Immigrating to Canada?

Here at Clearit.ca, we are trying to clear the clutter, and give you the the information you need; and ONLY what you need. We have been receiving tons of calls and emails asking questions pertaining to immigrating to Canada, and although we are not Immigration specialists, we do know a thing or two about the process of actually getting here.

What Documents do i need when landing in Canada as a new Immigrant?

Upon landing, you msut show your Confirmation of Permanent Adress as well as Canadian Immigration Visa to a CIC officer at your port of entry. Your documents cannot be expired, and you must show a valid passport. You should have 2 copies of a list of your belongings as well as a proof of funds if you are traveling with money.

make sure you also have the following documents available:

  •     Birth certificate or adoption papers
  •     Family records (such as, marriage certificate or divorce papers)
  •     Medical records (such as immunization records)
  •     Dental records
  •     Official school records for children
  •     Diplomas, degrees and transcripts
  •     Academic credentials evaluation report (if you had your education     assessed before coming to Canada)
  •     Reference letters from previous and current employers
  •     Professional or trade licences or qualification certificates
  •     Up-to-date résumé or summary of work experience
  •     Valid driver’s licence or other identification documents
  •     Vehicle registration documents (if you are importing a vehicle into Canada)

Can i bring me belongings with me? and will i have to pay duty on them?

When immigrating to Canada, you are able to bring all your belongings with you, and in most cases duty free; you can even send them after you have arrived. You will have to fill out a B4 Personal Effects Accounting Document (click to fill out) where you must list anythign and everything you are bringing with you and will be sending later. if you forget to list something on this form, you can expect to pay duty on it, especially if importing it at a later time. This list should detail exactly what these items are and a relative value. the list shold be handed over to a customs agent as soon as you arrive, even if you have no items with you at the time. (be sure to make copies of the list)

for more information on when you can import personal goods duty free into Canada, click here.

Can i bring my Car with me?

From the USA

Of course you can bring your car with you, but it must meet Canadian standards. Before importing your car, please review the list of admissible Vehicles published by the CBSA. If you are driving your car across the border, you must tell the US customs agents that your car will be leaving the US permanently. (it is recommended that you call your border crossing before hand to confirm what documentation you will need)

For more information on exporting a motor vehicle from the USA, click here.

From outside US & Canada

vehicles from countries other then the USA can only be imported into Canada if they meet specific safety standards.  Once entered into Canada, your vehicle must be emmediately registered and insured with your provincial motor vehicle licensing agency.

Can i bring my pets?

like anythign else, you can bring your pets with you to Canada so long as they meet import requirements. for certain pets, you may need to get an import permit and must apply for it BEFORE coming to Canada. The CBSA as well as the Canada Food Inspection Agency may ask to inspect your animal; in that case there may be an inspection fee.

Importing a Dog

Domestic dogs entering Canada do not have to be quarantined. However, if you are importing a dog, you must meet the following import requirements.

  • The import requirements apply to pet dogs or those described as personal importations.
  • They apply to pet dogs entering Canada permanently, as well as pet dogs passing through Canada on their way to a final destination.

Import requirements

Import requirements will vary depending on:

    the age of the dog;
    the rabies status of the country of export; and
    the purpose of the importation.

Importing dogs less than eight (8) months of age

    From countries recognized by Canada as rabies-free
    Countries recognized by Canada as rabies-free
    From countries not recognized by Canada as rabies-free.

Importing dogs eight (8) months of age or older

    From countries recognized by Canada as being rabies-free
    Countries recognized by Canada as rabies-free
    From countries not recognized by Canada as being rabies-free

There may be additional requirements for dogs that are being imported for breeding or commercial purposes.

  •     If you frequently import dogs or import several dogs at once, it may be considered commercial.
  •     Commercial shipments are defined by the Canada Border Services Agency as any dog from which revenue may be generated, including breeding dogs that are not for immediate retail sale.

Additional information

Assistance dogs are exempt from import requirements when the person who is assigned to the dog accompanies it to Canada. This includes dogs certified as vision or hearing dogs.

The province of Ontario does not permit pit bulls to enter the province. For information on Ontario’s pit bull ban, visit the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General website.

Other provincial or municipal legislation may also apply. Please check with local authorities before you import a dog.

Dogs may require additional documentation when flying. Please check with your airline to determine whether you meet its requirements.

 

Importing a Cat

Domestic cats entering Canada do not have to be quarantined.

If you are importing a cat three (3) months of age or older, you must meet the following import requirements. Cats less than three (3) months of age are exempt from the import requirements.

The import requirements apply to pet cats entering Canada permanently, as well as pet cats passing through Canada on their way to a final destination.
Import requirements

Import requirements will vary depending on:

    the age of the cat; and
    the rabies status of the country of export.

Importing domestic cats three (3) months of age or older

    From countries recognized by Canada as being rabies free
    From countries not recognized by Canada as rabies-free
    Countries recognized by Canada as rabies-free

For more information on pet imports, click here.

How can i bring money into Canada?

if you are brinring $10,000 (or the equivalent in foreign currency) into Canada, you MUST declare this upon arrival and must fill out the Cross-Border Curency Form. If you do not declare these funds, you may need to pay a fine or other penalties. you are NOT taxed on the money brought with you when you land.

for more information on banking in Canada, click here.

 

Immigrating to Canada || Clearit.ca Customs Brokers

Immigrating to Canada || Canadian Customs Brokers

 

Hope you found this information helpful!