Does my husband need to make a list and take photos of everything he will bring?

[countrygal]

Hello everyone. I am just curious about something. I am sponsoring my husband in Mexico and I am wondering before he comes to Canada does he need to make a list of everything he is bringing with him along with photos of the items? I do not want to have to do unnecessary things and waste my time if it does not need to be done. Thank you in advance

 

[Snowisland]

When he crosses the Canadian border to land he will need to have completed the B4 form and show it to the border officer. That includes a section of listing what he is and or plans to bring. Photos of jewelry. Serial numbers of electronics.
I landed by car and had a short list. Just five items, used clothing...no need to go in to details on clothes. Two cats, some household items and I did not list my jewelry because it was purchased in Canada. Laptop, iPad, iPod.

 

[zardoz]

Hello everyone. I am just curious about something. I am sponsoring my husband in Mexico and I am wondering before he comes to Canada does he need to make a list of everything he is bringing with him along with photos of the items? I do not want to have to do unnecessary things and waste my time if it does not need to be done. Thank you in advance

A list, yes, on a BSF186 form, (http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/bsf186-eng.pdf) with additional BSF186A forms if required, (http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/bsf186a.pdf). There is no requirement for photos except for jewellery if I remember correctly. See http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/before-border.asp

 

[kks87]

We completed the form for my husband with general headings - clothes, general personal items, documents. I believe the officer asked my husband how many bags he had (just one suitcase) and then the officer didn't bother with the form at all. If you are bringing more than one suitcase, with higher value goods, they would probably require it though. If you are bringing goods later, you will definitely need the form so you don't pay customs on those items.

It's not too difficult to prepare, especially if he is not bringing much, so better safe than sorry to have it on hand instead of him having to think about everything he brought or will be bringing later, and fill it out at the time of landing when it can be a stressful and nervous situation. As mentioned below, if there are electronics or other items that can be identified by serial number, its worth noting them specifically on the form.