Hi folks,

So me and my partner (me as principal applicant & him as my common-law spouse) are about to apply for our work permits. I have the work permit support letter from NS Immigration (applying through AIP).

Once we have the approval for the work permits we'll fly to Canada. Our plan is to arrange shipping of a few boxes to arrive with us about a week after we arrive. The shipping company estimate about two weeks from Devon, UK to Cape Breton, NS.

My query is, would there likely be an issue with us beginning to ship these boxes prior to us being issued with the work permits, even if they are due to arrive with us a week after we arrive?
We obviously don't want them to be refused.


Thanks so much

What kind of issue are you concerned about; something to do with taxes or import duties? There's nothing to stop someone from shipping all their worldly goods to Canada without living in Canada or having a work permit.

Hi, I shipped stuff from Germany to Ottawa and managed to arrange being in Ottawa when the container arrived in Montreal port. The customs folks in Montreal did not release my container for more than a month after it physically arrived and I had to pay port storage fees for the priveledge! That was about 15 years ago but maybe you should check if 'two weeks' means door to door or it's arrival at customs in Canada. Good luck.

The last time we shipped goods from the UK to Vancouver, and granted it was many years ago, it took 6 months instead of the 6 weeks promised.

The stuff ended up coming via Asia, and getting stuck for weeks in various ports.

In other words, I wouldn't trust the "2 weeks"!

It's not a good idea to ship goods to arrive before you actually move to Canada. If your household goods arrive before you do, they will need to be stored at the Customs warehouse and you will incur storage costs. If they remain in the Customs warehouse for more than 40 days, unless you request an extension, they will be treated as unclaimed.

I just checked with our Move Management team who have advised it's not a good idea to send goods until you have all documentation in place. If there is a delay with permit approval your shipment could be held in bonded storage (max 40 days) then customs could seize the shipment or return it to origin - at your expense. It's also worth asking the mover if that 2 weeks is sailing time (unless they are going airfreight?), or from collection to delivery - there can be a significant difference.