lifeisajourney

Hi,

My parents have bought a 'holiday home' in Canada so that they can visit us for a few months at a time under the normal tourist visa (up to six months in any year, proof of health insurance, intention to return to UK etc etc). They're also downsizing in the UK and ultimately hope to emigrate to Canada in the long term by us sponsoring them (we know it's a long process that'll take on average 4 years).

Is there any problem with them shipping over some of their spare furniture, home stuff, clothes etc for their 'holiday home' in Canada. The documentation from the shipping agents they've been getting a quote from asks for copies of their passports (no problem) and visas (they don't have any as they're coming just as tourists).

Anyone see this as being a problem when they're here and get the call to say their stuff has arrived and trot off to customs?

Many thanks in advance for any advice/comments

PMM

Hi

1. As they have purchased a home, they can be bring in goods as "seasonal residents. See: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publicati...82-eng.html#s3 for the rules.

Seasonal residents

If you are a non-resident of Canada and you acquire a residence in Canada for seasonal use or lease one for at least three years, you have a one-time entitlement to furnish the residence with certain goods, duty- and tax-free. This does not apply to a mobile or portable home, a time-share residence, a residence that you will share with a resident of Canada or a residence that you will rent or lease to others in your absence.
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Preparing to enter Canada

As a seasonal resident, before leaving for Canada, you should prepare two copies of a list (preferably typewritten) of all the goods you intend to bring into Canada as your personal effects, showing the value, make, model and serial number (when applicable).

Divide the list into two sections. In the first, list the goods you are bringing with you; in the second section, list the goods that will follow at a later date. As a seasonal resident, you are permitted to import the goods that arrive at a later date duty- and tax-free only if they are listed on this form.

When you arrive at the CBSA office, give the border services officer both copies of the list, as well as proof of ownership or a long-term lease for your seasonal residence.

Based on your list of goods, the border services officer, at the first port of entry, will complete Form B4 (PDF, 83 KB), Personal Effects Accounting Document, and give you the completed original document as a receipt. Keep this receipt as proof that you have permanently imported these goods. You can make the process easier by filling out Form B4 as much as possible in advance. Form B4 is available by selecting Publications and forms on our Web site or by calling BIS at one of the telephone numbers listed in the section called "Additional information".
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Allowed goods

As part of your seasonal resident entitlement, you can include items such as removable furniture, appliances, household effects and tools you use to maintain your seasonal residence. To take advantage of this opportunity, you have to meet all of the following conditions:

* the goods must be for your personal use only, not for commercial or business use;
* you must have owned, possessed and used the goods before you arrive to occupy the seasonal residence for the first time;
* you must declare all the goods in detail when you first arrive in Canada to occupy the seasonal residence. Even if the goods do not accompany you on your first arrival, you must identify them as "goods to follow"; and
* you cannot sell or dispose of the goods in Canada for at least one year after you import them.

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Excluded goods

Items that are designed to be permanently affixed to a building, such as construction materials, electrical and plumbing fixtures, windows, doors and screens, do not qualify under your seasonal resident entitlement. These items are subject to the usual customs duty and taxes.

You will find the B4 and B4A here: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publicati.../menu-eng.html

ann m

Super helpful, as ever, PMM ....

lifeisajourney

Wow!

Thanks for your wonderfully useful information!