Held up at customs, US to canada?

Unfortunately, it sounds like you made it on a "suspicious" list. There's really not anything you can do about it, and you will probably be asked a few more questions the next time you cross the border, particularly if you're going through a bigger airport. I've been on it because I flew to the states without a return ticket (we were driving back), and so has my father, because he tried to bring some overproof alcohol back with him.

The answers you were giving that they were typing in were being put into your account, which is linked to your passport.

The best thing you can do is answer in clear, concise statements, answering the question without giving any personal information unless they specifically ask. They don't need to know that you're going to see your girlfriend, or that you're thinking of moving up, just answer that you're going to visit with friends for the weekend (or however long).

Good luck.

Your story is a little vague and I would love to know the officer's side of things but it sounds like you were a little difficult to deal with.

Are you really interested in moving to Canada? If you said that & haven't even applied to move, its reasonable to assume you'll just up and move to Canada. It wouldn't be the first time that's happened.

The officer who ran your name in the computer was probably looking see if you have a criminal history or other derogatory information. Or some sort of history with the CBSA.

For your next trip?

Sure, be more "awake". Maybe less vague, evasive & combative, too.

Enjoy your next stay.

All border information is shared between the two countries, as are criminal records, fingerprints etc.

Be polite and tell the truth, but don't discuss possibilities like moving that you are not entitled to do.

Please don't listen to bwo... Nexus isn't to be used because he thinks it bypasses having to talk to Customs/Immigration. It doesn't.

Anyways, don't be paranoid. The agriculture search was just a coincidence. The US doesn't know anything about what happened in Canada (at least until they get that information sharing deal enacted...)

Canada Border Services typically only cares about people planning on staying illegally in the country, those planning to work illegally in the country, and those smuggling goods on contraband into the country.

If you actually said that you plan on moving to Canada, even in passing, then of course they get rather suspicious. If you are thinking about moving to Canada they obviously you don't have strong work, family, or other ties in the United States. Further, obtaining a study permit, work permit, or permanent residency isn't something someone is just thinks about. A quick search of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada web-site will quickly show that this is impossible for 90%+ of people -- they simply don't have the highly skilled profession to get a job offer, have immediate family to sponsor them, the hundreds of thousands of dollars to pay for a Canadian university, the millions to qualify as an investor. And if they did have these requirements, they wouldn't be "thinking" about it. And the fact you have a Canadian girl friend (who presumably you want to be with) gives you a strong motive to try staying in the country illegally when you realize that you probably can't get in easily legally. Having a new laptop further raises the issue that you are planning on working illegally in the country.

They would have entered into their computers that they suspect you are a risk of not leaving the country and that they questioned you, and they let you through. The next time you cross, when the border agent scans your passport, they'll see a note about it and can decide if they want to ask you further questions, see return tickets, etc.

My best advice to you is to go and apply for a NEXUS pass. It forces US officials to perform a background check on you, Canadian officials to pre-screen you, and it avoids most contact with border services -- you merely scan your card and drive through at land crossings and most major airports have NEXUS lines (again just scan and walk through, although you still need your passport to book the ticket and get on the plane). Even in smaller airports, having a NEXUS pass shows border agents that you'll already gone through screening and that you plan on returning -- few people planning on staying/working illegally in the country go through the effort of getting a NEXUS pass. You may not be able to get one in a month.

I would apply for a NEXUS pass. Even if you don't get it by then, keep a copy of your application form and bring it with you -- even having applied shows that you are aware of the issues and don't want to waste your time. Do be prepared to be asked questions. Avoid bringing any business/work related materials. Have your return ticket, proof of travel medical insurance, some type of proof of employment (say some pay stubs or contact information), and don't mention wanting to move to Canada.

I wouldn't expect problems if you are only visiting every few months for a week or so.

When yOu go up the to guard answer the questions just how he wand them to be answered! Don't give attitude or joke around ! This will only lead to their suspicion