Many immigrants came to US via Canada as fares were generally
much cheaper that way. In 1895 Canada and USA established a
joint inspection system. Passengers arriving in Canada who
intended to go on to United States were inspected by US
Officials at the Canadian Port of Arrival, then enumerated on US
immigration lists. Immigrants were also given inspection cards
which they turned in to US Officials once they were on board
trains going to United States. Two sets of records were created
- passenger lists and compiled inspection cards. These CANADIAN
BORDER CROSSING records were microfilmed by INS. They cover
1895-1954 and are indexed. They do not include Canadians before
1906. After September 30, 1906 both Canadians and non-Canadians
are included on these lists. See more information on the St
Albans (Canadian Border Crossing) Lists (including film numbers)