Concealed carry USA as a Canadian
- Thread starter 870
- Start date
This is the epic thread. Once you have read the reams of information and followed the links you will have a good idea of where to start. You may also decide that the glitter is not worth the hassle and potential risk. Carrying does not guarantee your safety and it does have a substantial downside. There are easier ways to stay safe. YMMV
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/297487-how-can-we-carry-in-the-states
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/297487-how-can-we-carry-in-the-states
I take my guns with me to Texas every year and have done so for six years. A hunting license or a competition arrangement are no longer requirements. This changed in 2012 but the applicationforms have still not been revised. You do have to apply for a form 6NIA and list all your firearms as well as the ammo you take down there. It can take 12 weeks to get approval but usually less and the 6NIA is good for one year.
Phat Eagle
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Fraser Valley, BC
Their laws are actually even more arcane than ours. Most rules very wildly State to State, though there are some federal regulations that apply everywhere. Most don't differentiate like we do... A pistol and a rifle are both a firearm. They do get uppity about things like "short barrelled rifles" and automatic weapons, though in some states they're fine if you register them and pay for a tax stamp...
There are also some you can't take such as Chinese manufactured (norinco), or some military surplus firearms such as M1 Garands.
The patchwork of rules can make driving across the country a huge hazard for those in possession of SBRs or other exotic items!
This year I will take four handguns, an AR-15 Carbine and an NR Tactical shotgun. I use all of them in competitions in Texas. The restricted are all listed on my form 6NIA with references to my registrations while the NR shotgun shows just the serial number. The Americans are aware that some long guns are no longer registered. I have upper receivers for the 1911 and I list those too. Items like scopes and other optics are also listed on my Canadian documentation so that there's no confusion of argument when I bring them back.
You don't have to be a citizen, you need to be a "US Person", which includes permanent residence greater than 3 to 6 months, depending on State. Proof of residency varies by state, some require a driver's license or equivalent state issued ID, others accept utility bills, etc. Residency for tax purposes is slightly different.
CCW for non residents (non "US Persons") closed about 6 or 7 years ago. Unless you are classed as a "US Person", meaning permanent resident, no CCW Permit.
Up to that time, Canadians were getting CCW permits with Canadian addresses, mainly Utah, because the reciprocity of valid states was great (valid in approx 34 states).
Also, a CCW permit isn't valid everywhere in the US, they are issued in most states, but not all states have reciprocity with every other state. So, it depends where you go.
Note that becoming a US resident, also requires you up to file a US tax return, on your worldwide income, regardless if you made any money in the US or not.
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I have the detailed requirements for both Texas and Arizona. I've gone through the drill very carefully and have dealt with the appropriate authorities in writing. "Residency" is just one of the requirements in Texas as you need either a Texas driver's license or Texas ID card. The expenses add up. In the case of Texas they also require your form I 94 or equivalent. This has always been a problem for me as the US immigration people have denied issuing me a form when I go as a visitor as normally Canadians don't require the form. You can argue if you want to spend the time but I usually give up. I've been able to comply with all of the requirements but have decided that in my case, it's not worth the trouble, expense and risk. My stops on the way to Texas and back are always in truck stops where security is good. We aren't night people and don't go to questionable parts of town. Most of the danger can be combated with common sense. I stock up on cash during the day and won't go to an ATM at night unless they have a drive through. You won't find me at a liquor store or 7-11 at two am. After several years of really wanting to get a CCW down there, I've decided not to. YMMV
SwL_Wildcat
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
New Hampshire will still issue a Non-Resident permit to a Canadian, which is recognized in about 25 states. The list of states shown on the NH web site is misleading because it is showing Resident permits only.
Here's a good starting point: https://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/nhsp/ssb/permitslicensing/plupr.html
It will cost you 100 USD, which is refunded should they reject you.
This site will help you stay legal: http://www.usacarry.com/concealed_carry_permit_reciprocity_maps.html
As with everything else, do your due diligence, call the state you are planning to visit to see if the laws have recently changed.
Here's a good starting point: https://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/nhsp/ssb/permitslicensing/plupr.html
It will cost you 100 USD, which is refunded should they reject you.
This site will help you stay legal: http://www.usacarry.com/concealed_carry_permit_reciprocity_maps.html
As with everything else, do your due diligence, call the state you are planning to visit to see if the laws have recently changed.
you sure mine expired last dec I read the renewal and thought it was a no go now???
I have the NH permit in my hands, applied for it last November, took about 7 weeks to get processed and delivered. I used no other certifications than my RPAL and three references, none of whom were US citizens, all Canadians with RPALS. So yes, they will take your money still. Good for 4 years, things may change by the time renewal comes up but in the meantime go for it. Someone els ein my club had one obtained recently as well.
