Should I import my car?

[Mikey76]

Hi Everyone,

I am planning to drive my car from US to Canada, I will be going on a work permit.

Can anyone please help and let me know
1. what are the documents pertaining to import a car to Canada are required?
2. what are the documents that I have to fax the border 72 hours in advance. Should I check with them if they have received the fax? If I fax the document to them 1 week in advance, is it fine?
3. My car has a ODOMETER in Miles as per US standards, do I need to get it altered to meet Canada specs? (The speedometer shows both miles/hour and Km/hour).
4. Do I need to attach the carfax report?

Thanks in Advance.

[PMM]

Hi

Hi Everyone,

I am planning to drive my car from US to Canada, I will be going on a work permit.

Can anyone please help and let me know
1. what are the documents pertaining to import a car to Canada are required?
2. what are the documents that I have to fax the border 72 hours in advance. Should I check with them if they have received the fax? If I fax the document to them 1 week in advance, is it fine?
3. My car has a ODOMETER in Miles as per US standards, do I need to get it altered to meet Canada specs? (The speedometer shows both miles/hour and Km/hour).
4. Do I need to attach the carfax report?

Thanks in Advance.

You don't need any of the above as you are only importing the car temporarily.  CBSA will give you a temporary permit for the length of your work permit. 

Entering Canada to work or study

When entering Canada to work for less than 36 months or to study, you can temporarily import your personal and household goods (such as furniture, tableware, silverware, appliances and motor vehicles) duty-and tax-free, as long as the following conditions are met:

    * The goods cannot be used by a resident of Canada;
    * You are not permitted to sell or otherwise dispose of the goods in Canada; and
    * You must take all non-consumable items with you when you leave the country at the end of your temporary residence.

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Preparing to enter Canada

Prior to their arrival in Canada, temporary residents are advised to prepare two copies of a list (preferably typewritten) of all items to be imported temporarily, indicating the approximate value, make, model and serial number, where applicable.

Since jewellery is difficult to describe accurately, it is best to use the wording from your insurance policy or jeweller's appraisal and to include photographs that have been dated and signed by the jeweller or a gemologist. This information makes it easier to identify the jewellery when you first enter Canada, and later if you return from a trip abroad with this jewellery.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5082-eng.html#s4

[ygvjs2000]

Here is the process for temporary import from USA.
1. It is safe for the US clearance via the levistown bridge near nigara falls. The current process involves sending documentations via email 72 hours prior to exporting.
2. No need to pay for any taxes in the Canada or required to have a federal inspection however make sure you get enough documents that your vehicle is being imported temporarily.
3. Need to obtain Driver License. Get an certified abstract with start date of the license and with its current status.
4. Obtain ontario vehicle insurance.
5. Obtain Safety and emission.
6. Take all these documentation to the service ontario and pay the registration and license plates fee.

The issue may become complicated if you do not wish to work in canada or go back to Canada. Probably you need to permanently import with a required HST taxes and other procedures.

[hanswest39]

Hmm, If you could not import it then why not sell it, and buy a new one?.  

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[nirvana555]

I am in a very similar situation and I see a lot questions have already been answered in this useful thread. But I still have a question and would appreciate a reply.

I am already in Ontario on a 2yr work permit entered back in sept from new york state. At POE (Pearson airport) I declared all my stuff including car (will come at a later date) and have a form signed by a custom officer in her words that the car will be brought in Canada at a later date.

Question: because its a temporary move for me, do I still need to declare to US customs before 72 hours? I am holding both NYS license and Ontario license currently and I would like to register car in Ontario. Shouldn't I just drive up to POE at Niagara and show Canadian officer the signed customs documents and drive into Canada?

thanks in advance

[Mikey76]

You still have to declare to US customs before 72 hours, there is no exception to that. Keep in mind both the offices (US Custom and Canada POE) are different and each one doesn't deal with another.

If you drive at POE the canadian officer may not even ask anything about the car. but when you are going to register at Service Ontario that is when you will get into trouble regarding the paper work. They need to see your car title with the stamp that you imported it.