Border crosses?

Question

What will happen to an American citizen who lives in Canada but doesn't have documents for Canada when he crosses the border back into the u.s with only a birth certificate from nyc and a school id?

Answer 1

as long as its a photo id you should be okay, you have your birth certificate and that is a big one right now. just be completely honest with the border gaurds if they ask you questions, dont try to hide anything and if your not then its all good. let them know your plans (how long back in the US, if and when your returning) Basically common sense stuff.

You dont need a passport until June 2009. My husband is a commercial driver and I cross with him often. Just be honest at the border and it should work itself out.

Answer 2

I believe you asked about this issue in a previous question.  Your school ID is not an official "government issued photo ID".  You will not be able to cross back into the US without either both the official photo ID and your birth certificate, or a passport.  It is not likely that the US border officials will let you cross.  You cannot prove that you are who you say you are.  You need to sort out your citizenship and residency status one way or the other.   You need to contact the US embassy in Ottawa and see what you need to do to be able to cross the border.  The situation you described in your previous question means that through no fault of your own you are probably not legally in Canada.  You need to sort this out.  It is better to do it now, since you have just legally become an adult, rather than wait and let matters get more complicated.  Here is the link for the US embassy in Ottawa.

Answer 3

You need a passport to cross the border.  It's an international border, and as of last January, it is necessary to have a passport.  Better check with a consulate/embassy.

Answer 4

You should be OK returning to the USA but the problem could be if and when you return to Canada.  If they ask you where you live and you tell the truth that could send you right back to the Good Old USA as you are possibly not legally in Canada.  Landed  immigrant status isn't that difficult to get in Canada but if you plan on staying up here you should be prepared to do it legally.  If you are driving they will probably ask for a passport at the border, again if you are flying or taking a train so showing a US passport could be a major problem and seeing as how you don't have a Canadian passport you will be in trouble there too.  Do the right thing and get some Canadian paperwork.

Answer 5

I am an American now living in Canada, you'll have no problem crossing because Canada border guards CAN access your border crossing activities. Also if you are a Permanent Resident of Canada or not but either way you have a 6 month visa before you must leave for a day and then you can return.