How old do you have to be to cross the Canadien/American border?

Question

I'm considering moving to the US once i move out, but some friends have told me that you have to be 21 years old to cross the border... this would really suck because im moving out at 17 or 18...

Answer 1

Some people are going to answer this saying you cannot cross at all. Some people are going to say you are perfectly fine to cross.

The FACT is, that you can cross the border at any age, but if you are under the age of 18 you MUST have parental permission. Once you turn 18 your free to come and go as much as you want (even get a fast pass if you want). But untill then, you need a signed forum from your parents declaring that you may leave the country, If not traveling with both parents, bring a notarized letter from any parent or legal guardian not present giving permission to cross the border. Include addresses and phone numbers. If one parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate will minimize questions and delay. Sometiems the letter has to be signed by an official (Canada customs agent, judge, police officer, ect) but not always, you should call Border Services confirm this. There is more information about this on the official Canadian government website too.

So if you move out at 18 you should be good to go, if you move out at 17, then you will need the permission. It would make most sense to wait untill your 18, and sort out what you want to do in the States.

You said you want to move to the U.S. You should know, that you cannot just cross the border and begin living in the United States for ... as long as you want, the longst you can stay is 6 months, and after that you will need a Visa (document that lets you stay in a country as a "temporary resident") to stay any longer and/or a green card to work. What I suggest is finding a College or University you like, that's in the States, apply (even to several) and if you get accepted you can get a Student Visa, and study and live in the country, after that you could apply for a job and get green card (permenant resident card).

If college isn't in your budget at the moment or when you move out, then try applying for a job some were in the States, and if you get accepted then you can apply to be a permenant resident of the country (not a citizen, but you can eventually do that if you wanted to). As long as you have completed high school, most places that don't require and higher than a high scholo graduate will hire you.

here is some helpful websites:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel/canadians-e.html
http://www.how2immigrate.net/usa/
http://www.h1base.com/page.asp?id=299
http://www.cbp.gov/
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/


- Hope this helps
- Good luck

Answer 2

Sonic is correct.

If you are 18 you are an adult and can cross the boarder with the usual drivers license and birth certificate.

If you are 17 you require a notarized letter from your parents saying it is okay to cross the boarder. The letter should contain phone numbers. Without it you are likely to be treated like a runaway. If your dad is kicking you out, I suggest you negotiate such a letter.

Your questions bring up many more Concerns that need to be answered, but not enough information about you is available.

Where were you born? What is your citizenship? If you aren't American, what is your relationship to the people you are moving in with, and are they willing to sign a promise to support you?

Answer 3

Listen to Sonic