It forks: if the registered owner crosses with you, the car can enter temporarily and return; if the owner only meets you after entry, your plan falls outside CBP’s clearly stated owner-arrival route.

§ 148.45

Nonresidents are entitled to entry free of duty and internal revenue tax under subheading 9804.00.35 and Chapter 98, U.S. Note 3, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (19 U.S.C. 1202), for automobiles, trailers, aircraft, motorcycles, bicycles, baby carriages, boats, horse-drawn conveyances, horses, and similar means of transportation and the usual equipment accompanying them, if such articles are imported in connection with the arrival of the nonresident to be used in the United States only for the transportation of the nonresident, his family and guests, and such incidental carriage of articles as may be appropriate to his personal use of the conveyance.

Free Entry

Nonresidents may import a vehicle duty-free for personal use up to (1) one year if the vehicle is imported in conjunction with the owner's arrival. Vehicles imported under this provision that do not conform to U.S. safety and emission standards must be exported within one year and may not be sold in the U.S. There is no exemption or extension of the export requirements.

Short-term travelers to the U.S. from Canada or Mexico

Short-term travelers to the U.S. from Canada or Mexico: May operate their own personal vehicles in the U.S. during their visit. Such vehicles are not subject to EPA emission standards and other requirements.

Canadian Citizens

If you are a Canadian citizen residing outside the United States, you are not required to apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate. You may establish eligibility for TN classification at the time you seek admission to the United States by presenting required documentation to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at certain CBP-designated U.S. ports of entry or at a designated pre-clearance/pre-flight inspection station. You must provide the following documentation to the CBP officer: Proof of Canadian citizenship; Letter from your prospective employer detailing items such as the professional capacity in which you will work in the United States, the purpose of your employment, your length of stay, and your educational qualifications; and Credentials evaluation (if applicable), together with any applicable fees.

(f)(1)

Each alien seeking admission at a United States port-of-entry must present whatever documents are required and must establish to the satisfaction of the inspecting officer that the alien is not subject to removal under the immigration laws, Executive Orders, or Presidential Proclamations, and is entitled, under all of the applicable provisions of the immigration laws and this chapter, to enter the United States.

First-time TN and L-1 applicants

I am a first time TN and L1 applicant – am I required to go to a designated port of entry? No, you may continue to go to any port of entry along the Canadian border for processing; however, we encourage you to go to one of the designated ports of entry where you will receive optimized processing.

On September 30, 2025, the Form I-94 fee increased from $6 to $30. The fee is due when you apply online, on the CBP One app, or in person at your point of entry to the U.S.

For CBP clearance you will need the shipper's or carrier's original bill of lading, the bill of sale, foreign registration, and any other documents covering the vehicle.