Did not declare car when switching from TR to PR

[Veelia11]

Hi,

In December I switched from TR to PR through a spousal sponsorship PR premit, and did not know I needed to tell the officer about my car (that was already in Canada because I was here on a work permit) when we did our interview (the questions were never about that, more about our relationship, where we lived, plans for the future, etc).

I'm extremely worried that I am going to get in trouble for this, and I want to rectify the situation ASAP. I don't care if I have to pay duties on the car.

If I flagpole and declare now, will I get in trouble for not knowing that I needed to declare during the interview? I really don't want to get in trouble. Is it best to just sell the car in the US to avoid legal trouble? Please let me know.

 

[steaky]

Why don't you go to the local CBSA office to sort it out ?

 

[Rob_TO]

You don't "need' to declare anything if you don't want to, it's entirely optional. Declaring is only for purposes of saving on duties/taxes, that's it. So no need to worry at all.

 

[Veelia11]

You don't "need' to declare anything if you don't want to, it's entirely optional. Declaring is only for purposes of saving on duties/taxes, that's it. So no need to worry at all.

This is awesome news! For some reason I thought it might be seen as trying to "illegally import" or "smuggling" something if I don't declare!
I don't mind paying taxes/duties. It's a shame I missed my window, but I'm glad to know it isn't a legal matter.

 

[PMM]

Hi

You don't "need' to declare anything if you don't want to, it's entirely optional. Declaring is only for purposes of saving on duties/taxes, that's it. So no need to worry at all.

1. Except that OP was probably given an import permit for the length of his work permit/TR.
2. The car can't be sold or registered in Canada without importing.
3. A PR can't drive a foreign registered Car in Canada see:http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/motorvehiclesafety/safevehicles-importation-visitors-faq-1336.htm


My status has changed from temporary to permanent resident while in Canada with my vehicle. How does that affect my vehicle?

If your vehicle is eligible for importation, you will need to formally declare the vehicle along with your personal effects to the Canada Border Services Agency and fulfill all import requirements.

If your vehicle does not comply with the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, you must export or destroy it when your temporary entry status becomes permanent.

Notes:

1. Temporary residents and visitors cannot sell or donate their vehicle while in Canada
2. Your vehicle cannot remain in Canada for a period longer than the time limits listed on your work permit, student visa or any other Customs authorization.

 

[Veelia11]

Hi




1. Except that OP was probably given an import permit for the length of his work permit/TR.
2. The car can't be sold or registered in Canada without importing.
3. A PR can't drive a foreign registered Car in Canada see:http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/motorvehiclesafety/safevehicles-importation-visitors-faq-1336.htm


My status has changed from temporary to permanent resident while in Canada with my vehicle. How does that affect my vehicle?

If your vehicle is eligible for importation, you will need to formally declare the vehicle along with your personal effects to the Canada Border Services Agency and fulfill all import requirements.

If your vehicle does not comply with the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, you must export or destroy it when your temporary entry status becomes permanent.

Notes:

1. Temporary residents and visitors cannot sell or donate their vehicle while in Canada
2. Your vehicle cannot remain in Canada for a period longer than the time limits listed on your work permit, student visa or any other Customs authorization.

I was not given any form to declare with my work permit. I just drove through no problem. Does that change anything?

 

[Rob_TO]

I was not given any form to declare with my work permit. I just drove through no problem. Does that change anything?

Regardless, based on above I would get it imported asap, or git rid of the car back in the US. Listing any possessions for import when landing as a PR is still optional, however the importing part for vehicles is mandatory whether or not it was listed.

I can see the reasoning behind the rule, so Canadians don't purchase cars in the US for cheap and simply drive them indefinitely in Canada as a US car without importing it. I'm sure there's some leeway in the timing from becoming a PR to actually getting the card imported, but since you're pushing 8 months now you could find yourself in trouble the longer you wait. How the car entered Canada wouldn't really be relevant, main issue here is you're driving a US car in Canada as a PR.

 

[Buletruck]

It doesn't. Your car would need to be exported from the US and imported into Canada before it can be registered. Until you import the car, you can't register or insure the vehicle in Canada. The information on importing it can be found here, including if it is eligible and what is required to make it road legal in Canada.

https://www.riv.ca/ImportingAVehicle.aspx