Do I need a BSF186 form if I'm landing, then leaving the same day?

[Lorelyrra]

I received my CoPR a few days ago. I live in Buffalo and was planning to go to the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, walk across the border to land, then return back to the US the same day. I'm still working in the US until the end of September, at which point I'll be moving to Canada permanently. I want to take care of the landing now to get it out of the way, since I usually travel to and from Canada via bus.

My question is, do I have to fill out a BSF186 form for the goods I'm going to have on me when I land if all I'm carrying is my messenger bag? At most, I'll have my wallet, my phone, and my Kindle. I plan on bringing everything else when I move at the end of September. Should I put everything on a 'goods to follow' sheet?

Thank you for any advice!

 

[Decoy24601]

Yep, you need the BSF186 at the time that you land. You'll need one copy for any goods that you are crossing with at the time, and one copy for any goods you are bringing in later. You need to declare any goods you will bring now or in the future at the time that you land (this is what CBSA told me when I landed).

Just be careful, because if they suspect you aren't ready to settle in Canada permanently yet, depending on the officer, there is a chance they could refuse to land you and tell you to come back in September when you're ready.

 

[Lorelyrra]

I'm hoping it won't be an issue once I explain about work. I don't have a car, so I'm trying to do the landing now and not hold up a bus full of tired travelers next time I cross! Thanks for the help!

 

[Decoy24601]

Just don't say anything about it unless you're asked, and if you're asked don't lie about anything. I've seen a lot of people here who were told to come back later to land when they're ready, but I can't say you should expect it because you never know, it depends on the individual officer.