B4/B4A

[wilson]

Thanks for the information.

I have another question: under 'Former Resident' there are a couple of checkboxes...do I select all of them or is the first one fine (the one about being absent from Canada for at least one year).

As for the B4 forms, well, I have already completed them with the excel spreadsheet + pictures of the jewelry + total values for everything. I think it is best to hand those to the CBSA officer and get him/her to stamp them so I never have to worry about these items being taxed in the future. Is my understanding correct on that?

One week and we're off to Vancouver! It seems like forever since my wife was granted the visa....now the next hurdle is to get her PR card before September 2013 when we will make our way to Canada for good...

FS

I agree with you. it is always safe to follow the rule.
You should check the box Former resident
and your wife should heck Settler
The customs tariff is different for both. However, as there will not be any duty payable, the tariff does not make any difference.

 

[wilson]

Sorry to go a bit off topic, but it's kind of related. I'm finalizing my move back to and I am still debating on how to bring our savings back. I haven't had a bank account in Canada for like 10 years. So if I wire money I would need to wire to my parents bank account, not sure if that would cause any tax related problems for my folks. Another option would be getting a certified cheque. What did you guys do? Also, do we have to declare at the time of landing how much money we have brought back on the B4 form, does it matter since it's not cash? I know that if you are bringing back more than $10,000cdn in cash you need to declare it at the airport.

I suggest you go to your nearest HSBC bank. You can open an account in Canada from HSBC and the funds can be transferred from there direct. Otherwise, you can make demand draft payable in any Canadian Bank in our name leaving some cash with you.

 

[motorcyclerider]

FS can I ask which bank you dealt with that let you apply online? I checked TD, they allow you to fill out the form online but if you don't already have an account or money at their bank you need to go to a branch to finalized the application.

 

[Fencesitter]

RBC...but I just remembered that I had a joint account with my dad...I guess that's why I was able to do it long distance...but it's still worth a try...

If your parents have a good relationship with the branch, they might be able to help you out...

Have you thought about taking traveller's cheques?

FS

 

[OhCanadiana]

The goods to follow will be with us in our checked luggage, but I would still feel better having the B4 form filled + the excel sheets just to be absolutely sure we don't have any issues with duty. We might also put down some stuff we may want to import (stuff that us cheaper to buy in China and ship to Canada)...guess it can't hurt to include those future items...even though we don't know what they are as yet (we need to make a list of possible stuff we might want to buy and ship)....

FS

Just remember:

To qualify for duty- and tax-free importation, you must have owned, possessed and used the goods for at least six months prior to your return to live in Canada. The six-month stipulation is waived if you have been away from Canada for five years or more.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5087-eng.html#s8

 

[motorcyclerider]

We'll probably go with a certified check. The biggest denomination of traveler's check is $100, so it's not the most convenient method for us.

 

[OhCanadiana]

We'll probably go with a certified check. The biggest denomination of traveler's check is $100, so it's not the most convenient method for us.

The Canadian bank may hold the funds for a few weeks while it clears so make sure you have sufficient liquid funds while you start up.

Have you considered a wire transfer? A few other ideas: if you have an HSBC account you can have them open an account in Canada for you and transfer the funds yourself (there may a monthly fee involved depending on balance and current country of residence). If you have a USD personal checkbook you can deposit those in a USD account in a Canadian bank.

 

[Fencesitter]

Just remember:

To qualify for duty- and tax-free importation, you must have owned, possessed and used the goods for at least six months prior to your return to live in Canada. The six-month stipulation is waived if you have been away from Canada for five years or more.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5087-eng.html#s8

Yeah...I fall under the 5 years of more rule...

FS

 

[Fencesitter]

Does anyone know if we need receipts for jewelry? For some items we do not have the receipts. Will this be a major problem when we go to clear customs?

It's our landing eve...can't wait...but a few jitters and nervousness...

FS

 

[Fencesitter]

Sorry to bump this, but does anyone know the answer to my question regarding receipts?

Thanks!

FS

 

[Asukal]

Does anyone know if we need receipts for jewelry? For some items we do not have the receipts. Will this be a major problem when we go to clear customs?

It's our landing eve...can't wait...but a few jitters and nervousness...

FS

you dont need a receipt...