If you're planning to move to Canada and don't know where to start, here are some practical tips to help you get things in order.
Prepare yourself for a new life in Canada before making the move. Once you've figured out the ideal location and type of accommodation, it's time to plan your relocation. Begin by evaluating the amount of belongings you intend to bring along, so you can estimate the moving costs. Additionally, familiarize yourself with what is allowed and not allowed on Canadian territory before initiating any procedures.
Moving to Canada: how to get started
Opting to sell your furniture and purchasing new items in Canada can be a cost-effective choice. With numerous stores across the country, finding everything you require — from furniture and appliances to winter clothing and crockery — is easily achievable. Additionally, some apartments are available for rent, fully furnished or partially furnished, including appliances.
If you're on a tight budget, consider meeting your needs by exploring the variety of second-hand furniture and clothing stores. Certain establishments, such as Village des Valeurs and Salvation Army, focus on selling used goods and have multiple locations throughout Canada. Additionally, independent thrift stores are widely available. Before you leave, you can also sell your belongings through flea markets, garage sales, or by posting ads on specialized websites.
If you're set on bringing your belongings with you, you have to figure out how to transport them to Canada — either handle it on your own or enlist the services of an international moving company. There are restrictions on the quantity and weight of luggage you can transport by air and sea. Rates differ among companies, depending on factors like the mode of transport, volume, lead time, insurance, and more.
If you're relocating from the USA to Canada, you have the option to rent a small van and drive it yourself. However, ensure that the van doesn't exceed 7.5 tons and is authorized for travel in the countries and territories along your route.
Take the necessary time to pack your belongings carefully before loading them. It's recommended to avoid transporting fragile items. If you have no other option, check with your airline to learn how to carry them with you in the cabin.
Before loading your belongings onto the vehicle, especially if you've hired the services of an international mover, make sure to inspect them. To get a comprehensive list of items you can bring into Canada when moving and details on how to declare them, please visit the Canada Border Services Agency website. It provides valuable information, including a list of regulated and prohibited goods.
When you arrive in Canada
When you get off the plane, you'll be directed to airport customs control. Be prepared to present your passport and respond to queries regarding the contents of your luggage. Depending on the arrival airport, you may need to complete a customs declaration form either on the plane, at arrival kiosks, or through your cell phone.
If you've enlisted the services of a carrier, they will handle the necessary administrative tasks for your move, including customs clearance and more. For added security, opt for a carrier affiliated with the International Federation of International Movers (FIDI).
If you're just carrying one or two suitcases with clothes, along with a camera and a laptop, and you don't plan to bring in any other items, there's no need to provide customs with a list of your personal effects. The process should take a maximum of two and a half hours, depending on the number of travelers present at the same time and the specific airport where you arrive.
Duty-free entry into Canada
Upon your initial arrival in Canada, you have the option to bring in your personal and household items, including furniture, crockery, silverware, and appliances, duty-free. To avail of this, you commit to not letting any Canadian resident use or dispose of your personal effects, refrain from selling them, ensure you bring them back when leaving Canada, and be prepared to pay a refundable customs deposit if necessary. If you are a temporary resident, a 5% fee on the total value of your personal effects might be applicable.
Importing a vehicle into Canada
The majority of vehicles bought outside Canada and the US don't comply with the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, making them ineligible for import into Canada. However, there are exceptions, such as for vehicles older than 15 years. For more details, reach out directly to Transport Canada.
Tourists, visitors, and temporary residents have the option to bring their vehicle as a personal item, even if it doesn't meet the Motor Vehicle Safety Act requirements. However, it's essential to note that the vehicle cannot be sold or transferred to another individual while in Canada. Once the temporary immigration document expires, the vehicle must be exported.
Provincial authorities might request a security certificate when registering your vehicle. For additional details on obtaining this certificate in the province of Ontario, please refer to this page.
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