I have spent the last 17 out of 19 months in Canada. Was approved for a Super Visa in December 2018 and my stay was extended until August 2019. I have to take my US vehicle out of the country because it's been in Canada for more that six months. I'm worried that when I return I may be denied entry due to amount of time already spent, even though I am approved until August. Also, I was unaware that my vehicle could not be in the country longer than six months until last week when I was pulled over by an RCMP. I have searched the immigration website and can only find a statement that says when I leave the vehicle has to go with me. No time limit of six months is mentioned anywhere that I can find. Even though my US insurance covers me in Canada, the Constable told me that it does not matter, I have to either import the vehicle, get ICBC insurance or take it out of the country. Any information will be greatly appreciated!
Too long in Canada?
- Thread starter MonaLove
- Start date
You haven't found vehicle import requirements on the Immigration Canada website because it is a provincial matter. Since you're in BC (you mentioned ICBC) you will find the rules around vehicle importation at ICBC.
If you have always stayed in status during your stay in Canada, the length of that stay alone isn't necessarily a reason to reject you at the border, but you may get additional questions. I assume your visa is multi-entry.
If you have always stayed in status during your stay in Canada, the length of that stay alone isn't necessarily a reason to reject you at the border, but you may get additional questions. I assume your visa is multi-entry.
You may also have been lucky from that RCMP pull-over: the law in BC says that you can only drive on a foreign drivers' license for six months until you get a BC license. Without a BC license you could have had your car impounded, I believe. https://www.icbc.com/brochures/Pages/moving-to-BC.aspx
http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/consol28/consol28/96318_01#section21
Your status ends when you leave. It doesn't matter that you were previously allowed to August. You will be evaluated as a new visitor. As you have a Supervisa, you should be OK but no guarantee.
The Constable told me it is an issue. Americans leaving their cars in their garages all winter while they are back home in the U.S., and thaey are cracking down. Thank you for the link. I will check it out.
ICBC told me to take my car over to Port Angeles and return to Canada that evening and the six months resets. Do you have any advice on this? Seems like Immigration my question that, and I certainly do not want to raise any red flags.
I am an American. Sounds like maybe I should go to Seattle and re-enter from there. Thanks again for the information.
The big issue is that you are essentially living in Canada. Would also read your car insurance policy carefully. Assume it is a US policy. I'm guessing that you may run into problems if you make a claim when the insurance company discovers you have spent the majority of 2 years in Canada.