For lawful permanent residents of the United States, travel to Canada requires specific documentation. If you’re holding a U.S. Green Card and planning a trip across the border, it’s essential to understand the current requirements to ensure a smooth journey. As of recent updates, the rules are clear about what you’ll need to present at the Canadian border, regardless of your mode of transportation.
To enter Canada, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. are mandated to present two key documents for all travel methods – whether you’re flying, driving, or arriving by sea. These are:
- A valid passport from your country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document recognized by Canadian authorities).
- A valid Green Card (Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551) or other acceptable proof of your permanent resident status in the United States.
This means that contrary to what some might assume, a Green Card alone is not sufficient to gain entry into Canada. A valid passport is an indispensable requirement for U.S. permanent residents seeking to cross the Canadian border.
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) specifies several forms of official documentation that serve as proof of your lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. These include:
- Valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551).
- A foreign passport accompanied by a temporary I-551 stamp that hasn’t expired (also known as an ADIT stamp).
- A foreign passport containing a temporary I-551 printed notation, which states “Upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year” on a machine-readable immigrant visa endorsed with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection admission stamp.
- In specific situations, even an expired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) may be acceptable when presented with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for a pending Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status).
- Similarly, an expired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) accompanied by Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for a pending Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card [green card]) could be considered.
- Valid Re-entry Permit (Form I-327).
- Form I-94 displaying an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) alongside a passport-style photograph.
When traveling to Canada, ensure you have your proof of status documents readily available. You will be required to present these documents to airline personnel when checking in for your flight to Canada and again to a border services officer upon your arrival in Canada. Having both your valid passport and your Green Card or acceptable proof of status is crucial for a hassle-free entry into Canada as a U.S. permanent resident. Always verify the latest travel guidelines from official sources before your trip, as regulations can change.
