Canadian Customs/Security issues - Fequent Visitors

[Vardhan945]

I'm curious to hear feedback from other foreigners (fellow Americans/otherwise) to the Great North who make frequent trips here for "fun."
Canadians who've had issues crossing the border either way are also welcome to share.

There is a similar thread here but imo a new one is warranted (that one just asks if it's likely whereas I think many of us know it WILL happen) as I am curious to hear others' experience and advice.

My experience:
I've been coming to Mtl once or twice/year for work conferences but since discovering the scene, come an additional 3-4 times a year...So basically I'm here for 3-4 days 5 times/year.

On the most recent trip after getting my passport/face scanned and getting my form printed, I told the customs officer I'd been here several times before and got directed into an adjacent line for further questioning.
No biggie as there were many people in that line also...frankly I was surprised it took 10+ trips for this to happen. In that line they asked me some standard questions and I showed them my hotel bookings and work email inbox when the asked. It's likely they're making sure I have ties to the U.S. and am not trying to immigrate to Canada. They asked me what I was going to do and I just told them the usual (explore the city, bars and clubs, comedy show). So far so good.

They let me through and as I was walking past the baggage claim, two more customs officers (1 male, 1 female...who I'll mention was very attractive lol) stopped me and asked to see my passport. They proceeded to ask me the same questions as the previous officer and then looked at the stamps on my passport. The male officer asked me why I went to Japan and Thailand recently. I went to both of those countries for general tourism and sport with a group of people so I answered honestly. Then the female officer was like "oh Thailand, that place is fun huh?" and gave me a really hard look. Thailand is probably the most well-known country in the world for sex tourism (gun to my head I truly did go there for sightseeing and sports not prostitutes...although I'll admit I enjoyed some "extracurriculars" there on my last day but whatever...that's irrelevant here) and knowing that's basically my raison d'etre to be in Montreal, I couldn't help but get pretty nervous at this point.
The male officer asked about the sport, asked what my gym was called and had me show him a couple of pictures. And then was like "oh cool" and dismissed me.

Questions/Discussion
What stuck out about this experience was
(1) After the initial round of extra questionings, that I got stopped again downstairs by the baggage claim...Would the officers there have radioed their colleagues about someone with my description to question a second time?
(2) The female officer's comment about Thailand and what I took to be a reference to sex tourism. It's unsurprising that a freuqent visitor would be asked to share his work history and hotel reservations so they know I'm not trying to overstay or immigrate to Canada, but her Thailand comment really threw me off.

All the officers were very polite and courteous throughout this process. I tried not to be too chatty and just answer their questions directly but in the second round I was nervously stuttering.
What have other frequent visitors to Canada experienced? Any pointers or advice that's helped out?
Also, should I be wary about coming again?

EDIT: in the other thread(linked above), many of the responses were from people who drove across the border. My trips are always by flight...I'm so far away driving doesn't make sense.

 

[hello_me]

I have been flying to Miami about 2x a year for about 3 years. Usually around late March / early April and late Oct / early Nov. I've never had any issues with YUL customs. Questions are the usual, your reason for visiting, how long and where are you staying. Checks their screen. Have a great time. For context, everytime it was with my partner, it seems to be easy when travelling with your partner and you say travelling for fun in which I sort of am, I'm also building a new business in the Miami.

2 years ago, going with the fam for a road trip with a few stops for 2 weeks. Went to the Lacolle border. The agent did ask more questions such as the itinerary and more about the trip. Didn't seem like he was making conversation more like making sure my story is consistent.

Very soon, I'll be driving down on my own to Miami for a 3 week stay. My partner will join me the last week so I'll be the 1st 2 weeks on my own.

Truth be told, I don't want to tell the border agent that I will be working on building my business in the US just in case that raises a flag. The one thing that will get you stopped every time is if you say you go there for work because customs don't like that you are taking a job away from an american. I am building a case that I am vacationing for 3 weeks by going to meetings (trying to get me supplier to organize a H.O visit) and maybe catching a Heat game and maybe a Panther's game so it builds the case.

Then my partner and I will be driving back together from Miami.

Now I should pass no problem. My case at the border agent in Lacolle is, I am visiting Miami for 3 weeks. I booked an Airbnb. I'll be coming back with my partner as she will join me on the way back by car. Then when he asks, what are you doing in Miami, I'll tell him that I will be visiting a supplier, I'll be doing this, I'll be doing that and so on. If he asks what I do for a living, I can tell him that I own my own business and I plan on working as all of my work is remote. Hopefully the agent won't go Gandalf on me.

 

[Vardhan945]

I have been flying to Miami about 2x a year for about 3 years. Usually around late March / early April and late Oct / early Nov. I've never had any issues with YUL customs.

so this is upon reentering Canada via YUL as a Canadian who just visited the States?

Yea 2x a year with a partner is way less sketch than single dude 4-5x a year

 

[LeDodo]

Truth be told, I don't want to tell the border agent that I will be working on building my business in the US just in case that raises a flag. The one thing that will get you stopped every time is if you say you go there for work because customs don't like that you are taking a job away from an american.

This is generally true. But when I visit the US I always say I am there for business purpose (which is true). The above statement is true and sketchy, that I have seen on the news, like a mother visiting their son or daughter to help care for a newborn or a young students au-pair.

But I think OP question is more about the way US (or other country of origin) to Canada.
In my case I'm a foreigner with just the PR so it doesn't count.

 

[perso]

I have been flying to Miami about 2x a year for about 3 years. Usually around late March / early April and late Oct / early Nov. I've never had any issues with YUL customs. Questions are the usual, your reason for visiting, how long and where are you staying. Checks their screen. Have a great time. For context, everytime it was with my partner, it seems to be easy when travelling with your partner and you say travelling for fun in which I sort of am, I'm also building a new business in the Miami.

2 years ago, going with the fam for a road trip with a few stops for 2 weeks. Went to the Lacolle border. The agent did ask more questions such as the itinerary and more about the trip. Didn't seem like he was making conversation more like making sure my story is consistent.

Very soon, I'll be driving down on my own to Miami for a 3 week stay. My partner will join me the last week so I'll be the 1st 2 weeks on my own.

Truth be told, I don't want to tell the border agent that I will be working on building my business in the US just in case that raises a flag. The one thing that will get you stopped every time is if you say you go there for work because customs don't like that you are taking a job away from an american. I am building a case that I am vacationing for 3 weeks by going to meetings (trying to get me supplier to organize a H.O visit) and maybe catching a Heat game and maybe a Panther's game so it builds the case.

Then my partner and I will be driving back together from Miami.

Now I should pass no problem. My case at the border agent in Lacolle is, I am visiting Miami for 3 weeks. I booked an Airbnb. I'll be coming back with my partner as she will join me on the way back by car. Then when he asks, what are you doing in Miami, I'll tell him that I will be visiting a supplier, I'll be doing this, I'll be doing that and so on. If he asks what I do for a living, I can tell him that I own my own business and I plan on working as all of my work is remote. Hopefully the agent won't go Gandalf on me.

“because customs don't like that you are taking a job away” . Not that they don’t “like that”, it is against the law ( same in Canada) to work without proper permits. So to be clear, you are NOT entering the country if you say you work. Period.

 

[urquell]

For anyone looking to come with any type of regularity at all, even just 2-3 times a year, I highly recommend getting a NEXUS card. It used to cost just $50 for 5 years and was the best money I ever spent. I think it's doubled that in price now and will still be the best money you ever spent. It will essentially eliminate customs officer interviews (I've had only 1 in 15 years, the very first time I went through, and after who knows how many entries), it will put you in the express lane for onboarding in Canada and in TSA precheck in the US (even on domestic flights) and for returning back into either Canada or the US it's just a kiosk declaration and through the NEXUS line, not the general line. It also gives you the express lane for land crossings between the US and Canada and while anyone can have one it's principally designed for people who cross more frequently, so nobody cares how often you go in and out or to where. I can't even begin to tell you how many hundreds of hours of waiting I've saved, and I never have to say anything at all to customs agents or suffer through bag searches or secondary interviews/inspections. Also for land crossings US/Canada with the NEXUS you no longer need to carry a passport with you. The card itself is enough for you to cross. The process is easy as long as you don't have a criminal record, but there will be some waiting time for the approval and then the initial interview/picture. The time varies depending on where you are.

For mongers the benefits should be obvious as you avoid all those awkward interviews where you have to explain yourself and the toys in your suitcase to customs and immigration. LOL

 

[Vardhan945]

For anyone looking to come with any type of regularity at all, even just 2-3 times a year, I highly recommend getting a NEXUS card. It used to cost just $50 for 5 years and was the best money I ever spent. I think it's doubled that in price now and will still be the best money you ever spent. It will essentially eliminate customs officer interviews (I've had only 1 in 15 years, the very first time I went through, and after who knows how many entries), it will put you in the express lane for onboarding in Canada and in TSA precheck in the US (even on domestic flights) and for returning back into either Canada or the US it's just a kiosk declaration and through the NEXUS line, not the general line. It also gives you the express lane for land crossings between the US and Canada and while anyone can have one it's principally designed for people who cross more frequently, so nobody cares how often you go in and out or to where. I can't even begin to tell you how many hundreds of hours of waiting I've saved, and I never have to say anything at all to customs agents or suffer through bag searches or secondary interviews/inspections. Also for land crossings US/Canada with the NEXUS you no longer need to carry a passport with you. The card itself is enough for you to cross. The process is easy as long as you don't have a criminal record, but there will be some waiting time for the approval and then the initial interview/picture. The time varies depending on where you are.

For mongers the benefits should be obvious as you avoid all those awkward interviews where you have to explain yourself and the toys in your suitcase to customs and immigration. LOL

I did look at NEXUS...the thing is I have Global Entry(a similar program which is ONLY for reentering the U.S. from International travel + includes TSA Precheck)...and after coming to Canada over a dozen times AND having Global Entry, I'm worried about the NEXUS interview.
I expect they'll grill me on why I've already gone to Canada so many times and stuff not to mention it takes almost a year to get it these days.

Regarding the toys in the suitcase...do Canadian customs frequently search visitors? That makes me even more worried; I always thought since I can easily prove my employment and show I don't intend to immigrate they wouldn't go that far....

Condolences to Canadians (and others) who face much harsher security entering the states.

 

[twenty4seven]

For anyone looking to come with any type of regularity at all, even just 2-3 times a year, I highly recommend getting a NEXUS card. It used to cost just $50 for 5 years and was the best money I ever spent. I think it's doubled that in price now and will still be the best money you ever spent. It will essentially eliminate customs officer interviews (I've had only 1 in 15 years, the very first time I went through, and after who knows how many entries), it will put you in the express lane for onboarding in Canada and in TSA precheck in the US (even on domestic flights) and for returning back into either Canada or the US it's just a kiosk declaration and through the NEXUS line, not the general line. It also gives you the express lane for land crossings between the US and Canada and while anyone can have one it's principally designed for people who cross more frequently, so nobody cares how often you go in and out or to where. I can't even begin to tell you how many hundreds of hours of waiting I've saved, and I never have to say anything at all to customs agents or suffer through bag searches or secondary interviews/inspections. Also for land crossings US/Canada with the NEXUS you no longer need to carry a passport with you. The card itself is enough for you to cross. The process is easy as long as you don't have a criminal record, but there will be some waiting time for the approval and then the initial interview/picture. The time varies depending on where you are.

For mongers the benefits should be obvious as you avoid all those awkward interviews where you have to explain yourself and the toys in your suitcase to customs and immigration. LOL

This is the way. Yeah the interview is awkward but they don't really grill you, and almost all the questions are about your potential to take away an American job by having easier access back and forth. Then it's smooth sailing at every crossing. Also, there used to be a bridge (maybe it's still there, idk) in Niagara Falls that was NEXUS-only and there were no border guards to talk to on either end, it was a weird rando bonus.

 

[cleov]

I think you did everything right. The reason for picking you could be anything and not limited to immigration, guns, drugs, or any flavor of the week they are after. No point in guessing it as they (Canada or US) will never make it obvious.

Having said that, the reason for the hot female officer's hard look is something more interesting to think about. It could be her "Let's shake up this tree five more seconds and see if anything falls off" or "Oh no, don't give us a reason for strip-searching yet another mec like you today, svp" look.

Either way, the next time, I think you shouldn't feel visibly shaken or upset, because you know they are just wasting time looking for a reason in the wrong place.

 

[urquell]

I did look at NEXUS...the thing is I have Global Entry(a similar program which is ONLY for reentering the U.S. from International travel + includes TSA Precheck)...and after coming to Canada over a dozen times AND having Global Entry, I'm worried about the NEXUS interview.
I expect they'll grill me on why I've already gone to Canada so many times and stuff not to mention it takes almost a year to get it these days.

Regarding the toys in the suitcase...do Canadian customs frequently search visitors? That makes me even more worried; I always thought since I can easily prove my employment and show I don't intend to immigrate they wouldn't go that far....

Condolences to Canadians (and others) who face much harsher security entering the states.

The interview really isn't a big deal. Mostly they give you a last chance to be an idiot and admit that you're trying to immigrate or that you're a drug dealer or a terrorist. My initial interview took about 2 minutes, literally. They confirm your details on the application and then ask you "are you SURE you're not a drug dealer?". I mean that quite literally. You get your acceptance via the website and once you get it you're in. The interview is mostly a formality to take your photo and give you a last chance to say something stupid. You'll have your acceptance before then

 

[Vardhan945]

The interview really isn't a big deal. Mostly they give you a last chance to be an idiot and admit that you're trying to immigrate or that you're a drug dealer or a terrorist. My initial interview took about 2 minutes, literally. They confirm your details on the application and then ask you "are you SURE you're not a drug dealer?". I mean that quite literally. You get your acceptance via the website and once you get it you're in. The interview is mostly a formality to take your photo and give you a last chance to say something stupid. You'll have your acceptance before then

Noted, thanks for the tips.

 

[LeDodo]

They confirm your details on the application and then ask you "are you SURE you're not a drug dealer?". I mean that quite literally.

I remember 15 years ago when traveling for the first time to the US, and when landing immigration forms were still a thing, the landing form's questionnaire asking you if you are a terrorist and if you're going to attack/bomb the country lol

 

[twenty4seven]

I remember 15 years ago when traveling for the first time to the US, and when landing immigration forms were still a thing, the landing form's questionnaire asking you if you are a terrorist and if you're going to attack/bomb the country lol

Well? Are you? You have to say if we ask you.