First time visit to Canada

[illogicaldolphin]

I'll be making my first trip ever out of the US in September and I'll be going to Edmonton, Alberta. I was just a little curious about something. I've read that airport customs will ask about the reason for the trip and will want to see funds. Currently I'm a freelance, self-employed artist and do my work online, so even when away at home I'll still be earning my weekly 'check' so to speak, with my funds normally kept either in my Paypal account (which I have a debit card for) or my bank account. Is there any sort of paperwork related to that sort of stuff that customs asks for, or does it depend on the length of stay?

When up there I'll be staying with a friend of mine, so money for accommodations isn't necessary. How will they go about questioning me is what I'm mainly curious about, and does the length of my stay effect how much money I might need to have on me? Say if I plan to visit for 2 months, what would I have to show, if anything?

 

[job_seeker]

I'll be making my first trip ever out of the US in September and I'll be going to Edmonton, Alberta. I was just a little curious about something. I've read that airport customs will ask about the reason for the trip and will want to see funds. Currently I'm a freelance, self-employed artist and do my work online, so even when away at home I'll still be earning my weekly 'check' so to speak, with my funds normally kept either in my Paypal account (which I have a debit card for) or my bank account. Is there any sort of paperwork related to that sort of stuff that customs asks for, or does it depend on the length of stay?

When up there I'll be staying with a friend of mine, so money for accommodations isn't necessary. How will they go about questioning me is what I'm mainly curious about, and does the length of my stay effect how much money I might need to have on me? Say if I plan to visit for 2 months, what would I have to show, if anything?

Hi,

Visitors from other countries normally show an invitation letter, and proof of funds in the form of certification from the bank or bank drafts... There is a landing form where one writes the name/s and address/es of the person/s one would be staying with while in Canada.

 

[illogicaldolphin]

An invitation letter when you're going on a vacation to Canada from the US?

And when you say certification from the bank, like what? I don't use checks, I hate them because I don't like risking having my checks bounce, so I'm strictly a debit/credit person. Would taking $500 in Canadian or travelers checks be sufficient enough?

 

[job_seeker]

An invitation letter when you're going on a vacation to Canada from the US?

And when you say certification from the bank, like what? I don't use checks, I hate them because I don't like risking having my checks bounce, so I'm strictly a debit/credit person. Would taking $500 in Canadian or travelers checks be sufficient enough?

Hi illogicaldolphin,

It is probably different when you are from the US, citizen or GC holder. Friends of mine have crossed the border several times with out any incident or problem. I am just not aware if it is any different if you travelled by air.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-who.asp