The version of the 6NIA dated Jan 18, I filled out section 15 states
"Do you possess an invitation and/or registration to attend an upcoming competitive target shooting event or sports or hunting trade show in the United States sponsored by a national, State, or local organization devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms? (See Instruction 21.)
If you answered Yes, attach a copy of any such invitation and/or registration to the application.
If you answered No, you likely are not in compliance with 18 U..S.C. § 922(g)(5)(B) and therefore likely are prohibited from obtaining an approved ATF Form 6NIA
(5330.3D) temporary import permit (call 304-616-4550 for additional information)."
When I crossed the border using my 6NIA the agent asked to see the invite, lucky I had it with my name on it. I guy in the car behind going to the same shoot did not have his invite and was turned back and was refused entry into the US.
^^^You answered yes to question 13
13. Were you admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa? (See Instructions 1.) If you answered Yes, go to question 14.
If you answered No, go to question 16.
https://ca.usembassy.gov/visas/do-i-need-a-visa/
"Canadian citizens generally
do not require a visa to enter the United States directly from Canada for the purposes of visiting or studying. However, all Canadians entering the U.S. by air require passports, and Canadians entering the U.S. by land or sea must have a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant travel document.
Some Canadians, do require visas. For example, intending immigrants, fiancé/fiancées, or investors must qualify for a visa before entry in the same manner as other nationalities. Other entrants, such as journalists, temporary workers or NAFTA professionals, must present all necessary supporting documentation and/or approved petitions directly to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the Port of Entry. You may wish to consult the CBP website ahead of travel to ensure you are compliant with U.S. entry requirements for Canadians and others.
Furthermore, Canadians who have been deported or removed from the United States, or Canadians with a criminal record, including for driving under the influence, must satisfy other requirements to gain entry to the United States......."
A Canadian citizen visiting the US doesn't need a non-immigrant alien visa, the correct answer is NO to question 13. for a Canadian Citizen with no other complications. See Above.
Thus and therefore submitting an invitation is not required and if you are a canadian citizen answering Yes is in fact incorrect.
I live 20 minutes from the NY border, I have crossed there countless times, no invitation, never a problem, just hand them your passport, form 6 and tell them you have a firearm and are travelling to a shoot and away you go.
I do understand that not all border crossing operate this way, they are in fact mistaken. Not something I'd recommend taking up with them at that moment, but an email or phone call to the ATF describing the time and place of the incident can only help to further educate crossing agents and make it smoother for future canadians crossing.