What to expect at the border upon arrival?

[TheShape 2]

Hi

I should be receiving my Visa in two to three weeks. I am moving there from Canada, and crossing on land with my car, into Michigan. I'm just wondering what to expect when I get to the border, as in how long I will be there, and what the procedure is. Is there a suggested time of day to cross? Obviously I wouldn't cross at rush hour, but was thinking of crossing at night because there's less traffic on the highway. Any suggestions or experiences would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[NikLR 13,227]

There are lots of threads about land crossing in the Canada forum. Are you importing your car?

[TheShape 2]

I apologize for posting in the wrong section. I couldn't find any forms having to do with Canada. Maybe I was looking in the wrong section. However to answer your question, yes I will be importing my car.

[chiggins82 88]

It shouldn't matter what time of day you cross, but they post the wait times online. I don't know if they are reliable or not, but maybe keep an eye on the one you plan to cross. Or you can do a search on here with the name of the border crossing? People do post a lot on this topic, but it is hard to find them sometimes!

For me it took 90 minutes to cross, but I was bringing animals with me and it complicated things and the officers didn't know how to process my documents.. once they figured it out it took maybe 20 minutes for the paperwork. If you are crossing at a popular one it shouldn't take long.

From what I remember, I got to the border, and had to wait in the office for a bit. They then opened my envelope and looked at the documents. Then they did the I-94 (which they made me pay for), stamped and signed some things. Same with my car. I gave them my letter of compliance and they gave me some import papers which I needed to get a US title... Next they dealt with my unaccompanied goods, then they dealt with my animals and I was on my way. For me, they did not search my car, but I was more or less ready and knew what was in there and vaguely where it was.

To make things easier for me, I kept a backpack with me with all my visa documents, forms, etc so if they asked for something, I had it handy. They didn't ask though.

Definitely search around for other experiences. It is pretty easy so long as you have your paperwork. Happy travels!

[TheShape 2]

Thank you for this information Chiggins! I was mostly concerned about if I had to import my car right away. I thought I had up to a year. I will get my letter of compliance ASAP, and hopefully it will be here before I move. And considering that I'm only moving with about 5 boxes, my clothes and a flat screen TV, I shouldn't be there too long I guess. Thanks again!

[lkerky 25]

I crossed in ND.. It took about an 45 minutes to an hour. I went inside and they looked at my documents, etc.

I actually did not have a compliance letter. They asked if I was importing and I stated yes: they inspected my car (VIN) and gave me the paperwork to license it in the states. I did have to pay taxes on my car though so be prepared when you first register your vehicle (it may vary in each state).

[TheShape 2]

Thanks Imihler. I was aware of the taxes that have to be paid on the vehicle, but do I have to pay duty on household items? Like my television, PS4, and my laptop, etc?

[NikLR 13,227]

No