Entering Canada while in process

[Tak11]

Hi All,

Very informative and helpful forum, Thank you

I'm an Israeli who has been living with my Canadian Fiancé ( girlfriend till a month ago) in Africa for almost two years.
We are finishing our assignment here in the end of this year and plan to head to Canada directly from here.
I have applied for PR based on Common Law relationship. We own an apartment together in Canada, have a joint mortgage, joint sole bank account and provided proof to our return to Canada as part of the file.

I have applied in July via Israel and directed by a lawyer the whole process. So far i received confirmation of my documents received inclusive of my health check and my fiancé received a letter approving her to be a sponsor.

I dont need a visa to Canada and in the last 2 years entered 4 times for 3 weeks each stay without any issues.

I was just wondering what i will be telling to the immigration officer in the airport, this time im not entering for a visit but to stay, for a while at least. Can they make any issues for me entering ? We are coming with about a dozen suitcases and a dog...its quite obvious im not coming for a vacation


Will be happy to hear your advise

Thanks!
T

 

[Betina]

Entering with that many suitcases, no return ticket and a PR application in process could be problematic, even if you have a good visitation history.

I think you'd be better off renting a storage space for most of your belongings and have them shipped to Canada after becoming PR. Take the dog and some clothes and ship everything later. I wouldn't risk getting sent back for some things that I can live without/replace

 

[charliem]

well, I'd think the immigration officer would be able to find out that you have an on-going spousal application (just with a few clicks). Is there any problem with you coming into Canada with a plan of staying (without status that allows you to)? Maybe, but you can still come in.

Why don't you come in as you've done in the past (with light luggage)--when you are granted PR, which shouldn't take very long, leave and re-enter to fulfill the PR visa requirements.

 

[Tak11]

Thanks Guys. Will do every effort to travel as light as possible.

I do have a ticket out 2.5 Months after my getting in.

My Lawyer keeps saying there is no issue...that i will pop in the computer anyway and i should say i come for a few months.

We will hope for the best

Thanks again!

 

[keesio]

A return ticket seems to be the main thing officials look for. They want to see that you have a plan to leave Canada.

Also a good idea not to bring tons of luggage.

Otherwise you should be fine. My wife visited me a few times from the US during the application process and the main thing officials always asked for was proof of a return ticket.

 

[OhCanadiana]

Mazel tov on your engagement!

Are the suitcases your goods or her goods?

One thing to keep in mind when your fiancee moves back is that she can complete a B4/B4A for the goods she is taking to Canada that she owns (individually or jointly). It will be much easier if she fills it out before you pack (and definitely before you are sitting in customs in the airport!)

As a returning Canadian, she can import goods duty free as long as she's been out of Canada for at least one year and has owned, used, and possessed the items for at least 6 months (6 month req't waived if you've been out of Canada for five years). If you are importing any item over 10,000 Canadian you will have to pay duties on the amount over 10k. The government gives you one opportunity to tell them what you are bringing in so you need to fill out all the forms upfront and then you can bring it in over time but be sure to include everything upfront.

After you land and when you intend live in Canada more than 12 months you can also complete your own B4/B4A for your goods. It's the same forms, but you won't have the 10k limit per item.

The B4 is available at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/b4-eng.pdf
And the B4A is at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pbg/cf/b4a/

Detailed instructions are at http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5113-eng.html

As for filling out the forms, you can group like items together - eg clothes $xxxx if the value isn't huge or you can break it down a bit to say suits $xxxx, formal gowns $xxx, casual clothes $xxx. Same for lower value items like household goods, toiletries, etc. If you eat importing thing over several trips (or on plane vs shipment), try to separate line items per trip so that you don't run into issues when they cross items off as you import them.

For jewelry and electronics, you need to list them one per line item and include: for jewelry a photo and for electronics model and serial number. You may also want to take photos of furniture or any higher value item if you aren't importing it immediately. You can complete multiple B4A forms and just number them. Folks have also reported using other formats (Excel, packing lists) successfully.

If you can take an extra copy, it will make life easier for you and the CBSA agent since they keep one and give one (once stamped) back to you.

 

[Tak11]

Thank You !

I really appreciate your answers and greetings !

Its so comforting to know nice people are here for my help and support !