Forgot to declare cashier's check upon entering Canada. How to correct this?

[traces95]

I am a temporary resident/visitor to Canada, applying for permanent residency. I flew last August with a $20,000 cashier's check but forgot to declare it and proceeded through customs at the airport. In good faith, I want to correct the mistake but I'm afraid it will be confiscated or a hefty fine might be imposed. Is there a way to fix this problem?

Thanks.

 

[zardoz]

I am a temporary resident/visitor to Canada, applying for permanent residency. I flew last August with a $20,000 cashier's check but forgot to declare it and proceeded through customs at the airport. In good faith, I want to correct the mistake but I'm afraid it will be confiscated or a hefty fine might be imposed. Is there a way to fix this problem?

Thanks.

If you are already past Customs, there is nothing that you really need to do. You got lucky..

 

[mikeymyke]

It's funds that weren't the result of proceeds of crime, customs got careless, you're planning on living in Canada anyway, I'd just keep quiet about it.

 

[traces95]

Okay, let me add a twist....

Because I am not a permanent resident I can't open a bank account to deposit it and since its payable to me I can't deposit it in my wife's account. I can't cancel it unless I am in person at the bank. And I can't cross the border to do that due to my being on "implied status" waiting for my Visa extension. Therefore, I am considering having my wife drive across the border into New York and she will be able to deposit the check in my account for me. However, they may ask why it wasn't declared when I originally brought it into Canada.

Right now the cashier's check is in limbo. We want to take advantage of the high exchange rate now or else risk losing thousands if the exchange rate plummets four months from now.

Would it be wise to send my wife to the border and attempt to declare it there, explaining the situation to both border control offices? Would they take issue with the mistake knowing that we are trying to correct it now by declaring it?

Thoughts on the best way to get the cashier's check over the border?

 

[Gregor.Samsa]

Oops!

That's more complicated!

Your wife must declare the money when leave Canada at Canada border. Hard to explain for her that you forgot to declare it. Fine will be sure and a lot of explanations too.

Your wife must declare the money when crossing US border, them could ask questions and about Canada border declarations.

I'm assuming you were in the US before cross to Canada.
You should declare the money when leaving US to US customs.

So, my friend, that's a pretty damn mess.

You can't cancel the check by phone or online?
You bank has offices in Canada?

Some links:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/security-securite/cbcr-dmte/faq-1-eng.html

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5052-eng.html

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/poc-pdc/launder-blanchim-eng.htm

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/195/~/currency-and-monetary-instruments---amount-that-can-be-brought-into-or-leave

http://www.fincen.gov/forms/files/fin105_cmir.pdf

I think it's possible for you to declare the money to Canada Borders through some no border office like you can find here, but you risk a fine an explanations, and perhaps them can ask for US border declarations.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/do-rb/menu-eng.html

Please wait for a better advise before take any action.

 

[scylla]

You can open an account as a non-PR / non resident - my husband did it. So that's what I would do.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

You can open an account as a non-PR / non resident - my husband did it. So that's what I would do.

Agreed. Many banks allow visitors to open accounts.

 

[Gregor.Samsa]

Could be better than crossing more borders with the check.

You still to decide if declare it to CBSA before go to the bank