Importing Vehicle Timeline and Process Questions

[Ivie]

While waiting for PR my husband (US citizen) has been living with me in Ontario for six months and then we spend six months in Florida in RV.

Both truck and RV registered to husband in US.

Now has PR approved and we plan on travelling to US in November for six months (RV and Truck are here in Ontario with Florida plates) and plan to import into Ontario on return in April 2017 which would be his first entry with PR card.

He is currently here on visitor visas.

Is this procedure acceptable for importation of his personal goods.

[SettlementOrgMod]

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be interested in this type of information.

Regarding your questions about your husband’s vehicles,

According to Transport Canada,

Section 7(1)(b) of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (MVSA), allows a visitor to temporarily enter Canada with a motor vehicle without complying with the MVSA if the vehicle is used only by a visitor to Canada or a person passing through Canada en route to another country.

Notes:

• You alone may use the vehicle.- Any change in your status, such as receiving permanent residency in Canada, may make your vehicle inadmissible and you will be required to export or destroy it.- You may not sell or gift the vehicle while in Canada.- The vehicle cannot remain in Canada longer than the time limits allowed under your temporary entry.

and

My status has changed from temporary to permanent resident while in Canada with my vehicle. How does that affect my vehicle?

If your vehicle is eligible for importation, you will need to formally declare the vehicle along with your personal effects to the Canada Border Services Agency and fulfill all import requirements.If your vehicle does not comply with the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, you must export or destroy it when your temporary entry status becomes permanent.

Notes:

• Temporary residents and visitors cannot sell or donate their vehicle while in Canada- Your vehicle cannot remain in Canada for a period longer than the time limits listed on your work permit, student visa or any other Customs authorization.

You can find some additional information in our Settlement.Org I am immigrating to Canada. How do I bring my belongings with me? article.
Here is an excerpt,

Can I bring my vehicle to Canada?

From the United States

Your vehicle must meet Canadian standards, even if it was manufactured for the United States (US). Before you try to import it, check if your vehicle is on the list of vehicles admissible from the United States published by Transport Canada.

At the border, you must inform US Customs that your vehicle will leave the US permanently. US Customs recommends that you contact the port of crossing directly to find out what documentation is required and their hours of operation.

Read more information about exporting a motor vehicle from the US.

You may want to contact the Canada Border Services Agency by dialing toll-free 1-800-461-9999 from within Canada or 1-506-636-5064 from outside Canada (long distance charges may apply) for some information regarding your husband’s situation.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

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Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org