Just a question or two on the RABC process… and please type your answers slowly; I’m not the sharpest knife in the drawer!

Is there an editable .pdf version of the 2023 BSF 386 form or do I download and fill in by hand? If so I assume I take a picture and submit?

Any other oddities I should know about? Thanks!!

Last summer the PDF link was a document with fields that could be filled in.

Okay- I’ll keep looking. So far nothing editable has popped up! Thanks!

Graybeard-I just tried to download the pdf file, and I am getting a message that says "Failed -No file". I assume there is an issue with the site at this time.

When I completed the online application for my RABC a few eeks ago, I downloaded the pdf-and it was editable. I was able to do everything online and not print out a copy to fill in by hand.

You can always call 1-800-461-9999; they are fantastic at actually answering their phone calls and offering help.

click here

And check out this other RABC thread for more info/details.

pd

plander: " click here "

Very nice!

Thanks for the suggestions and links everyone. I worked through the process and got everything submitted on Friday afternoon. Turns out I needed a different PDF Editor, which I downloaded from the App Store. Then I was able to edit the forms and save a copy, which I then included as an attachment along with the other required docs. Made all the difference in the world when I downloaded the correct App !!!

Monday morning update. Canada received my completed RABC application late Friday afternoon and the approved permit was in my email by Sunday afternoon. Wow!!

plander: " click here "

Anyone else having trouble getting to the RABC form today? I get a message about needing Adobe 8 or higher...but that should not be a problem for me.

It's failing in multiple browsers and also on my phone.

sns: "

plander: " click here "

Anyone else having trouble getting to the RABC form today? I get a message about needing Adobe 8 or higher...but that should not be a problem for me.


It's failing in multiple browsers and also on my phone.


"

try this link

I think that is the most recent form since it says something about 2022 permits being issued for entry thru 2023 (above credit card info on page 2).

Thanks plander, and thanks Piragis...that should work.

But I'm not the only one - the CBSA's link is nonfunctional, right?

sns: "Thanks plander, and thanks Piragis...that should work.


But I'm not the only one - the CBSA's link is nonfunctional, right?"

Correct - it's nonfunctional again. That link I previously posted was working - sent me right to the pdf that could be filled out and printed from the web directly. It looks like it switched back to the issue in the past. Piragis always has one available - I just wasn't sure it was the correct form. I did check and it has the pull down window for planned entry location so I do believe it's the correct/most recent version of the form.

FYI two of my buddies recently got the permit - it took three tries for each of them but that was due to issues of their own making, not the CBSA...to quote them:

Dave (Jan 16): "Got my RABC permit on the third try! I think it says more about me than the Canadians'."

Stefan (Jan 18): "Tried my hardest to beat Dave in the race for ‘application moron’, but failed. Got the RABC permit after three attempts as well."

It's been years since I've been in Quetico, but the 2022 BSF 386 has "proof of Vaccination" under the conditions, I'm guessing that doesn't apply anymore.

kevheads: "It's been years since I've been in Quetico, but the 2022 BSF 386 has "proof of Vaccination" under the conditions, I'm guessing that doesn't apply anymore."

You're correct - it doesn't. My son and I used that form and just ignored the vax stuff. Out applications were approved at the end of December with no issues.

pd

So I just downloaded the form (had to use firefox, Chrome couldn't open it) and filled it out digitally...and am ready to email it to them as it states.

I don't see anywhere where it needs a copy of my passport or any driver's license or anything.
I'm pretty sure 3 years ago I had to do something like that.

Do we not need to send it to them but we DO need to bring it when we check in at the Ranger Station I assume.

thoughts? Am I missing something?

MarshallPrime: "So I just downloaded the form (had to use firefox, Chrome couldn't open it) and filled it out digitally...and am ready to email it to them as it states.


I don't see anywhere where it needs a copy of my passport or any driver's license or anything.
I'm pretty sure 3 years ago I had to do something like that.


Do we not need to send it to them but we DO need to bring it when we check in at the Ranger Station I assume.


thoughts? Am I missing something?"

See page two of the form for details on required documents.

As for the form and required documents you need to submit them to the CBSA - see page four of the form for directions to submit. The email submission method works well and is probably the fastest - they will email you a pdf copy of your RABC permit.

You carry this RABC permit with you when heading across the border to pick up your Quetico permit at the Ranger Station, but the Park Rangers will not ask to see it - it has nothing to do with them (they are a different agency). The RABC allows you to cross the border in certain areas and enter Canada without going though Canadian Customs - keep it on you at all times until back in the US.

Weird, when I downloaded the PDF (would only open in firefox) it only had the 2 pages that you have to digitally fill out, not the full document that you sent the link to. Thanks for that.

Also the link you had said that you have to send proof of Covid Vaccine. I was pretty sure I read that nothing was required for that anymore.

I'm having issues with their PDF as well -- both with the form on the CBSA website and the version from Piragis. I can download and open it in Acrobat, and I can complete the fields fine, but it won't save the completed information in the PDF, which I need to do in order to email them a completed form. It says "You cannot save data typed into this form. Please print a your completed form if you would like a copy for your records." Well that's fine if I was mailing it in, but I'm not. I suppose I could print it, and then scan it back in as a PDF? Seems ridiculously complicated for such a simple form?

thegildedgopher: "I'm having issues with their PDF as well -- both with the form on the CBSA website and the version from Piragis. I can download and open it in Acrobat, and I can complete the fields fine, but it won't save the completed information in the PDF, which I need to do in order to email them a completed form. It says "You cannot save data typed into this form. Please print a your completed form if you would like a copy for your records." Well that's fine if I was mailing it in, but I'm not. I suppose I could print it, and then scan it back in as a PDF? Seems ridiculously complicated for such a simple form?"

Can't you just print and select your pdf writer as the print source?

Argo: "

thegildedgopher: "I'm having issues with their PDF as well -- both with the form on the CBSA website and the version from Piragis. I can download and open it in Acrobat, and I can complete the fields fine, but it won't save the completed information in the PDF, which I need to do in order to email them a completed form. It says "You cannot save data typed into this form. Please print a your completed form if you would like a copy for your records." Well that's fine if I was mailing it in, but I'm not. I suppose I could print it, and then scan it back in as a PDF? Seems ridiculously complicated for such a simple form?"

Can't you just print and select your pdf writer as the print source?"

You would think so! When I try that, Acrobat says "Saving a PDF file when printing is not supported. Instead, choose File > Save." -- But of course there is no File > Save option. And if you choose File > Save as, it will only save a blank copy of the form. This is on a Mac. I'm going to try on my wife's PC but this is just dumb.

I had to print, scan and save. I hope they take it. I sent it in 2 weeks ago, and hoping to hear back next week.

goblu79: "I had to print, scan and save. I hope they take it. I sent it in 2 weeks ago, and hoping to hear back next week. "

Please keep us posted!

I was hoping to submit much sooner but have been waiting for my kid’s passport card to arrive in the mail (came yesterday). Our trip is June 15 so fingers crossed.

Another option that works on my computer, so your mileage may vary, is to fill out the information in the online .PDF (name, address, card, etc) and then go to the print option but instead of printing a hard copy, choose to save as a PDF (or "print" as a PDF) If you have that option. Worked for me, all my filled in information was there and I didn't have to print, fill, and scan back in.

I ended up printing mine (had to sign it), taking a picture of it and sending that in. Got my RABC the next day.

Two weeks as of today, and no joy. Everything "seemed" to go through just fine. I'm giving it another week, and then I'll call/email them to see if they received it.

Got the permit today. Much faster than the old way. It appears they are making them good for 1 year from the processing date.

I got a message that said I had to download Acrobat Reader (I am working on a MacBook). I could not download the form without it. After doing so, the form downloaded fine and was editable.