[Detailed] Soft Landing by road via Windsor Tunnel - Frustrating Experience

[dumdum_yo]

Hello everyone. I'm planning to travel to Toronto in June 2020. Also export/import my car as well. Has anyone traveled from Chicago to Detroit.
1. After the export formalities I should be crossing the border to Canada through the Ambassador bridge? I'm moving on COPR, they do process that as well the import of the car right?
2. How was the drive from Chicago to Detroit?
3. If my crossing is on a Monday, should I send the ITN and scanned title to the US customs port on Friday or even before that? Are weekends considered for the 72 hrs?
4. This is out of topic, but it will be great if someone could help me find a temporary accommodation in Brampton or Mississauga for a month or two.

Thank you in advance.

Hi Sneha - I moved couple of months ago but drove via Sarnia port so can't advise on Detroit. I can give you my real estate agents number if you want. She might be able to help you find accommodation. Let me know.

For ITN, I worked with Can Am Auto Importers, Inc., they charge $150 for paper work and also handle the 72 hours rule so it's hassle free to move. Moving is a big stress already. Below are more details on importing a car to Canada from US. Had it ready so sharing.

Steps to import car from US to CA:

1. Check if the Car is admissiblehttps://www.riv.ca/VehicleAdmissibility.aspx
   https://www.riv.ca/VehicleAdmissibility.aspx
2. Get a recall clearance certificate from the manufacturer.https://www.riv.ca/RecallClearance.aspx
   https://www.riv.ca/RecallClearance.aspx
   (For honda its super easy just go to https://owners.honda.com/service-maintenance/recalls and get a screenshot there)
3. Get the ITN done. I used these guys: http://www.autoimportusa.com/
   1. They ask all the details, Names, Addresses, Title, Bill of Sale
   2. I paid 150$ usd
   3. They setup the ITN and also email(3 day notice is required before you export or drive the car out of US) the border of crossing you choose.
   4. They will send the ITN documents, Email Notice at the end.
   5. Get the value of the Car using carfax.com. Convert it to Canadian dollars for when required to fill in the forms on the Canadian side.
4. Register in RIV website. www.riv.ca
   1. I filled the form1 there and paid the fees ahead(about $350 CDN). Makes the process super easy on the Canadian side.
   2. Print out the form1- Basically 4 copies.
5. At the border
   1. US Side:
      1. You have to go to the US export office and get the Car export- Basically they stamp on the title(Very Important step)
      2. Make sure to prove all your legal presence in the US. I was asked to pull all my 10 years legal presence documents(F1,OPT,H1,H1b extension).
      3. Have the title, bill of sale, passport, old passports if any
      4. Also carry the ITN document and the Email notice
   2. Canadian Side:
      1. Do the landing documents first
         Next step Customs:
      2. Fill the bs186(declaration of goods) and mention the car details in the designated section. They stamp and give one copy back.
      3. Tell them that the form1(Four copies print out) is already done. Basically they keep 2copies and stamp and give the 2copies.
      4. They will direct you to cashier section. For me I didn't have to pay any taxes

After I had reached Canadian address. I got an email asking me to get the inspection done. I got it done at Canadian Tire - it takes few hours so be prepared to wait in the lobby.

After the inspection, it was license and registration with Ontario Province. Both process are very straight forward and can be done by visiting Service Ontario (visit their website for more info).

 

[Snehathomas]

Hi Sneha - I moved couple of months ago but drove via Sarnia port so can't advise on Detroit. I can give you my real estate agents number if you want. She might be able to help you find accommodation. Let me know.

For ITN, I worked with Can Am Auto Importers, Inc., they charge $150 for paper work and also handle the 72 hours rule so it's hassle free to move. Moving is a big stress already. Below are more details on importing a car to Canada from US. Had it ready so sharing.

Steps to import car from US to CA:

1. Check if the Car is admissiblehttps://www.riv.ca/VehicleAdmissibility.aspx
   https://www.riv.ca/VehicleAdmissibility.aspx
2. Get a recall clearance certificate from the manufacturer.https://www.riv.ca/RecallClearance.aspx
   https://www.riv.ca/RecallClearance.aspx
   (For honda its super easy just go to https://owners.honda.com/service-maintenance/recalls and get a screenshot there)
3. Get the ITN done. I used these guys: http://www.autoimportusa.com/
   1. They ask all the details, Names, Addresses, Title, Bill of Sale
   2. I paid 150$ usd
   3. They setup the ITN and also email(3 day notice is required before you export or drive the car out of US) the border of crossing you choose.
   4. They will send the ITN documents, Email Notice at the end.
   5. Get the value of the Car using carfax.com. Convert it to Canadian dollars for when required to fill in the forms on the Canadian side.
4. Register in RIV website. www.riv.ca
   1. I filled the form1 there and paid the fees ahead(about $350 CDN). Makes the process super easy on the Canadian side.
   2. Print out the form1- Basically 4 copies.
5. At the border
   1. US Side:
      1. You have to go to the US export office and get the Car export- Basically they stamp on the title(Very Important step)
      2. Make sure to prove all your legal presence in the US. I was asked to pull all my 10 years legal presence documents(F1,OPT,H1,H1b extension).
      3. Have the title, bill of sale, passport, old passports if any
      4. Also carry the ITN document and the Email notice
   2. Canadian Side:
      1. Do the landing documents first
         Next step Customs:
      2. Fill the bs186(declaration of goods) and mention the car details in the designated section. They stamp and give one copy back.
      3. Tell them that the form1(Four copies print out) is already done. Basically they keep 2copies and stamp and give the 2copies.
      4. They will direct you to cashier section. For me I didn't have to pay any taxes

After I had reached Canadian address. I got an email asking me to get the inspection done. I got it done at Canadian Tire - it takes few hours so be prepared to wait in the lobby.

After the inspection, it was license and registration with Ontario Province. Both process are very straight forward and can be done by visiting Service Ontario (visit their website for more info).

Hey, thank you so much for the detailed post. I have a couple of questions. Sorry to bother.
1. What is the ITN document? The email with the ITN number? In my case, I used an agent to get the ITN number. I have the email where they have sent me the ITN. Is that fine?
2. As far as I know there is no recalls on my car so do I still need any letter or screenshots?
3. For registering on RIV, I have to create a profile right? And for the address they ask I should fill a Canadian address? (Also, please share your Real estate agent contact, thanks)
4. While printing the bsf186, did you had to print it in Legal document size or A4 was fine?
5. For the Canadian Tire Inspection, other than the DRL and other lights what else do they inspect? The car's rear bumper is slightly cracked, will that be an issue? Also, was there any fee for the inspection? I also intend to get the registration done in Ontario.

I guess that's all my doubts I have for now. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer all of them.

 

[dumdum_yo]

Hey, thank you so much for the detailed post. I have a couple of questions. Sorry to bother.
1. What is the ITN document? The email with the ITN number? In my case, I used an agent to get the ITN number. I have the email where they have sent me the ITN. Is that fine?
2. As far as I know there is no recalls on my car so do I still need any letter or screenshots?
3. For registering on RIV, I have to create a profile right? And for the address they ask I should fill a Canadian address? (Also, please share your Real estate agent contact, thanks)
4. While printing the bsf186, did you had to print it in Legal document size or A4 was fine?
5. For the Canadian Tire Inspection, other than the DRL and other lights what else do they inspect? The car's rear bumper is slightly cracked, will that be an issue? Also, was there any fee for the inspection? I also intend to get the registration done in Ontario.

I guess that's all my doubts I have for now. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer all of them.

1. Sorry, I didn't dive in detail with Can Am since they were handling the process. But I am pretty certain that's what it is no separate document.
2. Take a copy. Doesn't harm. You don't want to give any excuses to the Customs team to cause heartburn for you. I had taken it, they didn't ask.
3. Yes. I gave my friends address for mailing purposes. I checked with my agent. She said best bet is AirBnB for short term stay. Since Agents charge landlords a whole months fee for finding tenants, landlords have 12 months contract requirement. A friend of mine did AirBnB for 2 weeks when he moved here and looked around for apartments and moved in. I tried to do the same but I couldn't digest the fact and uncertainty that I am moving with all my belongings and don't have a permanent place to live. I chose to fly in couple of weeks before for a weekend, looked around for rentals and signed a lease. Moved straight in to this rental. Due to Covid, you may not have this liberty. Also you will need to quarantine for 14 days, I believe.
4. A4 is fine.
5. There are several things they check. It's a long list but typically US cars don't have an issue. Yes, there is a fee. Forgot how much it was - probably around $150. Any changes to the vehicle are included in this price. Cosmetic issues shouldn't be a problem.

Start getting comfortable with reading in speed in KM instead of Miles.

 

[Snehathomas]

1. Sorry, I didn't dive in detail with Can Am since they were handling the process. But I am pretty certain that's what it is no separate document.
2. Take a copy. Doesn't harm. You don't want to give any excuses to the Customs team to cause heartburn for you. I had taken it, they didn't ask.
3. Yes. I gave my friends address for mailing purposes. I checked with my agent. She said best bet is AirBnB for short term stay. Since Agents charge landlords a whole months fee for finding tenants, landlords have 12 months contract requirement. A friend of mine did AirBnB for 2 weeks when he moved here and looked around for apartments and moved in. I tried to do the same but I couldn't digest the fact and uncertainty that I am moving with all my belongings and don't have a permanent place to live. I chose to fly in couple of weeks before for a weekend, looked around for rentals and signed a lease. Moved straight in to this rental. Due to Covid, you may not have this liberty. Also you will need to quarantine for 14 days, I believe.
4. A4 is fine.
5. There are several things they check. It's a long list but typically US cars don't have an issue. Yes, there is a fee. Forgot how much it was - probably around $150. Any changes to the vehicle are included in this price. Cosmetic issues shouldn't be a problem.

Start getting comfortable with reading in speed in KM instead of Miles.

Hey, thank you so much for patiently answering my doubts. I'll check into those options as well.
Thank you again

 

[Snehathomas]

A quick question. What did you do for your car insurance? Does your US Car insurance cancel once you export the car at the border? Progressive has coverage in Canada but as I'm moving from US, I don't know if they will cover until I find another insurance there. Please reply. Thank you

 

[dumdum_yo]

A quick question. What did you do for your car insurance? Does your US Car insurance cancel once you export the car at the border? Progressive has coverage in Canada but as I'm moving from US, I don't know if they will cover until I find another insurance there. Please reply. Thank you

I had Allstate in US. I chose Allstate CA. You need to have insurance to get license plates. US insurance should cover in Canada while you work to get Canadian one. But please check with your US insurance provider to be certain. Your US insurance history can be used to get better rates in Canada. The agents here can guide you through the process.

 

[RitzzG]

Hi Sneha - I moved couple of months ago but drove via Sarnia port so can't advise on Detroit. I can give you my real estate agents number if you want. She might be able to help you find accommodation. Let me know.

For ITN, I worked with Can Am Auto Importers, Inc., they charge $150 for paper work and also handle the 72 hours rule so it's hassle free to move. Moving is a big stress already. Below are more details on importing a car to Canada from US. Had it ready so sharing.

Steps to import car from US to CA:

1. Check if the Car is admissiblehttps://www.riv.ca/VehicleAdmissibility.aspx
   https://www.riv.ca/VehicleAdmissibility.aspx
2. Get a recall clearance certificate from the manufacturer.https://www.riv.ca/RecallClearance.aspx
   https://www.riv.ca/RecallClearance.aspx
   (For honda its super easy just go to https://owners.honda.com/service-maintenance/recalls and get a screenshot there)
3. Get the ITN done. I used these guys: http://www.autoimportusa.com/
   1. They ask all the details, Names, Addresses, Title, Bill of Sale
   2. I paid 150$ usd
   3. They setup the ITN and also email(3 day notice is required before you export or drive the car out of US) the border of crossing you choose.
   4. They will send the ITN documents, Email Notice at the end.
   5. Get the value of the Car using carfax.com. Convert it to Canadian dollars for when required to fill in the forms on the Canadian side.
4. Register in RIV website. www.riv.ca
   1. I filled the form1 there and paid the fees ahead(about $350 CDN). Makes the process super easy on the Canadian side.
   2. Print out the form1- Basically 4 copies.
5. At the border
   1. US Side:
      1. You have to go to the US export office and get the Car export- Basically they stamp on the title(Very Important step)
      2. Make sure to prove all your legal presence in the US. I was asked to pull all my 10 years legal presence documents(F1,OPT,H1,H1b extension).
      3. Have the title, bill of sale, passport, old passports if any
      4. Also carry the ITN document and the Email notice
   2. Canadian Side:
      1. Do the landing documents first
         Next step Customs:
      2. Fill the bs186(declaration of goods) and mention the car details in the designated section. They stamp and give one copy back.
      3. Tell them that the form1(Four copies print out) is already done. Basically they keep 2copies and stamp and give the 2copies.
      4. They will direct you to cashier section. For me I didn't have to pay any taxes

After I had reached Canadian address. I got an email asking me to get the inspection done. I got it done at Canadian Tire - it takes few hours so be prepared to wait in the lobby.

After the inspection, it was license and registration with Ontario Province. Both process are very straight forward and can be done by visiting Service Ontario (visit their website for more info).

Indeed, shipping a vehicle is a big stress but your detailed post clarified a lot of points. In my case, I plan to use a trcuking company to export my motorcycle to Canada, which makes me wonder who will handle all the export/import steps at the border - trucking company or custom brokers. What my first should be - to contact a custom broker who also handles trucking operation or straightaway contact a trucking company?

 

[dumdum_yo]

Indeed, shipping a vehicle is a big stress but your detailed post clarified a lot of points. In my case, I plan to use a trcuking company to export my motorcycle to Canada, which makes me wonder who will handle all the export/import steps at the border - trucking company or custom brokers. What my first should be - to contact a custom broker who also handles trucking operation or straightaway contact a trucking company?

Either should lead you to the right answer. But if I were you, I would check with both and see if there are multiple options and which one is easier and cheaper.

 

[RitzzG]

Either should lead you to the right answer. But if I were you, I would check with both and see if there are multiple options and which one is easier and cheaper.

Yeah, I will talk to them soon and get more clarity. However, I am just wondering, in case I plan to drive across border myself or later take it for inspection, isn't it a violation driving in Canada without a Canadian license or with US license plate. I know many people cross borders on their vehicle for the first time but what happens if someone gets pulled over for reason during these initial few days and there is no CA license/CA plate.

 

[21Goose]

Yeah, I will talk to them soon and get more clarity. However, I am just wondering, in case I plan to drive across border myself or later take it for inspection, isn't it a violation driving in Canada without a Canadian license or with US license plate. I know many people cross borders on their vehicle for the first time but what happens if someone gets pulled over for reason during these initial few days and there is no CA license/CA plate.

No, it's not an offense to drive without a Canadian license - as long as you have a valid US license, you'll be fine. Naturally, you can't drive without any license, that's illegal.

More here - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada/driving.html

Ontario's rules - https://www.ontario.ca/page/drive-ontario-visitors

Likewise, you can drive in Canada with a valid US registration. If you are moving permanently, you have to get a Canadian license and registration, but most provinces give you a few months to get it done. Ontario gives you sixty days. You can check the rules for your province.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/exchange-out-province-drivers-licence

"When you move to Ontario, you can use a valid licence from another province, state or country for 60 days. After 60 days, you need to switch to an Ontario driver’s licence. "

 

[dumdum_yo]

Yeah, I will talk to them soon and get more clarity. However, I am just wondering, in case I plan to drive across border myself or later take it for inspection, isn't it a violation driving in Canada without a Canadian license or with US license plate. I know many people cross borders on their vehicle for the first time but what happens if someone gets pulled over for reason during these initial few days and there is no CA license/CA plate.

Good info above by 21Goose. I got my license plates changed in 2-3 weeks after moving and actually put it on a week later.

 

[RitzzG]

No, it's not an offense to drive without a Canadian license - as long as you have a valid US license, you'll be fine. Naturally, you can't drive without any license, that's illegal.

More here - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada/driving.html

Ontario's rules - https://www.ontario.ca/page/drive-ontario-visitors

Likewise, you can drive in Canada with a valid US registration. If you are moving permanently, you have to get a Canadian license and registration, but most provinces give you a few months to get it done. Ontario gives you sixty days. You can check the rules for your province.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/exchange-out-province-drivers-licence

"When you move to Ontario, you can use a valid licence from another province, state or country for 60 days. After 60 days, you need to switch to an Ontario driver’s licence. "

These links are mighty useful and should help me understand the basics of registering and licensing a vehicle in Canada. at this point, it is good to know that we can drive for 60 days or so initially.
Thank you very much!

 

[RitzzG]

Good info above by 21Goose. I got my license plates changed in 2-3 weeks after moving and actually put it on a week later.

2-3 weeks is fairly quick; here in California, wait time is pretty long. Did you have to take an appointment to get registration done?

 

[21Goose]

2-3 weeks is fairly quick; here in California, wait time is pretty long. Did you have to take an appointment to get registration done?

Registration [in Ontario] is just a matter of going to a Service Ontario office, waiting in line for a few min (less than 10 minutes when I did it on a weekday) giving them the documents, and getting your plates and registration.

Before you go, you need to make sure you have the necessary documents - proof of ownership, insurance, and the RIV form that you get post-inspection that certifies that your car is safe to drive in Ontario.

The inspection is typically the only place you need to make an appointment, and there's usually very little wait time. I called Canadian Tire on Monday evening and got an appointment for Wednesday morning. Depends of the time of the year, of course - twice a year, shops are very busy as people are replacing their winter/summer tires.

 

[RitzzG]

Registration [in Ontario] is just a matter of going to a Service Ontario office, waiting in line for a few min (less than 10 minutes when I did it on a weekday) giving them the documents, and getting your plates and registration.

Before you go, you need to make sure you have the necessary documents - proof of ownership, insurance, and the RIV form that you get post-inspection that certifies that your car is safe to drive in Ontario.

The inspection is typically the only place you need to make an appointment, and there's usually very little wait time. I called Canadian Tire on Monday evening and got an appointment for Wednesday morning. Depends of the time of the year, of course - twice a year, shops are very busy as people are replacing their winter/summer tires.

Proof of ownership and RIV form are manageable but could US insurance document(need to talk to Geico to check if they provide coverage in Canada) be accepted or the first step is to get Canadian insurance and then followed by registration? Just thinking aloud if this too can be done in the first few weeks or is there any pre-requisite to get insurance too.