Crossing border with items and bringing back.

[Kiri]

So after we are finished with everything this year we are honoring tradition and religion and having an official ceremony in the states next year to have a legal marriage (name change and all) in America. We are common law in Canada and it's been fine and that's what we applied based on, but when it comes to family things, future children, religious, etc... we feel we should take the step further. We're not disclosing that with immigration because then they will just see it as we are engaged and not already living a married life rather than having a wedding as more of a commitment ceremony and bringing the families together and force us to wait longer when we've been dealing with trying to immigrate since May of last year. We didn't have any special events for our Common Law union and my family is religious (as am I) and we feel more comfortable with making things official that way.

Anyway, beyond that we are kind of worried about something. Next year when we drive down to the states for the ceremony we will be taking all the things we will use there (decor, favors, candy for candy buffet, wedding dress, etc). Do we declare these since they are personal items? I mean, if we have boxes full of stuff in the back of our car would we be denied? How do we explain that we're going down for a wedding when we are common law married and coming back with the stuff? Also, my other question is I've had items shipped to my grandparents for the event that we'll want to bring back with us afterward -- do we declare that stuff? Will we have to pay taxes on everything?

Any advice would be appreciated. I'm aware that whatever you do after you get PR (us doing an official wedding/name change) doesn't matter, but what of the rest?

 

[Kiri]

bumping before it ends up on second page.

Anyone experience this?

 

[steaky]

It appears this is a customs issue rather than immigration, so better to check the cbsa website:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/noncan-eng.html

 

[Kiri]

True, but I figured if anyone who's done it might have some advice.

Also, that link doesn't apply to me and the situation I describe. Link applies to non-Canadians... at the time this will happen I will be a Permanent Resident of Canada but a citizen of America and my husband is a citizen of Canada.

 

[micmac101]

I know its different but they also want to know all this. I`m a Aboriginal of North America so I'm lucky as all I need is a paper from my Reserve and I can travel North America at my free will. My son married an American and they moved to Ohio. But your case as common law is different. The thing is you will need receipts and letters from family members if its gifts. If its money you problems are free in a way.

The best thing is check with Customs on both sides and they will give a better answer as it is different then Immigration all together. Its better to be safe then sorry May Allah help you in this matter In Sha Allah

 

[Kiri]

I know wedding gifts we have to pay taxes on, but I was wondering if we would on things we're taking down for decor and stuff (candy for a candy buffet, jars, decorations, my wedding dress, etc).

I guess I will have to contact customs closer to the time of to find out for sure.

Thanks.