Landing Question

[CanadianWife13]

My husband (American) and I are planning to go to Toronto in August to start looking for a place to live. We will not be able to officially move until October. (Our COPR is valid until November.)

My questions are:

(1) Can he land in Toronto in August before we begin moving all of our belongings?
(2) Can we have the PR card sent to my parent's home in Toronto?
(3) Is this legal to do?
(4) Will our two young toddlers who both have their "proof of Canadian citizenship" need to land as well?

Thanks

 

[Rob_TO]

(1) Can he land in Toronto in August before we begin moving all of our belongings?
(2) Can we have the PR card sent to my parent's home in Toronto?
(3) Is this legal to do?
(4) Will our two young toddlers who both have their "proof of Canadian citizenship" need to land as well?

1 - Yes. Make sure to fill out appropriate B4/B4A "goods to follow" forms for CBSA, including all the stuff you'll be moving later
2 - Yes
3 - Yes
4 - No, they are already citizens so there is no 'landing' process necessary for them

 

[rhcohen2014]

1. yes - that is what the "goods to follow" form is for. He can land, and bring his stuff at another time duty free. I *think* there is a 10 year expiration date on the goods to follow form.

2. yes - they just ask for a canadian address. it doesn't matter if it's not "your" address.

3.yes - As long as you can receive mail there, you can use it. there are plenty of landed immigrants who start off living with family.

4. i don't believe so. as they are canadian citizens, they have every right to enter the country and enjoy the benefits that come with citizenship. no "landing" required.

 

[CanadianWife13]

Thank you so much for answering so quickly.

(1) Once he lands in August do you know if we will be able to apply for a SIN card right away?

(2) Can we also apply for OHIP or is that not allowed until we move all of our belongings?

 

[rhcohen2014]

Thank you so much for answering so quickly.

(1) Once he lands in August do you know if we will be able to apply for a SIN card right away?

(2) Can we also apply for OHIP or is that not allowed until we move all of our belongings?

1 - yes. i've read it's SUPER important that you make sure the border agent actually STAMPS the COPR. Some don't seem to do it, and it's the only way a SIN will be issued.

2 - yes. i *believe* you can apply for OHIP as soon as you get the SIN #. There is a 3 month wait period before it kicks in, so i think you can "apply" when you move to ontario and then wait for it to kick in. I may be wrong on that part, and if I am, then you have to wait 3 months to prove ontario residency before applying. Belongings have nothing to do with it.

 

[CanadianWife13]

You've been so helpful. My family really appreciates your advice. THANK YOU.

 

[Rob_TO]

(2) Can we also apply for OHIP or is that not allowed until we move all of our belongings?

No, not unless you have on hand one of the specific documents that proves your Ontario residency from "list 2" of this file: http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca/mbs/ssb/forms/ssbforms.nsf/GetFileAttach/014-9998E-82~1/$File/9998-82E.pdf . It must be one of these specific documents exactly as written. In most cases they won't accept any deviations from the list.

There is a 3 month wait time before you are eligible for OHIP, so there is really no point in applying right away. This 3 month wait starts from when you actually establish residency in Ontario. So if your husband just comes to "land" in August but returns to US and doesn't actually "move" to Ontario until October, technically the 3 month wait would start in October.

However in most cases when you go to the OHIP office to register, they will simply take the landing date stamped on his COPR as initial date to start waiting period (so if he lands in October, would just need to apply by January). They probably won't even be aware of return to US, unless you specifically mention it to them.

Also keep in mind if you are a returning Canadian citizen having been living in the US, you most likely also need to go through 3 month waiting period before you are eligible for OHIP again. Make sure to have private travel medical insurance during the time not covered.

 

[Eowyn]

2 - yes. i *believe* you can apply for OHIP as soon as you get the SIN #. There is a 3 month wait period before it kicks in, so i think you can "apply" when you move to ontario and then wait for it to kick in. I may be wrong on that part, and if I am, then you have to wait 3 months to prove ontario residency before applying. Belongings have nothing to do with it.

OHIP is based on residency. You cannot apply until you actually live in Ontario.

Here's a link to OHIP's eligibility...

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/publications/ohip/ohip_eligibility.aspx