B4 Form Guide for entering Canada

[AshleyAnne]

Steps for processing goods into Canada upon PR acceptance.

Once accepted as a PR, I was faced with the countless pages of spam to make sure that I was fully prepared for my trek across the border into Canada. It can be stressful at times, but with the right guidance from those that have been through the process, it should hopefully be more of a relief after my guide for entering Canada.

What is expected:

1) You will be required to process a B4 form (personal effects accounting document).
http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/b4-eng.pdf
The above link is for the B4 form, that will be used for processing your goods into Canada.
a. This entails filling the B4 form out with information pertaining to your goods accompanying you and your goods to follow.
b. Once you open the link you will find page 1 is the B4 form and page 2 are tariffs. You will see that you are allotted 8 lines for declaring all of your moved goods.
c. This is the point where you will use these 8 lines as consolidated topics, by grouping similar items into one list and making 8 lists.

*IE: Line 1 - Kitchen supplies/ Bathroom supplies | Line 2 - Office supplies/ Furniture pieces/ Bedroom goods | Line 3 - Shoes/ Purses/ Bags/ Clothes | Line 4 - Personal effects/ Sentimental | Line 5 - Electronics/ Computers/ Electronic supplies/ Movies & Video games | Line 6 - Jewelry | Line 7 - Pet toys/ Pet chews/ Pet supplies...etc.

1. Now, with an example of what the title/topic of which you can use lines 1-8 for, you will now need to make an attachment(either word document or excel sheet).
2. I did not have access to excel sheets, but that is not needed so don't worry. I simply used word to type up the specific items in each "title/topic".
3. For this portion of the attachment, I dedicated 1 page for each "title/topic" with the items name/ the quantity/ value of the items/ serial numbers (when applicable).

 

[AshleyAnne]

*IE:
B4 Goods line #1 - Kitchen supplies/ Bathroom supplies
Name/Quantity/Value/Serial Number
Can opener/1/10$
Coffee mugs/5/30$
Blistex/1/2$
Total Value = 42.00$

This the exact format that I used for my word document, where each page started out as B4 Goods line #1-8 - "title/topic" - followed by the break down of how my list will be read: Name/Quantity/Value/Serial Number; and at the bottom of the goods for that specific "title/topic" I made a Total Value for all of the goods listed.
Once you have all 8 attachments made up you will need to go back and put the values in on the B4 form. This is where totaling each "title/topic" of goods comes into play. You will then tally up all 8 "title/topic" for a grand total of value.
You will notice that there is not total value box on the B4 form, simply print out the form after you have either typed/written the required information and make your own box beneath all of the values and write out your grand total for ALL of your goods value.
B4 and B4A forms:
The B4 form is the initial form that is provided to declare all your goods coming across the border. Above I explained about making an attachment of your "title/topic" goods - originally if you needed more room to declare all of your goods, you had to acquire a B4A form. Using the categorized "title/topic" for lines 1-8 avoids all of that.
a) For the Name field, write your name.
b) For the Importer's Address, write the Canadian Address you will reside.
c) For the Country of Export, write your Home Country's Name.
d) For the Goods to Follow BOX [below the list rows], "Tick" it.
e) At the bottom of the B4 form, "Tick" the Newcomer BOX.
Goods to follow:
Goods to follow is just stating that you are going to declare items for a later time to enter Canada. All you have to do for this is create another B4 form and repeat the process above.
Tips:
It is always best to be prepared when you make contact with the border.
1. For jewelry, I was very thorough and printed off pictures of each piece of jewelry with the description of the item. For pieces that have serious value, I would suggest having them appraised for value. Costume jewelry is still to be documented by the border as an FYI.
2. Be very specific with your attachments for you 1-8 "title/topic" lines, as it is going to pay off when the agent sees how put together you are with all of your goods.
*IE:
B4 Goods line #6 - Jewelry
Name/Quantity/Value/Serial Number

Rings - 3 Total
Yellow ring with red & white stones/1/1,250$
Yellow ring (eagle)/1/450$
White class ring with white stones/1/750$

Necklaces - 10 Total
White necklace (circle shapes)/1/5$
etc...
3. Make a table of contents for you attachments - I even went as far as to label my boxes from 1-8 corresponding with lines 1-8 (which I also put on my table of contents as to where they can find the goods to locate).
4. Be sure to make TWO copies of the B4 forms and attachments supporting the B4 form (copy for the border and a copy for you).
5. DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING! Do not put your date of arriving in Canada. The border agent will fill in all of that and ask you to sign when it is appropriate.

Documents to have on hand for the border agent:

1. B4 forms/attachments (TWO copies)
2. Confirmation of permanent residence form
3. Travel insurance (3 months suggested as you will not be applicable for immediate medical coverage, and they will want to know you have medical coverage)
4. Vet records for animals crossing the border (up to date shots)
5. Passport

I hope that this was able to assist you in your finalization of becoming a PR of Canada! Congrats to everyone that is ending their journey and to those that are beginning, bookmark this page, as you could potentially use it for reference when you are in the final stage of this process.

 

[Amalthea]

Congratulations on landing!!!

This is suuper helpful and informative, thank you so much for taking the time to write this up!!! I've bookmarked it for later use... 8)

 

[lleahdoll]

Great post!
Curiosus... how would you suggest we value sentimental items? That will be probably 50% of my belongings I bring over as make up and clothes and things are already here from me visiting.
I'll also be bringing quite a few books, cds, dvds. They're all over 7 years old at least. How do I value those? In a garage sale or being sold to someone they'd probably barely be a dollar.. haha

Also, when I travel back home to get my belongings, I'll probably bring my tablet with me. It was bought here in Canada though so what do I do with that?

 

[Mariac819]

I have seen many say they just put "One box of kitchen items ---- 100$" ... "2 boxes of personal Hygiene items --- $200" .... etc... I will have to unpack and be more specific oh my!.. Thank you for posting this. I guess now that Ottawa messed up I have more time to go unpack and make a fresh B4. lol..

Congrats on landing

 

[saria1]

*IE:
B4 Goods line #1 - Kitchen supplies/ Bathroom supplies
Name/Quantity/Value/Serial Number
Can opener/1/10$
Coffee mugs/5/30$
Blistex/1/2$
Total Value = 42.00$

This the exact format that I used for my word document, where each page started out as B4 Goods line #1-8 - "title/topic" - followed by the break down of how my list will be read: Name/Quantity/Value/Serial Number; and at the bottom of the goods for that specific "title/topic" I made a Total Value for all of the goods listed.
Once you have all 8 attachments made up you will need to go back and put the values in on the B4 form. This is where totaling each "title/topic" of goods comes into play. You will then tally up all 8 "title/topic" for a grand total of value.
You will notice that there is not total value box on the B4 form, simply print out the form after you have either typed/written the required information and make your own box beneath all of the values and write out your grand total for ALL of your goods value.
B4 and B4A forms:
The B4 form is the initial form that is provided to declare all your goods coming across the border. Above I explained about making an attachment of your "title/topic" goods - originally if you needed more room to declare all of your goods, you had to acquire a B4A form. Using the categorized "title/topic" for lines 1-8 avoids all of that.
a) For the Name field, write your name.
b) For the Importer's Address, write the Canadian Address you will reside.
c) For the Country of Export, write your Home Country's Name.
d) For the Goods to Follow BOX [below the list rows], "Tick" it.
e) At the bottom of the B4 form, "Tick" the Newcomer BOX.
Goods to follow:
Goods to follow is just stating that you are going to declare items for a later time to enter Canada. All you have to do for this is create another B4 form and repeat the process above.
Tips:
It is always best to be prepared when you make contact with the border.
1. For jewelry, I was very thorough and printed off pictures of each piece of jewelry with the description of the item. For pieces that have serious value, I would suggest having them appraised for value. Costume jewelry is still to be documented by the border as an FYI.
2. Be very specific with your attachments for you 1-8 "title/topic" lines, as it is going to pay off when the agent sees how put together you are with all of your goods.
*IE:
B4 Goods line #6 - Jewelry
Name/Quantity/Value/Serial Number

Rings - 3 Total
Yellow ring with red & white stones/1/1,250$
Yellow ring (eagle)/1/450$
White class ring with white stones/1/750$

Necklaces - 10 Total
White necklace (circle shapes)/1/5$
etc...
3. Make a table of contents for you attachments - I even went as far as to label my boxes from 1-8 corresponding with lines 1-8 (which I also put on my table of contents as to where they can find the goods to locate).
4. Be sure to make TWO copies of the B4 forms and attachments supporting the B4 form (copy for the border and a copy for you).
5. DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING! Do not put your date of arriving in Canada. The border agent will fill in all of that and ask you to sign when it is appropriate.

Documents to have on hand for the border agent:

1. B4 forms/attachments (TWO copies)
2. Confirmation of permanent residence form
3. Travel insurance (3 months suggested as you will not be applicable for immediate medical coverage, and they will want to know you have medical coverage)
4. Vet records for animals crossing the border (up to date shots)
5. Passport

I hope that this was able to assist you in your finalization of becoming a PR of Canada! Congrats to everyone that is ending their journey and to those that are beginning, bookmark this page, as you could potentially use it for reference when you are in the final stage of this process.

+1, thanks AshleyAnne!!!

I have seen many say they just put "One box of kitchen items ---- 100$" ... "2 boxes of personal Hygiene items --- $200" .... etc... I will have to unpack and be more specific oh my!.. Thank you for posting this. I guess now that Ottawa messed up I have more time to go unpack and make a fresh B4. lol..

Congrats on landing

I was given that same advice by 2 separate CBSA officers, one at Plattsburgh NY the other at Calais ME. I started inventorying our goods in that manner, but since I haven't packed yet, I may refine it more.

 

[Ravcat]

Printed and +reputation!

This answered 99.9% of my questions for border crossing/landing with goods!!!

Good job!!!! Thank you! <3 <3 <3 <3

Printed out and ready to roll!

 

[bukeluke]

That's what my experience last month, and already clear at the custom. You can put as below:

Clothes: $10,000
Kitchenware: $20,000
Books: $5,000

etc

The custom officer at YVR airport doesn't really care the B4 form, just stamp on the packing list(from the shipping company)

 

[Ravcat]

How do you determine an items value. Its not the sticker (paid for brand new) price is it?

It has to be the depreciated value of the item, right? If so how do you determine how much something is worth?

And how much does it really matter anyways? If you say 10 sweaters at $10 each are they going to pull them out and inspect and determine sweater A is worth $15 and sweater B is worth $25?

 

[Mariac819]

3. Travel insurance (3 months suggested as you will not be applicable for immediate medical coverage, and they will want to know you have medical coverage)

Did they actually want to confirm that you had health insurance? First I hear of this.

 

[Amalthea]

Found this on another thread and found it to be helpful, it seems like not everything needs to be itemized (Clothes can just be clothes, kitchen utensils can just be kitchen utensils)

A settler describes all who enter Canada with the intention of establishing a residence for the first time and for a period of not less than 12 months. Persons entering Canada to become Permanent Residents without the intention of residing immediately in Canada are not considered Settlers to Canada since they do not have any intention of remaining in Canada at that time, and will live outside Canada for an undetermined period of time. Therefore, under customs legislation, these persons are considered visitors to Canada, even if they are Permanent Residents for immigration purposes.
Before you settle in Canada, you must prepare two copies of a list, preferably typed, detailing all household and personal goods you are bringing into the country. Your list should describe the goods, giving such details as the value, make, model, and serial number of each item, particularly high-value items. Please note that we require the current value of goods, not the replacement value. The list should be divided into two parts, showing which items are accompanying the owner at the time of arrival and which items are to arrive at a later date as “goods to follow.”

For general household items such as books or clothing, a group listing and overall value is sufficient (e.g., kitchen utensils – $000). Since jewellery is difficult to describe accurately, it is best to use the wording from your insurance policy or jeweller's appraisal and to include photographs that have been dated and signed by the jeweller or a gemologist. This information makes it easier to identify the jewellery when you first enter Canada, and later if you return from a trip abroad with this jewellery.
When you arrive in Canada you will have to give your list of goods to the border services officer, even if you do not have the goods with you at the time. Based on the list of goods you submit the officer will complete Form B4 or BSF186, Personal Effects Accounting Document, for you, assign a file number to your B4 or BSF186 form, and give you a copy of the completed form as a receipt. You will need to present your copy of the form to claim free importation of your unaccompanied goods when they arrive.
Memorandum D2-2-1, Settlers' Effects - Tariff Item No. 9807.00.00, provides information about the B4 or BSF186 forms for people settling in Canada. It can be found at:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d2/d2-2-1-eng.html

 

[Mariac819]

Found this on another thread and found it to be helpful, it seems like not everything needs to be itemized (Clothes can just be clothes, kitchen utensils can just be kitchen utensils)

A settler describes all who enter Canada with the intention of establishing a residence for the first time and for a period of not less than 12 months. Persons entering Canada to become Permanent Residents without the intention of residing immediately in Canada are not considered Settlers to Canada since they do not have any intention of remaining in Canada at that time, and will live outside Canada for an undetermined period of time. Therefore, under customs legislation, these persons are considered visitors to Canada, even if they are Permanent Residents for immigration purposes.
Before you settle in Canada, you must prepare two copies of a list, preferably typed, detailing all household and personal goods you are bringing into the country. Your list should describe the goods, giving such details as the value, make, model, and serial number of each item, particularly high-value items. Please note that we require the current value of goods, not the replacement value. The list should be divided into two parts, showing which items are accompanying the owner at the time of arrival and which items are to arrive at a later date as “goods to follow.”
For general household items such as books or clothing, a group listing and overall value is sufficient (e.g., kitchen utensils – $000). Since jewellery is difficult to describe accurately, it is best to use the wording from your insurance policy or jeweller's appraisal and to include photographs that have been dated and signed by the jeweller or a gemologist. This information makes it easier to identify the jewellery when you first enter Canada, and later if you return from a trip abroad with this jewellery.
When you arrive in Canada you will have to give your list of goods to the border services officer, even if you do not have the goods with you at the time. Based on the list of goods you submit the officer will complete Form B4 or BSF186, Personal Effects Accounting Document, for you, assign a file number to your B4 or BSF186 form, and give you a copy of the completed form as a receipt. You will need to present your copy of the form to claim free importation of your unaccompanied goods when they arrive.
Memorandum D2-2-1, Settlers' Effects - Tariff Item No. 9807.00.00, provides information about the B4 or BSF186 forms for people settling in Canada. It can be found at:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d2/d2-2-1-eng.html

Beautiful thank you! You are the best

 

[lleahdoll]

Did they actually want to confirm that you had health insurance? First I hear of this.

I was wondering the same... I mean I'm not forced to have any even as an extended visitor so it's odd they'd make you for a 3 month period.

 

[lleahdoll]

Found this on another thread and found it to be helpful, it seems like not everything needs to be itemized (Clothes can just be clothes, kitchen utensils can just be kitchen utensils)

A settler describes all who enter Canada with the intention of establishing a residence for the first time and for a period of not less than 12 months. Persons entering Canada to become Permanent Residents without the intention of residing immediately in Canada are not considered Settlers to Canada since they do not have any intention of remaining in Canada at that time, and will live outside Canada for an undetermined period of time. Therefore, under customs legislation, these persons are considered visitors to Canada, even if they are Permanent Residents for immigration purposes.
Before you settle in Canada, you must prepare two copies of a list, preferably typed, detailing all household and personal goods you are bringing into the country. Your list should describe the goods, giving such details as the value, make, model, and serial number of each item, particularly high-value items. Please note that we require the current value of goods, not the replacement value. The list should be divided into two parts, showing which items are accompanying the owner at the time of arrival and which items are to arrive at a later date as “goods to follow.”

For general household items such as books or clothing, a group listing and overall value is sufficient (e.g., kitchen utensils – $000). Since jewellery is difficult to describe accurately, it is best to use the wording from your insurance policy or jeweller's appraisal and to include photographs that have been dated and signed by the jeweller or a gemologist. This information makes it easier to identify the jewellery when you first enter Canada, and later if you return from a trip abroad with this jewellery.
When you arrive in Canada you will have to give your list of goods to the border services officer, even if you do not have the goods with you at the time. Based on the list of goods you submit the officer will complete Form B4 or BSF186, Personal Effects Accounting Document, for you, assign a file number to your B4 or BSF186 form, and give you a copy of the completed form as a receipt. You will need to present your copy of the form to claim free importation of your unaccompanied goods when they arrive.
Memorandum D2-2-1, Settlers' Effects - Tariff Item No. 9807.00.00, provides information about the B4 or BSF186 forms for people settling in Canada. It can be found at:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d2/d2-2-1-eng.html

Awesome!!! I have no idea still what the value of old books and things would be but I'll justice have to guesstimate.

 

[Ravcat]

I was wondering the same... I mean I'm not forced to have any even as an extended visitor so it's odd they'd make you for a 3 month period.

Yes you have to have insurance for 3 months, after 3 months you will qualify for Canada's insurance OHIP.