Moving to Canada is a Big Decision
There are many of sites giving information on how to apply for a Canadian Immigration Visa and many more offering services (paid of course) to assist you accomplish it. One of the biggest concerns I encountered throughout the immigration procedure was the actual relocation itself and what occurs when you arrive. I have gotten lots of letters via my information website, One Stop Immigration Canada, asking for more aid and guidance on what paperwork are necessary, what to anticipate at the Canadian customs and what to do when they first arrive in Canada.
Although I can't promise that every question I'll be able to address in this post, I'll be providing as much background information as I can, and if necessary, I'll connect to the relevant authority. If you own a home, you'll have to sell it and pack up your belongings before you can begin the process of moving.
Putting the Clothes Away
To place your property on the market while you're relocating, there are a number of theories. As a general rule, we were urged to hold off on signing anything until we were called in for medicals. Given that we had an alternative residence lined up, we decided to list our home for sale in order to get it off our hands. As "Our Story" reveals, we had our share of difficulties even back then. If you own a home, you need to assess the local property market and, even if it's always a risk, plan your house sale and determine at when point in the immigration process you will put it on the market.
You have 12 months from the date of your medicals to arrive in Canada if you've been granted a Canadian visa. We'd have to postpone our arrival if we couldn't sell the property soon, which was a major concern of mine. It's likely that if you miss the 12-month deadline, you will have to retake the medicals and submit the paperwork again. You might even arrive in Canada with your home still on the market in your home country, which comes with its own set of difficulties. It is important to get your money in the bank as soon after arriving as possible since many individuals rely on their homes as their primary source of settling finances.
It's a lot less stressful when you're changing nations if you can locate a place to stay while you sell your property. You may have to pay rent for a time, but at least you'll be able to budget correctly for your new life in Canada since you'll know how much money you have in the bank.
We made good use of the exercise to get rid of whatever we didn't need and start fresh. Insurance, storage, and shipping expenses must be weighed against the value of the item being transported. Whether or whether you decide to insure your shipment is entirely up to you and is based on the value of the goods you want to send. Also, keep in mind any additional costs you may incur in the case of damage or loss. Make a list of everything you're taking to Canada, and include the cost in Canadian currency.
In most cases, it's a good idea to just use the packing company's inventory to get an idea of the worth of your possessions. Put your best estimate about the worth of a box of kid's toys, for example, as follows:
- A $100.00 box of variously-sized old children's toys
- Photographs in a box with little economic worth
- C$850.00 for a queen-sized bed
So on and so on. In order to avoid any confusion upon arrival, make sure you bring three extra copies of your packing list, as well as a copy of form B4 (Goods to follow), with you. Having too many isn't a problem, but not having enough is a real pain!
It is important to keep track of all the stuff you bring with you when you arrive and any following shipments as well (we had an extra large box of things couriered in a totally separate shipment just before we left).
If you're relocating to Canada, it's likely that you'll be working with an international moving company. The time it takes for your belongings to reach at their ultimate destination may vary depending on where you are relocating from. When deciding whether or not to keep the items in storage in your home country until you locate the perfect place, remember to budget for the additional costs of both storage and insurance. It's possible to get an unpleasant surprise when the charges start piling up.
When it comes to moving firms, you're paying for a service, which means they'll know exactly what paperwork and formalities you need to complete in order to arrive in Canada and pass customs without any problems. Because of improper documentation, you don't need your cargo turned away from the port of entry (which is costly when they order its return to the original port of departure) or you wind up paying for additional taxes etc. In the near term, you'll be out of cash if you can't show that the money is authentic.
There are a variety of ways to pay for shipment, including "share a container" and the more expensive "whole container" option. Your container will be filled and sealed at your home if you choose for the Full container service. Your belongings will be loaded into a shared container at your home before being transferred to the depot of the moving company. Once it arrives, it is stuffed into a container with other products.
Pets
As with everything else, your situation is contingent on whether or not you plan to bring any pets with you to the United States. As with other nations, the importation of animals is subject to stringent regulations, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the requirements.
It's important to think about a few things, especially if you're moving into a new place and you have a pet. Make sure you're aware of the local pet rules since they might result in big penalties if you don't follow them!
Inoculations should be up to date, and you should have the documentation to prove it. Keep in mind that transporting animals isn't inexpensive. Delaying your pet's arrival will offer you more time to settle in and complete the necessary paperwork for your pet's arrival. Do you really need to spend several hours at the airport while the vet examines your pet and completes all the appropriate documentation after a long and stressful journey? Then, if your lodging allows pets, you'll have to arrange transportation for your frazzled pet there.
After all, changing nations is enough of a challenge without having to give up your beloved pet. Since that was the case, we took Boris, our 3-year-old Golden Retriever, with us. Boris spent two weeks in kennels before his trip, during which time a special travel kennel was created for him and he had time to grow acclimated to it. Shipper handled all paperwork and veterinary tests, and he was set to go on a scheduled aircraft. Due to the fact that he was only placed in the kennel a few minutes before loading on the day of the trip, he had a limited amount of time there.
After paying the C$30.00 import charge at the Calgary Terminal's customs hall and returning to the cargo terminal with the release papers, we were able to pick up one very happy puppy!
The Day of Your Departure
The worst-case scenario is that you arrive without the necessary papers, and I hope we can prevent that from happening. Having these goods in your HAND LUGGAGE rather than a suitcase is critical to their safekeeping throughout travel. Prior to reclaiming your luggage, all of the immigration procedures are completed.
a copy of each member of your family's Canadian Permanent Resident Card, as well as their Canadian Immigrant Visas.
Each member of the family must have a current, valid passport or other official travel document (normally must have a minimum of 6 months left before expiry).
Six months' worth of living expenditures in the bank.
Two copies of a comprehensive list of everything you're taking with you, whether it's personal belongings or household goods. The price of each item on these lists must be stated in Canadian dollars.
You'll need two copies of the list of products to come if you're mailing them out later on. Canadian Dollars must be presented once more.
We utilized the insurance values we had mentioned to make it simpler (as discussed above) and prepared extensive records of everything that was coming and what shipment it was in for the next things that followed. It is the CBSA's job to enforce the legislation and deliver the form B4 for personal effects accounting to travelers. When you acquire your immigration visa, you should be given a checklist and comprehensive instructions on what you need to bring with you when you arrive in Canada. A checklist of paperwork was attached to our visas when they were issued.
Please contact your local High Commission or the CBSA BEFORE you leave your home country - one helpful advice is to ensure that any necessary papers or transcripts are translated into English or French (if they aren't already) before you arrive in Canada. Detailed information is available on our Customs and Immigration website.
You may want to bring any extra personal papers with you in your carry-on baggage. I highly recommend the Citizenship and Immigration E-Book "A Newcomers' Introduction to Canada" for this topic.
Canadian security is taken very seriously and will not be swayed by anybody, as is the case in other nations. To guarantee a successful arrival, it is vital that you adhere to the requirements. Depending on your situation, there are two major publications that might help you.
If you're moving to Canada for the first time or have been away for more than three years, see the RC4151 - Settling in Canada (For Canadians)
Anyone planning on coming to Canada for the purpose of studying or working might consult the brochure RC4220, which provides information on entering the country temporarily.
Take inventory of everything you're bringing, listing the worth in Canadian dollars and making two copies: one for you to retain and another to provide to customs. In order to save time upon arrival, the CBSA website offers printable versions of forms B4 and B4A for download and printing. To make things easy for the authorities, it's better to have all of your lists spelled out. For the products, you'll need the same paperwork (if any). Personal and household belongings brought to Canada by settlers are exempt from import taxes and customs if they were already owned, held, and utilized in the country of origin. If you can, attempt to locate any receipts or registration paperwork to back this up.
If you're getting married within three months of your arrival in Canada, you may take advantage of a gift exchange program. If you plan on utilizing any of these things for business reasons, you should be aware that they will be subject to normal tariffs.
In light of the current worldwide crackdown on terrorism and money laundering, it is imperative that if you are carrying more than $10,000 in cash, bonds, or securities on your person, you notify the customs officer. There is no limit on the amount of money a settler may have, but if they break the regulations, their money may be seized and/or they might face significant penalties. See the RC 4321 booklet.
Best of Luck!