Sending my possessions to Canada

[yhaguy]

Hi all,

I would be grateful if somebody could answer my following question. I am from the UK. In Xmas 2010, I activated my spousal permanent residence card. In this visit, I did not leave any possessions in Canada upon my return to the UK a few days later.

I am now looking to permanently settle in Canada in the next few weeks (start of September), and shipping my possessions by sea. I had not filled out a B4E "Personal Effects Accounting Document" form on my first visit, hence I am unsure as I will be liable to pay tax on the goods I will be bringing with me this time. Please could somebody let me know if I am still eligible for a tax-free move? If not, I was wondering if there is any advice that I may find useful.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[steaky]

Are you a returning Canadian citizen?  If so, you may be eligible entitle to a limited (max. $10,000) tax free move.  Just prepare a B4E and goods to follow list and hand-in to the Canada Border Officer at your port of entry.  After officer stamp the form and your goods arrive Canada, you will need to make appointment with your local CBSA office to claim your goods.

[yhaguy]

Hi steaky,

Thanks for the tip! I am an Canadian Permanent Resident. Do you know if there is any difference between this and being a citizen? Thanks again.

[steaky]

Apparently, yes, there is a difference.

In this case, you might have to phone CBSA yourself.  If you try email them, they may give you the following:

Information on importing goods for people intending to settle in Canada is accessible from the "Publications" section of the Canada Border Services Agency Web site at the following URL:
 
Memorandum D2-2-1
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d2/d2-2-1-eng.html
 
Links to additional information on settling in Canada are accessible from the above-mentioned Web site at the following URL:
 
Immigrating or Settling in Canada
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/help-aide/topic-sujet/10-eng.html
 
We also invite you to contact the Border Information Service (BIS) by telephone and speak to an agent directly for additional assistance with your enquiry. You can access the BIS line free of charge throughout Canada by calling 1-800-461-9999. If you are calling from outside Canada, you can access the BIS line by calling 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 (long-distance charges will apply).
If you call during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time, Monday to Friday, except holidays), you can speak directly to an agent by pressing "0" at any time.
 
Thank you for contacting the Canada Border Services Agency.
 
Internet: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
E-mail: cbsa-asfc  @  canada.gc.ca
 
Canada Border Services Agency
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L8
 
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada

[yhaguy]

I think I have figured it out from the "Memorandum D2-2-1" link you sent below. It looks like I will be eligible for the definition of 'Settler', as my last visit to Canada was not over 12 months (it was just a week or so), hence, I shouldn't be liable to pay tax for this first shipment. Thanks again for the link and help!