qorax said:
Hi,
The usual norm is to 'stamp' the B4 during one's initial entry into Canada, however many have successfully got it stamped during their subsequent entry, while they finally came to settle down. The CBSA is aware of the goof-up a new immigrant might do, things s/he may forget or not be aware of -- thus they always intend to assist un in the best possible way. Which is why, if u bring ur B4 (both - GTF as well as the GAL) this time -- u'd be 99% fine and will get to bring-in ur 'goods' duty free, as a returning immigrant.
Qorax
I would like to share the email I have recieved from Border Agen.
CBSA-ASFC_CONTACT <CBSA-ASFC.CONTACT@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca>
Apr 10
Reply
to me
A settler describes all who enter Canada with the intention of establishing a residence for the first time and for a period of not less than 12 months.
Before you settle in Canada, you must prepare two copies of a list, preferably typed, detailing all household and personal goods you are bringing into the country. Your list should describe the goods, giving such details as the value, make, model, and serial number of each item, particularly high-value items. Please note that we require the current value of goods, not the replacement value. The list should be divided into two parts, showing which items are accompanying the owner at the time of arrival and which items are to arrive at a later date as “goods to follow.”
For general household items such as books or clothing, a group listing and overall value is sufficient (e.g., kitchen utensils – $000). Since jewellery is difficult to describe accurately, it is best to use the wording from your insurance policy or jeweller's appraisal and to include photographs that have been dated and signed by the jeweller or a gemologist. This information makes it easier to identify the jewellery when you first enter Canada, and later if you return from a trip abroad with this jewellery.
When you arrive in Canada you will have to give your list of goods to the border services officer, even if you do not have the goods with you at the time. Based on the list of goods you submit the officer will complete Form B4, Personal Effects Accounting Document, for you, assign a file number to your B4 form, and give you a copy of the completed form as a receipt. You will need to present your copy of the form to claim free importation of your unaccompanied goods when they arrive.
Memorandum D2-2-1, Settlers' Effects - Tariff Item No. 9807.00.00, provides information about the B4 forms for people settling in Canada. It can be found at:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d2/d2-2-1-eng.html
Should you require additional assistance with your inquiry, we recommend that you contact the Border Information Service (BIS). You can access the BIS line free of charge throughout Canada by calling 1-800-461-9999. If you are calling from outside Canada, you can access the BIS line by calling either 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 (long-distance charges will apply). If you call during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, except holidays), you can speak to an officer by pressing “0” after you have made a selection of one of the 4 menu options.
Thank you for contacting the Canada Border Services Agency.
From: farhad harati [mailto:farhad.harati@gmail.com]
Sent: April 10, 2013 5:37 AM
To: Contact@cbsa.gc.ca
Subject: Importing personal goods/ returning residence or settler. **13-13981**
Dear Sir/Madam.
Good Day.
I have couple of questions regard bringing goods to canada.
My wife, my little son and I landed in Toronto August 2011and stayed in canada for 1 month then came back to our country.
I went back to canada august 2012 and stayed for a month alone to pass nursing exam then returned back to my country but my wife and my son have not visited canada since landing. during our landing we did not submitted or declared any goods or goods to follow form.
We will travel to canada this May for good and settlement.
1-Can we bring our goods to canada this time as duty and tax free or submitt and goods to follow form.
2-Are we entiteled as Setteler or returning immigrant to bring tax and duty free house holds?
3-In case I am not considered a returing immigrant is my wife entitled to apply for emporting our household.?(I was the main applicant). thank you very much.
Sincerely yours