can anybody on a visiter record from usa apply for canadian driver license

[simb]

I guess I'm confused all the way around! LOL

Uh...never mind? : I thought that because I'm going to be applying for Outland Spousal Sponsorship, I'm not a resident, I'm a visitor. Therefore making "ties" may hinder that process (versus applying Inland) because in my mind, I'm still an "outlander" here as a visitor. IDK if that makes sense. But, now, looking at it, it's all about showing proof that I AM establishing ties (joint bank accts/on utility bills) beings we're now married. Right?

...In SK, the SGI office said I have 3 months before I needed to get "licensed"-meaning me and my vehicle. But it confuses me, because while I'm here under a visitor record, aren't I considered a "visitor" and/then why would I be forced to get a provencial DL?

Ish. I sound dense. ???

calm down..
well. i cant say anything about it. no idea..
but can you tell me something about your visitor record ?
i mean i am thinking to visit canada to meet my spouse so. what do you think crossing border by land is good or by air and what does this visitor record means ? i mean do they just stamp on your passport or give you a paper of something ?

 

[parker24]

So as a visitor, hubby can get a Ontario DL? I ask because he's been here for a year, driving his TN plated car around for a year and we just assumed he wouldn't be able to get a ODL until he lands. Would he have to get the car plated in Ontario too? Hmm. Curious.

 

[Tullysgirl]

calm down..
well. i cant say anything about it. no idea..
but can you tell me something about your visitor record ?
i mean i am thinking to visit canada to meet my spouse so. what do you think crossing border by land is good or by air and what does this visitor record means ? i mean do they just stamp on your passport or give you a paper of something ?

CALM??!! ugh, I thought planning a wedding was stressful. LOL

Well, it depends on how long you plan on being in Canada. When I visited three times prior to our wedding, it was by air. MUCH simpler. But, I could only bring a suitcase or two.

This time, I knew I was going to ask for 6 mos, married and be here thru the winter, so I towed a 4x8 travel trailer with winter clothes/tires and camping gear.

When the first agent heard about the camping and traveling, it was no big deal. But when I mentioned my "fiance", she zoomed in on that and I had to go inside to talk to another agent. He asked a lot of questions about him/where he lives/DOB/employment. But interestingly, they did not even look in my vehicle nor in the trailer, which I thought for sure they would.

They created a "Visitor Record"- which is an Immigration paper showing my "conditions" (prohibited from going to school/working) and when I must leave. It's stapled to and folded inside my passport. The border agent (I went thru the Idaho-Kingsgate port) also stamped and wrote on my passport.

Someone else probably has way more knowledge than I do about the purpose of the visitor record, but I think it's to better keep track of me, that I KNOW they're "watching me".

 

[Creampop]

So as a visitor, hubby can get a Ontario DL? I ask because he's been here for a year, driving his TN plated car around for a year and we just assumed he wouldn't be able to get a ODL until he lands. Would he have to get the car plated in Ontario too? Hmm. Curious.

I been here (ON) 3 months and have switched mine over a month ago, it's the law : if your here longer then 60 days to switch. They asked me for no proof of any status just my Pennsylvania DL my passport and something to prove my address here in ON. I just took a letter that had been mailed to me here nothing even official that was it, oh and the 75 dollar fee, I'm assuming since after 60 days you have to switch your DL then the same would be true bout the car? It's has to be done @ the drive test, they don't do international DL's @ service Canada but everything after the initial switch can be handled @ service Canada.

 

[simb]

CALM??!! ugh, I thought planning a wedding was stressful. LOL

Well, it depends on how long you plan on being in Canada. When I visited three times prior to our wedding, it was by air. MUCH simpler. But, I could only bring a suitcase or two.

This time, I knew I was going to ask for 6 mos, married and be here thru the winter, so I towed a 4x8 travel trailer with winter clothes/tires and camping gear.

When the first agent heard about the camping and traveling, it was no big deal. But when I mentioned my "fiance", she zoomed in on that and I had to go inside to talk to another agent. He asked a lot of questions about him/where he lives/DOB/employment. But interestingly, they did not even look in my vehicle nor in the trailer, which I thought for sure they would.

They created a "Visitor Record"- which is an Immigration paper showing my "conditions" (prohibited from going to school/working) and when I must leave. It's stapled to and folded inside my passport. The border agent (I went thru the Idaho-Kingsgate port) also stamped and wrote on my passport.

Someone else probably has way more knowledge than I do about the purpose of the visitor record, but I think it's to better keep track of me, that I KNOW they're "watching me".

yea. i asked this question from others too. wanted to know your experience..
thanks for sharing your info though
appreciate it

 

[rachiy]

Curious about this also.

I've lived in Alberta for the past two years on a temporary visa (work permit), which is due to expire in August. I hold an Alberta licence, which is due to expire in September.

If my status changes from temporary resident to visitor, can I still renew my Alberta licence and continue driving here? Does anybody know?

Guess I'll find out soon enough & report back.

Hi misskay,

I am also in Alberta on a WP. When my DL expired last year I had to provide them with my new WP to get my licence renewed. I got the impression that if I did not have my new WP then I would not be able to renew my DL.

I am not sure if there is a way around this when PR is in process, but if your outland then I highly doubt it. It doesn't really make any sense to give "visitors" a DL for the province in which they are technically only visiting temporarily.

 

[Creampop]

It's looking like each province has their own set of rules :

 

[misskay]

Hi misskay,

I am also in Alberta on a WP. When my DL expired last year I had to provide them with my new WP to get my licence renewed. I got the impression that if I did not have my new WP then I would not be able to renew my DL.

I am not sure if there is a way around this when PR is in process, but if your outland then I highly doubt it. It doesn't really make any sense to give "visitors" a DL for the province in which they are technically only visiting temporarily.

Thanks rachiy, doesn't sound too positive.

I only hope that, when my PR is eventually approved, my previous Alberta licence willat least be taken into account and I won't have to go through the arduous testing process again..

 

[Tullysgirl]

So, law prohibits a Canadian from driving a car with US plates. Is the reverse true? Am I as a US citizen, prohibited from driving a car with Canadian plates?

 

[Creampop]

So, law prohibits a Canadian from driving a car with US plates.

Hrmm. gonna hafta look into that I thought it was only prohibited to cross borders driving on us plates, without the extra insurance or whatever it was called.... and if it is true i had been breaking the law for 9 years I always drove his car when here....

 

[parker24]

I'm confused with all of this! We looked up on getting hubby a DL here in Ontario, yes he needs one so once we get some money together (we're kinda broke at the moment!) we will be getting one. But he has a car with him. I know he has to import it when he lands but a bank in Ohio has the title. AHHH..

As for the driving part, I have NO idea. Hubby drives my parents car sometimes, and I drive his car sometimes. Out of everything with immigration, THIS is the most confusing! ???

 

[OhCanadiana]

I'm confused with all of this! We looked up on getting hubby a DL here in Ontario, yes he needs one so once we get some money together (we're kinda broke at the moment!) we will be getting one. But he has a car with him. I know he has to import it when he lands but a bank in Ohio has the title. AHHH..

As for the driving part, I have NO idea. Hubby drives my parents car sometimes, and I drive his car sometimes. Out of everything with immigration, THIS is the most confusing! ???

Well, this is your lucky day because I think I can clear it up for you and save you some cash for a bit

1. Your husband can drive your car or your parents' car or his own car in Ontario. IIRC, he is visiting you, not on a work permit or something else that makes him a resident of Ontario. Therefore, get him an International Driving Permit and you're done. You should be able to do it via mail with AAA (instructions here) ($15 plus shipping fees).

"If you are a visitor to Ontario and want to drive while you are here, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver's licence from your own province, state or country. If you are from another country and visiting Ontario for more than three months, you need an International Driver's Permit from your own country."
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/handbook/section1.1.0.shtml

2. A Canadian resident should NOT drive a foreign-plated car (unless they rented a car from a commercial agency in the US, have permission from the rental agency, and rent it for max 30 days -> this exception is relatively new). So, if you are a resident of Ontario and not just visiting Ontario you shouldn't drive his car unless it's an emergency or you guys are taking goods in to Canada in his car in the most direct path from the border to your house. Ditto for your parents.

[the sources are long so I'm putting them at the end of the post for clarity]

3. Once he gets his PR card, when he lands he should simultaneously import his car (on his B4). For this, you will need permission from the title-holder to export the car from the US. That way he won't be a Canadian resident driving a non-Canadian car.

4. He's going to need a Canadian driver's license (DL) to register the car, so you may want to get the DL shortly before landing so that you save that step. Depending on what US state his US DL is issued by, he may need a driving record.

Ta-da. Questions?



* * *

Sources for components of #2:

Tourists can temporarily import cars, per D19-12-1

"RIV Program Exemptions
49. Vehicles are exempt from complying with the CMVSS
at the point of entry into Canada if they are imported under
one of the following conditions:
(a) the vehicles are 15 years old or older, or are buses
manufactured before January 1, 1971; the importer
must be able to demonstrate the age of the vehicle;
(b) the vehicles are entering temporarily with:
(1) visitors, for a period not exceeding 12 months;
temporary residents such as students studying at an
institution of learning, for the duration of their
studies in Canada; or individuals with valid work
permits/authorizations for employment for a period
not exceeding 36 months;"

D2-4-1's covers residents of Canada's use of non-Canadian plated cars:

"GUIDELINES AND
GENERAL INFORMATION

Residents of Canada
1. Residents of Canada may operate conveyances on
which duties have not been paid in Canada only in
accordance with the terms and conditions of tariff item
No. 9802.00.00 and the regulations made pursuant thereto.
Purpose of Importation
2. Conveyances imported temporarily under these
Regulations are admissible for personal transportation only
from the point of arrival to a specified destination in Canada
and return within 30 days, when the purpose of importation
is to transport personally owned goods into or out of
Canada.
3. Similarly, customs inspectors may permit importation
in instances where a resident is required, due to unforeseen
circumstances or emergency reasons, to utilize a
conveyance on which duties have not been paid for personal
transportation to reach a specified destination in Canada and
return.
4. Under no circumstances are conveyances admissible
under these Regulations for touring purposes or for other
leisure activities in Canada, nor is any local use permitted
(e.g., point to point movement in Canada).
5. Customs inspectors will grant free importation of a
conveyance under these Regulations only when satisfied
that the applicable conditions have been met."

...unless it's a rental and certain conditions are met

"

Exception — temporary importation

(1.1) Sections 5 and 6 do not apply to a resident of Canada who imports a vehicle that is licensed in the United States if the vehicle is rented in the United States from a vehicle rental business and is being imported into Canada for non-commercial purposes.

Importer to remove vehicle from Canada

(1.2) A resident of Canada who imports a vehicle under subsection (1.1) shall remove the vehicle from Canada within a period of 30 days, or any other prescribed period, beginning on the day on which the vehicle is imported.

Rental business to remove vehicle from Canada

(1.3) If, within the period referred to in subsection (1.2), the resident of Canada delivers the vehicle to a vehicle rental business in Canada with the consent of the business, then the vehicle rental business shall remove the vehicle from Canada before the end of that period."
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/M-10.01/page-3.html

and

" Canadian residents may, as of June 1, 2012, bring U.S. rental vehicles into Canada for non-commercial use for 30 days or less. This will not affect the safety of Canadian road users, because Canadian and American vehicle standards are similar, and the vehicles will be in Canada for short periods of time.

While these changes to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (MVSA) will allow one-way and two way trips, residents of Canada may only deliver a vehicle to a vehicle rental business for a one-way trip, with the consent of the business. 

Visitors to Canada may continue to bring rental vehicles from the United States into Canada. "
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safevehicles-rental-usa-1302.htm

 

[Tullysgirl]

Well, this is your lucky day because I think I can clear it up for you and save you some cash for a bit
...
Ta-da. Questions?

(raises hand) What about SK?

BTW-just gotta share this nonsense with you. SK also happens to be my initials (prior to wedding). Thought it was cool when we were dating...like "SHAAAH! OfCOURSE you have to marry me, isn't it OBVIOUS??? 8)

 

[CharlieD10]

BTW-just gotta share this nonsense with you. SK also happens to be my initials (prior to wedding). Thought it was cool when we were dating...like "SHAAAH! OfCOURSE you have to marry me, isn't it OBVIOUS??? 8)

The name of hubby's hometown also happens to be my maiden name. So, of course, it had to be fate!

Your visitor record is very important. Aside from the conditions of your stay, it also expires at a specific point in time before which you must apply to extend your stay. Additionally, it is proof of when you entered the country, which is necessary for the extension.

 

[OhCanadiana]

(raises hand) What about SK?

BTW-just gotta share this nonsense with you. SK also happens to be my initials (prior to wedding). Thought it was cool when we were dating...like "SHAAAH! OfCOURSE you have to marry me, isn't it OBVIOUS??? 8)

A quick search makes it seem like it's your lucky day too The quote I found from a quick search seems similar (but no IDP needed apparently). Of course, Transport Canada and CBSA regulations apply Canada-wide.

"If you are a visitor to Saskatchewan, your regular licence gives you all of the same privileges it does in your home province or state. As a visitor to Saskatchewan, you are not required to exchange your licence or register your vehicle in this province unless you become a resident. Should you require a Saskatchewan licence, you may need to be re-tested before a Saskatchewan licence is granted, but it will depend upon the class of licence you held in the other jurisdiction. Check with your nearest motor licence issuer.

Students attending approved educational institutions, as well as their immediate families, do not have to exchange their driver's licence during the time they are living here to attend classes.

If you become a Saskatchewan resident you may drive using your current driver's licence and vehicle plates for 90 days after taking up residence."

http://www.sgi.sk.ca/individuals/licensing/studyguides/drivershandbook/licenceprogram/driverlicence.html