Filing inland application but need to import my car on the way up.

[dysonjonathan]

Hi everyone!

This is a tricky one...I think!

For one reason or another (which I won't go into) I am moving from the US to Canada and have decided to file an Inland application...yes I know it takes longer than if I file outland

My question is this - Is it possible to import a vehicle without legally being able to live in Canada? The reason I ask is because I'm assuming there will be some red flags if I tell them I'm importing my vehicle, but have yet to file any kind of application.

Does anyone have any advice?

 

[OhCanadiana]

Hi everyone!

This is a tricky one...I think!

For one reason or another (which I won't go into) I am moving from the US to Canada and have decided to file an Inland application...yes I know it takes longer than if I file outland

My question is this - Is it possible to import a vehicle without legally being able to live in Canada? The reason I ask is because I'm assuming there will be some red flags if I tell them I'm importing my vehicle, but have yet to file any kind of application.

Does anyone have any advice?

The answer is contingent on how you planning to enter Canada (e.g. tourist)? This is important to understand because if you plan to enter as a tourist, for example, you need to be able to prove your stay is temporary to be admissible.

Your options are also contingent on who owns the car - if it's co-owned by your partner, s/he could import it (duty free up to 10k if they declare it as a returning Canadian on their B4 or by paying duty if not).

And, on your application: just to check...you do realize you can be physically in Canada and still apply outland, right?

 

[dysonjonathan]

Thanks for the info.

I did just realize that I can file outland from Canada (which is awesome!!)...I just want to time it right so I don't have to leave before my 6 months is up...which would be hard to figure out I think.

I guess I can just go up there as a visitor, file my application and, once I receive it, just drive back across the border and turnaround, so I can import the car and "land".

Does this seem reasonable?

 

[OhCanadiana]

Thanks for the info.

I did just realize that I can file outland from Canada (which is awesome!!)...I just want to time it right so I don't have to leave before my 6 months is up...which would be hard to figure out I think.

Yay! Didn't mean to pry but wanted to make sure you were aware you could be with your loved one and save yourself some time (assuming you are American or visa exempt if you are driving up). On the 6 months, you can file for an extension when your six months are up (if you stayed in Canada for the duration) so you don't need to be so concerned about the timing. You can't work, but you'll likely be done and have your PR before you could even get a work permit at the conclusion of inland step 1.

I guess I can just go up there as a visitor, file my application and, once I receive it, just drive back across the border and turnaround, so I can import the car and "land".

Does this seem reasonable?

Yup. Just make sure you take your B4 at that time too. And that your US insurance has Canadian cover while you are visiting. And, that you have all the proof you'll want with you as well as FBI certificates, etc when you go up there if you haven't filed your application yet.

Also, don't take the visiting part too lightly - you really do need to be visiting (no moving furniture or household goods for now...) There's a good post by GOGOGO on this that search isn't finding just now but is worth you looking for a bit later.

 

[dysonjonathan]

Thanks so much! This forum is such a great resource for people given how complicated the process can be. People are so helpful...it's amazing...you included!

What's a B4? I'm actually from the UK but living in the US with a green card, so I assume I won't need one of those.

I have requested my FBI clearance and am waiting for a month or so before requesting my UK clearance and the various state clearances that I need...and medical etc.

What a performance this whole thing is!!!!!!

 

[OhCanadiana]

Thanks so much! This forum is such a great resource for people given how complicated the process can be. People are so helpful...it's amazing...you included!

What's a B4? I'm actually from the UK but living in the US with a green card, so I assume I won't need one of those.

I have requested my FBI clearance and am waiting for a month or so before requesting my UK clearance and the various state clearances that I need...and medical etc.

What a performance this whole thing is!!!!!!

You're welcome

B4 and B4A are the forms you'll need to fill in to list the goods that the government of Canada will let you import duty free. As a new immigrant, you'll get a one-time allowance to import your declared goods duty free as long as you turn in that form when you land (or have the intent of living in Canada for 12 months).

 

[canadiangirl78]

Make sure you export the car ahead of time or there is a 72 hour hold at the US border. I just imported my car and I can't believe what a complicated expensive process it is. In Ontario anyway.

 

[OhCanadiana]

Yes, make sure you plan ahead for the car importation. When you're ready take a look at my posts at http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/leaving-the-us-to-land-in-canada-in-16-days-anyone-have-time-for-a-onceover-t105182.0.html;msg1474430#msg1474430 and ttp://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/thread-for-outland-buffalo-applicants-t41886.0.html;msg1405419#msg1405419 for an idea of the steps and things to consider.