Get a permit to cross the Canada-U.S. border at remote areas: 4. How to apply Status: Closing soon
- 1. What the Remote Area Border Crossing Program offers
- 2. Who is eligible
- 3. What you need before you start
- 4. How to apply
- 5. After you apply
- 6. Contact us
The Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program is being replaced with telephone reporting effective . Applications are no longer being accepted.
Existing RABC permits remain valid until 11:59 pm on . After this date, all travellers entering Canada through remote areas of northern Ontario or from the Northwest Angle into southern Manitoba must report to the CBSA in person at a port of entry or a designated telephone reporting site.
Consultation now open
Until , share your thoughts on new telephone reporting site locations.
What to include in your application
- A completed and signed Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Permit form (BSF386)
- A copy of valid identity documentation
- Supporting documents (documents you will need)
- Processing fee (complete the credit card authorization in the application form)
How long it will take to process your application
Processing time depends on many factors, such as:
- method of submission
- number of applications in processing
At this time, the CBSA cannot estimate the processing time.
To apply for a permit to use in the Northwest Angle area of Lake of the Woods, please email your application package to: cbsa.rabcapplicationsnwa-applicationsnwaprfe.asfc@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
To apply for a permit to use in any other area, please email your application form to:
cbsa.rabcapplications-applicationsprfe.asfc@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
The CBSA recommends that you password protect your documents before submitting the application. Remember to include the password in the email.
Other ways to apply
By regular mail
If you are unable to email your application, you may send a printed copies of your application form (BSF386) and supporting documentation to:
Canada Border Services Agency
RABC Processing Centre
201 North May Street, 1st Floor
Thunder Bay, ON P7C 3P4
Canada
You will receive a decision by mail, unless an interview is deemed necessary.
In person
If you are unable to email your application, you may present a copy of your application form (BSF386) and supporting documentation in person to a Border Services Officer at one of the following Canada Border Services Agency offices:
- Pigeon River Port of Entry
-
- Monday to Wednesday, 8 am to 8 pm
- Note Walk-ins are available, clients are not required to make an appointment.
- Sault Ste. Marie Port of Entry
-
- Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 am to 8 pm
- Call 705-941-3044 to make an appointment (availability is limited).
- Fort Frances Port of Entry
-
- Monday through Sunday, 24 hours
- Note Walk-ins are available, clients are not required to make an appointment.
Wait times at ports of entry may vary. During peak travel times and holidays, line-ups can result in significant delays.
Payment options
- The CAN $30 per application processing fee includes the principal applicant plus qualifying family members.
- The processing fee is waived for principal applicants under 18 years of age.
- The processing fee is not refundable.
- CAN $30 payable by Visa, MasterCard or American Express only.
In person at a CBSA office:
- The processing fee may be paid in cash, credit card, debit card, or a cheque drawn from a Canadian financial institution.
- Please note that cheques drawn from United States bank accounts are not acceptable.
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