Taking an Imac Into Canada
 

I am currently in the UK for a couple of weeks on holiday and I want to take my Imac (not a laptop) back with me to Canada.

I don't have a return flight to the UK booked and I have an application for PR in process, and I will also be returning with my Canadian GF, so it will be a permanent move back to Canada - does this mean I will need to declare my computer and pay import tax on it? or can I just check it in like regular baggage?

Thanks!

Re: Taking an Imac Into Canada
 

So it's not an app to keep the rain off?

Re: Taking an Imac Into Canada
 

Technically speaking, the computer SHOULD work fine here. We bought my husband's desktop with us when we moved. We had to flip a switch on the power supply to tell it that it was on 120 input instead of 240, and it worked fine. (After I spent 3 hours troubleshooting not realizing that there was a switch!)

Practically, you may have some other issues. I STRONGLY suggest booking a return ticket.

The first problem you will run into is with the airline. You are flying to Canada on a one-way ticket with no proof that you'll be allowed into Canada. (When my husband flew on his one-way, he had to produce his COPR and paperwork to show he was a PR of Canada, else he would have been denied boarding.)

The second problem will be with CBSA. It's a huge red flag that you are moving on a one-way ticket with your girlfriend and your belongings. Yes you have an app in process, but you are still requesting to enter Canada as a VISITOR... and visitors have return tickets and only what they need for a visit.

Of course, both of these are maybes. The airline may let you on no problem, and CBSA might not bat an eye. But bot are potential problems. (IMO the airline is likely to be a problem, CBSA could go either way.)

Read this: Spousal Sponsorship-Canada : British Expat Wiki

This recent thread also has others weighing in on bringing belongings... the thread is about shipping, but the same logic applies to just flying with your belongings. http://britishexpats.com/forum/immig.../#post11678396

Hope that helps!

Re: Taking an Imac Into Canada
 

FWIW, all recent generation iMacs have inbuilt switching power supplies, so no need to even flick a switch.

Re: Taking an Imac Into Canada
 

I meant to say his may or may not have the switch. Thanks for adding!

Re: Taking an Imac Into Canada
 

This is a high probability. There is no way to be certain until showing up at the airport, as it depends on the check in agent and/or their supervisor. Many carriers now will not allow visitors to a country board on one way.

Re: Taking an Imac Into Canada
 

When i arrived at manchester to fly one way it seems my name wasn't in the system to have the right to stay (they spelt my last name wrong) they did mention that the airline could be fined $60,000 if they let me fly without the right to stay here on a one way ticket.
I was one of those people running for the plane with a girl with a radio as they held the door for me. Just a key stroke problem and i nearly wasn't allowed to fly !
Just a warning about risking a one way ticket without a work permit or residency !!!

Re: Taking an Imac Into Canada
 

I would also be very careful about the files stored on the computer. if there is anything which could compromise your application for entering as a visitor (i.e. employee details in Canada, possible work arrangements). If this is the case I would upload them to the cloud and retrieve when in Canada.

I agree with SchnookoLoly that you run the risk of looking like you aren't planning on leaving, which I know you're not, and CBSA may get suspicious.