Bringing Belonging's to Canada for Inland Sponsorship

[Illiasnie]

Good afternoon everyone,

My husband and I are just getting to the point where we're going to be sending in his application. He's still currently in the United States, but we are planning to do an inland application with an open work permit. Right now he's working on completing his "Trade Equivalence Assessment" so that he can challenge the test when he arrives in Canada and get his red seal certification as a mechanic. The thing is, in order to work in his trade, he's going to need his tools. There are a few other things I would like to have on this side of the border as well, such as our washer and dryer, but the main thing we're concerned about is getting his tools across the border.

I've considered creating a CCI and having a transfer of goods with a hand carried goods PARS number, but then I would have to painstakingly find original goods prices for each item and pay quite a large sum in GST (some of his tools are very expensive).

Would his receiving an open work permit allow for him to then bring his belongings across the border, or would importing them be the only means we have?

 

[Ponga]

Good afternoon everyone,

My husband and I are just getting to the point where we're going to be sending in his application. He's still currently in the United States, but we are planning to do an inland application with an open work permit. Right now he's working on completing his "Trade Equivalence Assessment" so that he can challenge the test when he arrives in Canada and get his red seal certification as a mechanic. The thing is, in order to work in his trade, he's going to need his tools. There are a few other things I would like to have on this side of the border as well, such as our washer and dryer, but the main thing we're concerned about is getting his tools across the border.

I've considered creating a CCI and having a transfer of goods with a hand carried goods PARS number, but then I would have to painstakingly find original goods prices for each item and pay quite a large sum in GST (some of his tools are very expensive).

Would his receiving an open work permit allow for him to then bring his belongings across the border, or would importing them be the only means we have?

NOOOOOOOOO!!! :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\

Don't let the `dangling carrot' of the OWP influence you into succumbing to the Inland processing time debacle! Most U.S. applicants can complete the entire process is under 12 months (closer to 8-10) by submitting an Outland application. True, he wouldn't be allowed to work in Canada (unless he finds an employer to jump through the LMIA hoop), but...Inland wait times are currently ~ 2 years!

 

[Ponga]

If you insist on the Inland application, he would NOT be advised to attempt to enter Canada (as a visitor, which is what he would be) with his tools...tools that he uses for his work. You can see where that would be a HUGE problem with the CBSA.

He must be in Canada before he can even submit an Inland application and then should [probably] plan to STAY in Canada for the duration of the process. If he leaves and is refused re-entry, his Inland application would be in jeopardy. He'd be better off having his tools sent to you, or have you cross the border to bring them back AFTER he has received his OWP, which would be at least 4 months AFTER the Inland application has been received by CIC.

He shouldn't plan to work in Canada before ~ September, IMHO.

 

[Illiasnie]

So you are against using the OWP?

 

[Ponga]

So you are against using the OWP?

No, not at all. I think the CIC pilot program that launched last December is GREAT...but I am against an American forsaking the forest for the trees, when they don't realize that an Outland application gets them through the entire process soooooo much faster.

If you and your husband understand this and still opt for the Inland route, that's great, but many people in your situation do NOT, because they think an Outland application is not possible if the person is in Canada, or wishes to come to Canada to `visit' while they wait.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Bringing the tools to Canada will most likely result in him being bounced back at the border. It is a clear indication that he intends to work and that is not allowed when entering Canada as a visitor. The fact that he plans on applying for an OWP doesn't change that.