Bringing Your Personal Belongings To Canada

Moving to Canada as a permanent resident

A “Goods to Follow” list is typically required when you are immigrating to Canada as a permanent resident. This list is part of the documentation process for your settlement in Canada and is used to declare items that you intend to bring into the country at a later date, but which do not accompany you at the time of your initial entry.

You should prepare a “Goods to Follow” list if you have belongings that will be arriving separately after you move to Canada, such as household goods, personal effects, or a vehicle. The list should detail all the items you are bringing and their value.

When you first arrive in Canada as a new permanent resident, you will present this list to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. The officer will review it and may stamp it as part of your entry process. This stamped list will then be used to facilitate the duty-free importation of your unaccompanied goods when they arrive.

Moving to Canada as a temporary resident

Temporary residents coming to Canada, such as those on a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), are generally expected to bring only those personal effects that are reasonable for the length and purpose of their stay. Unlike permanent residents, who may have a “Goods to Follow” list for items arriving at a later date, temporary residents should plan to bring their personal belongings with them and take them back upon departure.

When packing personal effects, temporary residents should consider the following:

• Duration of Stay: Pack items that are necessary for the duration of the visit. For a short trip, this may include clothing, toiletries, and possibly some electronic devices. For longer stays, additional items may be needed, but they should still be consistent with a temporary visit.
• Purpose of Visit: The nature of the visit will also dictate what to bring. For example, a business traveller may need to bring a laptop and professional attire, while a tourist may pack more casual clothing and a camera.
• Customs Regulations: Be aware of Canadian customs regulations regarding what can be brought into the country. Some items may be restricted or prohibited. It’s important to declare all items upon arrival at the port of entry.
• Accompanying Documentation: For certain items, such as expensive electronics or equipment that could be used professionally, it may be wise to carry receipts or other documentation to show that these items are for personal use and that they were owned prior to entering Canada.
• Return Plans: Temporary residents should have a clear plan to take their personal effects back with them when they leave Canada. This is important to demonstrate to immigration officials that the stay is indeed temporary.
• Financial Support: Ensure that you have the financial means to support your stay in Canada, including the ability to transport your personal effects back to your home country.

For those temporary residents who need to bring more substantial personal effects or equipment for specific purposes, such as work or study, it may be necessary to comply with additional customs regulations and possibly pay duties or taxes on items that are not considered typical personal effects. It’s advisable to check with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for detailed information on what can be included as personal effects and the related procedures for bringing them into Canada.

Importing personal vehicles into Canada

When it comes to importing personal vehicles, the process and requirements differ for temporary residents compared to permanent residents or citizens.

For temporary residents, the following points are important to consider when importing a personal vehicle into Canada:

• Temporary Admission: Temporary residents may be able to temporarily import a vehicle for personal use if they meet certain conditions. The vehicle must be for personal use and cannot be sold or disposed of in Canada.
• Duration: The vehicle can usually only remain in Canada for the same duration as the owner’s temporary resident status. It must be exported or properly disposed of when or before the status expires.
• Documentation: The owner must provide documentation to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) proving ownership, registration, and insurance that is valid in Canada.
• Compliance with Canadian Standards: The vehicle must comply with Canadian safety and emissions standards. Some vehicles that do not meet Canadian standards may be temporarily imported with the understanding that they will be exported again.
• Declaration: Upon arrival at the port of entry, the temporary resident must declare the vehicle to the CBSA. Failure to do so may result in penalties or seizure of the vehicle.
• RIV Program: If the vehicle is being imported from the United States, it may need to go through the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program, even if it is only for temporary use. However, temporary imports are often exempt from the RIV program’s importation and modification requirements.
• Taxes and Duties: Temporary residents may be exempt from paying certain taxes and duties on a temporarily imported vehicle, provided the vehicle is exported within the stipulated time frame.
• Insurance: It is crucial to have valid insurance coverage for the vehicle while it is in Canada. The insurance must meet the minimum coverage requirements of the province or territory where the vehicle will be driven.
• Driver’s License: The driver must hold a valid driver’s license from their home country, and it may be necessary to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) depending on the province or territory.

It is advisable for temporary residents to check with the CBSA and the RIV program for the most current and detailed information regarding the temporary importation of personal vehicles into Canada. Additionally, consulting with the provincial or territorial licensing authorities where the vehicle will be used can provide specific guidance on local requirements.