Information for US Camp Owners To Help You Prepare

Posted on March 27, 2026

Work Permits for US Camp Owners

Employer Compliance Portal & Fees

Owners are still required to complete the Employer Compliance Portal at the link below in advance of crossing the border. Note, when you are completing your business information, use the NOC (National Occupation Code) 60031 – Accommodation Service Managers.

Employer Portal Link

Pre-Arrival Work Permit Processing

Sault Ste. Marie, Fort Frances and Rainy River Ports of Entry continue to offer the pre-arrival work permit processing option for US camp operators. Clients choosing the pre-arrival processing option will have appointments booked on an agreed upon date and time. Clients not choosing the pre-arrival processing will be served on a first come/first serve basis after any booked appointments are completed.

If you are interested in pre-arrival work permit processing CBSA asks that you contact the Port of Entry where you normally cross:

For more information to help you prepare for your border crossing visit: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

 

Importing Information for US and Canadian Camp Owners

CARM – Process for Importing Goods into Canada

The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) program must be used by businesses that are importing supplies for their businesses or importing goods that will be used, resold, &/or have anything to do with their business. Any applicable tariffs will be calculated through this process.

If you have not already registered your business on CARM, please review the details below and register as soon as early as possible to avoid delays in registration which may impact your border crossing. There will be no other options for commercial imports.

For clarification, an “Importer” is considered any person who imports or brings goods into Canada for a business (whether they own or are employed by the businesses or are just going there as a guest). There is an ability to permit people other than the owners to import goods for the business, but indications are it may be complicated.

The CARM Client Portal has been developed to simplify and streamline the border crossing experience for businesses. CARM will allow business owners to complete their list of goods they will be importing with the same details as always in advance of crossing the border. There will be no fees associated with this new process. You can still have access to computers at the border to login to the CARM portal to update or print documents if needed but this new system can also help to avoid all of that. Businesses may still use the services of a customs broker, but you still must register your business through CARM.

There are links to these helpful tools on CBSA’s CARM webpage listed below to help you prepare for and complete your registration.

  • User guides
  • Registration and learning resources
  • Video library
  • Common questions
  • Client support (phone numbers to reach a real person)

 

Visit the CARM information page now and get started.

 

Importing Bait:

Ontario’s Sustainable Bait Management Strategy remains in effect to reduce ecological risks associated with the use and movement of bait in Ontario. CBSA plays an important role in Protecting Canada from invasive species.

Accordingly, personal importations of bait are NOT permitted and will be refused entry.

The regulations on bait also includes bear bait. Bear bait that contains raw animal products or by-products (meat, fish, eggs, or milk products) will be refused entry.

 

Helpful Tips: Document Checklist

NEW IN 2026:

IRCC is now requiring work permit applicants to demonstrate that they have sufficient personal funds to support themselves during their time in Canada and to cover the cost of returning home.

It is important to clearly distinguish between personal finances and business finances, particularly in cases where camp owners may be both the employer and the employee. Work permit applicants should provide evidence of personal bank accounts in the United States, showing that funds are available, transferable, and solely for personal use (accounts do not necessarily need to be labeled as U.S.-based, but should clearly be personal). Supporting documentation such as recent wages or T4s from the previous year can help demonstrate financial capacity. There should be enough evidence to show the applicant can reasonably support themselves while in Canada and afford to return home.

 

Below is a list of documents you will be expected to produce:

MANDATORY:

  • Copy of passport
  • Copy of drivers licence (proof of current address if not current on drivers licence)
  • Copy of birth certificate (if copy of passport not provided)
  • Proof of ownership
  • Proof of registration
  • Business plan (new owners only or change in business model ie: winter season when normally have not been open for winter months)
  • Proof of payment for LMIA exemption (receipt required)
  • Business owner t4’s
  • T4’s for Canadian hires
  • Supporting documentation that profits remain in Canada (5-6 significant examples)
  • Financial statements and other supporting documentation demonstrating business viability
    (proof of business income, costs, etc.)
  • Proof of taxes paid
    (if you haven’t paid taxes due to deadline extension, please provide proof of other taxes paid)
  • Proof of health insurance
    (proof of non resident health insurance in the event of sickness or injury)
  • Proof of support funds (not from business operation)
  • Proof of business funds (to run or establish the business separate from the support funds)

OPTIONAL:

  • Proof of advertisements for Canadian and USA bookings
  • Written support/testimonials attesting to positive contribution area (optional)

 

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