MOVING TO CANADA

To Better Assist Individuals Moving To Canada From The United States Or Other Countries.

Intercontinental has prepared an overview of general and most common issues, that would need to be considered or addressed by individuals relocating to Canada, prior to their actual international relocation.

  • It is most important to note that neither Intercontinental nor any other mover has any direct control over the enforcement of Canada Customs Regulations, Policies or Application. Therefore, we encourage you to directly contact the appropriate agencies or consulate to obtain detailed information, specific to your individual situation. The information enclosed is not definitive and is subject to change by the various Canadian authorities.

  • We would highly recommend that you do your research and preparation well in advance of your actual move, as it can take time to have everything prepared and in order. We have included various agencies contact information for your use.

  • We at Intercontinental trust this information will be of assistance in making your move to Canada as smooth as possible, and should you require additional information, please contact our office.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

Personal attendance during Customs clearance by shipper is mandatory. The first declaration must be made at point of entry into Canada. At this time the shipper will need to submit two detailed lists, in duplicate. The first list should cover accompanying goods and the second should be marked “goods to follow”. It would be helpful to show values, makes, models and serial numbers. When the shipment arrives, a second personal declaration to Customs is required at the Customs point nearest final destination.

 

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED GOODS

The following items are either prohibited require a special license (please contact us for further details): Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, explosives including fireworks, obscene materials, goods made from endangered species and live plants.

 

HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS

  • Immigrants: this is any person moving to Canada, with the intention of establishing a residence for more than 12 months. An immigrant may import free of duty and taxes household and personal effects that were owned and used by him in his/her former country of residence.

 

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Landed Immigrant (Settlers) Requirements

  • Passport including the immigration identification validated upon arrival to Canada

  • Your “Goods to follow list” for all shipments, including values (English/French) – Detailed inventories

  • Advice notice obtained from the moving company – Customs manifest (A8A)

  • All documentation proving ownership, possession and use

  • All receipts for new items being imported

  • Previous airport of US/Canada border declaration papers (See note)

  • Liquor import declaration (if applicable)

 

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HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS

  • Returning Canadians: may bring back duty free all household and personal effects including car, boat, aero plane, provided they have been acquired and used 6 months prior to arrival in Canada. (After 5 years, the 6 months provision is eliminated). There is, however, a valuation limit placed on these goods of $10,000.00 per item which includes automobiles. Duties and taxes will be levied against any one item that exceeds that limitation. Canadians who have lived outside Canada for less than 1 year are excluded from the speed program.

 

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Returning Canadians

  • Passport

  • Proof of residency and duration outside Canada (Foreign work permit/letter from employer/statement from Canadian consulate at origin/rent receipt/foreign drivers license/etc

  • A complete list of all items being imported (English/French) – Detailed inventories

  • Receipts of items purchased outside Canada (proof of ownership of minimum 6 moths is required). Any one individual item with a value of less than $10,000.00 Canadian is entitled to be imported duty free

  • Liquor import declaration (if applicable) – Provincial

  • List of items with a value over $10,000.00 Canadian (including vehicles)

  • Previous airport or US/Canada border declaration papers (See note)

 

WORK VISA/STUDENT VISA/VISITOR VISA REQUIREMENTS

  • Passport including a valid VISA issued by Canada Employment & Immigration.

  • Advice Notice, obtained from the moving company – Customs manifest (A8A).

  • A complete list of all items being imported for your personal use while you remain in Canada (English/French) – Detailed inventories

  • All documentation proving ownership, possession and use

  • All receipts for new items being imported

  • Previous airport or US/Canada border declaration papers (See note)

  • Liquor import declaration (if applicable) – Provincial

 

NOTE

  • 1. All items imported must be for your personal use during your stay.

  • 2. All goods must be exported when you leave Canada

  • 3. The goods may not be disposed of in Canada without Customs Authorization

 

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SEASONAL RESIDENT IN CANADA:

Any person who is not a resident of Canada but owns a residential property or has leased a residence for at least 3 years for his/her personal use. Proof of purchase/copy of lease agreement is required.

  • Passport

  • A detailed list of all items being imported in English. Import of used household goods and personal effects is duty free on a ONE time entry basis only and the goods cannot be sold for at least 1 year.

 

INHERITANCE OR GIFTS IN ANTICIPATION OF DEATH REQUIREMENTS

  • Personal identification

  • A detailed list of all items (English/French)

  • Advice Notice, obtained from moving company - Customs manifest (A8A)

  • A copy of the death certificate, a copy of the will or a letter from the Executor of the Estate stating you are the beneficiary

  • A signed statement from the donor giving reason for the gift or a statement from the Executor of the Estate. (Gifts could be subject to import duties and taxes)

 

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VEHICLES

Immigrants may import on a duty free basis an automobile that they have owned, used and had in their possession prior to coming to Canada. Returning residents who have lived outside Canada for a minimum of 1 year, and have owned, had in their possession and used a vehicle for at least 6 months may bring them in duty free.

However, in all cases any vehicle less than 15 years old must comply with all Canadian safety and emission standards. Please note that not all autos made in the U.S. or made to U.S. standards meet Canadian standards. Any vehicle 15 years or older may be imported from countries other than the USA.

Refer to - http;//www.riv.ca/English/html/how_to_import.html#before

 

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ARRIVING IN CANADA

Upon arrival into Canada ass an immigrant/returning Canadian or with a temporary VISA each person must report to Canada Immigration when there are goods to follow and obtain the B4A and B4E declaration form.

Important: This information is intended for general guidance only.

For more information, Visit: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca