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CSA TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE
Complaints against Canadian border officials:
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Should be directed in writing to the Superintendent of the Customs Border Office at which the
incident occurred.
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Should include a request that all communication be in writing.
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Should make note of the date and time of the incident, and the name and badge number of
the officer involved in the incident.
The association fully supports Canadian border security officials, but is also mindful that they are
civil servants of the Canadian public. The Treasury Board of Canada, which is considered the general
manager and employer of the public service, has a Declaration of Quality Services Principles that
entitles Canadians to service that:
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is prompt, dependable and accurate;
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is courteous, and respects individual rights, dignity, privacy and safety;
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is good value for money, and is consolidated for improved access and client convenience;
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reflects a clear disclosure of applicable rules, decisions and regulations;
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respects the Official Languages Act;
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is regularly reviewed and measured against published service standards, and these reviews are
communicated to clients; and
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is improved wherever possible, based on client suggestions, concerns and expectations.
Should Canadian travellers feel that their complaint has not been adequately addressed, Canadian
citizens may seek recourse through writing to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency
Preparedness, or by filing a human rights complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
What Does US-VISIT Mean to Me?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology
(US-VISIT) is an enhanced security initiative that requires the digital, inkless fingerscanning and
digital photography of most visitors to the United States.
Established in 2004, the US-VISIT program is operational at airports, seaports as well as land ports of
entry. When fully implemented, US-VISIT will consist of both an entry exit confirmation component.
In general terms, U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and most
Canadian citizens travelling for casual business or tourism with a Canadian passport are exempt from
enrolment in US-VISIT.
Canadians who are subject to enrolment in US-VISIT include:
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Canadian citizens apply for admission to the United States with a non-immigrant visa such as K
(fiancés) and E (treaty trade investors).
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Canadian permanent residents as such individuals are identified by the citizenship of the
passport that they carry and not by the fact that they may permanently reside in Canada.
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Canadians with dual citizenship who present a non-Canadian passport (even with a Canadian
citizenship card tucked inside the cover) when seeking entry to the United States.
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Canadian permanent residents who are enrolled in the NEXUS and/or FAST program when it is
time to renew their multi-entry I-94 form.
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Visitors renewing their multi-entry I-94 form.