also don't need to pay toll fees when you are traveling through bus.
Usually if you are doing daily commute through car you need to spend approx 300 dollars on toll fees

 

[Jeksis]

Thanks, Prudhvi! How much delay is experienced with border security checking everyone on bus as I understand happens at each crossing?

 

[prudhvi]

Thanks, Prudhvi! How much delay is experienced with border security checking everyone on bus as I understand happens at each crossing?

I don't have this info, we need to try it out

so, when are you planning to move to Windsor? are you going to work in detorit?