Landing Questions - Car (Importing?)

[nyssa]

Hello all! The time is quickly approaching when I'll be landing crossing the US/CAN border via uhaul and trailer. I have a couple questions. I think I understand the landing procedure all right. I am driving across with my sister and her fiance (he will be driving the uhaul). Is this okay? I know I have to land, I don't know what they'll be doing (waiting?) My sister's fiance is also going to be bringing his car towed behind (so we drop off the uhaul and he has a car to drive back home). Does this count as importing? It's not for me at all, do I have to prove that? Is there a fee?

Also, do I need to claim their belongings on the Importing Goods document? Like the car and their music equipment? These things are not staying with me but will be in the uhaul. Any help with the landing/packing procedures would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

 

[Kess]

I don't see any issue with having your sister's fiance drive the uhaul (who drives is only important to Uhaul for insurance) and towing their car to drive home with. You are not importing their car or their belongings so it would be up to them to declare the items at the border and that they, and their items, are not remaining in Canada.

 

[nyssa]

Thanks a lot, Kess. I sort of assumed (well, more hoping!)... but then didn't want to because you know how that works out in immigration. You can never be too cautious.

 

[nyssa]

One more question - my sister's fiance is going to be driving the UHaul (in fact, the whole thing will be in his name) but he doesn't have a job and they're bringing over their car. I realize this looks like suspicious activity because he's bringing over his car, a UHaul and no job to return to. We're thinking: bank statement, maybe some bills... the car insurance information (though it's in his parents' name)... he has no rent statements because he lives at home. My sister will be there with a return letter for work, though. Basically, has anyone been through something like this before? Any thoughts?

 

[chandu007]

Do they have a visa? Since they will be traveling with you to assist you, the immigration people shouldn't be asking any question about the purpose of visit. I saw people crossing the border to have a meal in a favorite restaurant. So, nothing to worry about.

One more question - my sister's fiance is going to be driving the UHaul (in fact, the whole thing will be in his name) but he doesn't have a job and they're bringing over their car. I realize this looks like suspicious activity because he's bringing over his car, a UHaul and no job to return to. We're thinking: bank statement, maybe some bills... the car insurance information (though it's in his parents' name)... he has no rent statements because he lives at home. My sister will be there with a return letter for work, though. Basically, has anyone been through something like this before? Any thoughts?

 

[nyssa]

Thanks for the reassurance chandu007. The US is visa-exempt and he has his passport.

 

[Kess]

Thanks for the reassurance chandu007. The US is visa-exempt and he has his passport.

I'm assuming they are planning to return to the US shortly after helping you move? Shouldn't be a problem as long as there's nothing that would keep them from being able to cross normally (criminality , etc).

I've walked across the border at Sumas, WA just to go to a Mexican restaurant for dinner

 

[nyssa]

Haha, thanks Kess. No, they have no criminal records and they are returning about 5 days after helping me move. I just don't want to drive a UHaul all alone, and my husband isn't allowed into the US to help me out!

 

[Kess]

Haha, thanks Kess. No, they have no criminal records and they are returning about 5 days after helping me move. I just don't want to drive a UHaul all alone, and my husband isn't allowed into the US to help me out!

That really sucks about your husband not being able to help (yay for other family members tho).

I'm flying down to LA to help my hubby pack/move this Saturday. Our application still isn't done so we have to put everything in storage and pray that they let him into the country as a visitor. He doesn't have much experience with moving and I'm the one with the u-haul + towing a car experience (Edmonton, AB to Chilliwack, BC in February by myself 2 years ago, made it in 14 hours).

Good luck with your landing!

 

[USA2BCCANADA]

Haha, thanks Kess. No, they have no criminal records and they are returning about 5 days after helping me move. I just don't want to drive a UHaul all alone, and my husband isn't allowed into the US to help me out!

I'm in this boat...my hubby can't help me move so I'm hauling a 20ft Uhaul plus towing a car, in addition to that I've also got 4 year old boy and a howling cat to complete the adventure. Oh well, it's a once in a lifetime thing. Just think of all the memories I'll have. lol

Oh yeah, I can't forget the ferry ride over to the island either.

 

[nyssa]

Thanks again you guys - I'm very excited!!