Nonresident Canadian bringing in personal goods after returning to Canada

[Jas_per]

Hello, I’m a nonresident Canadian living abroad for 10 years. For the time being, I’m only planning to visit family for a couple of months so I’m just bringing a suitcase with me.

There is a possibility that I may decide to stay on and take up residency. If I do plan to settle down in Canada, how can I bring over my personal belongings?

I have someone who can pack and ship everything for me but will I still be eligible to import personal household goods duty and tax free? Considering that I entered Canada as a nonresident visitor, can I fill out the BSF-186 form for goods to follow if I decide later on to stay?Appreciate any advice, thanks.

 

[links18]

It depends on when you develop residential intent, I think. Technically, you should present the goods to follow form when you first enter Canada with the intent to set up a residence. You could probably accomplish this by flag poling at the US border after you have decided you want to become a Canadian resident again. If it were me, I wouldn't change your driver's license, etc. over until after you have made this entry.

 

[steaky]

It depends on when you develop residential intent, I think. Technically, you should present the goods to follow form when you first enter Canada with the intent to set up a residence. You could probably accomplish this by flag poling at the US border after you have decided you want to become a Canadian resident again. If it were me, I wouldn't change your driver's license, etc. over until after you have made this entry.

He don't need to flagpole. OP can just visit the nearest CBSA office to present the documents for stamping and clearing his/her shipment once arrived.

 

[links18]

He don't need to flagpole. OP can just visit the nearest CBSA office to present the documents for stamping and clearing his/her shipment once arrived.

Yes, possibly.

 

[Jas_per]

Thanks for the replies.

So my understanding is that I will not forfeit my chance to bring all my personal belongings into Canada duty and tax free by submitting my goods to follow list later on, when I decide to stay and have set up residency?

Also, in addition to the BFS-186 personal effects accounting document, are there any other forms I need to fill out and submit to CBSA to clear my shipment once it arrives in Canada?

 

[links18]

Thanks for the replies.

So my understanding is that I will not forfeit my chance to bring all my personal belongings into Canada duty and tax free by submitting my goods to follow list later on, when I decide to stay and have set up residency?

No, just make sure you don't do something to become a resident before submitting the forms like changing your driver's license. And retain some proof of your residence abroad and the time period you were away.

Also, in addition to the BFS-186 personal effects accounting document, are there any other forms I need to fill out and submit to CBSA to clear my shipment once it arrives in Canada?

Do you have a vehicle you are bringing in? If so, see the voluminous literature about importing a vehicle.