Pictures and Shipping things

[Cvstos]

Hi all! I'm back, and I have a couple new questions.

One, it says on my checklist I need immigration photos of "my entire family". Does this include the wife who is sponsoring me?

Two, my wife's computer is continuing it's downward spiral into the digital dustbin. I have a superior (DESKTOP) computer at home in the US (I'm here in Canada with her right now on a VISITOR Visa). The last time I tried to have something shipped up here, it consisted of socks, a cookbook, and a jacket. Customs stopped it and demanded an interview, so I sent it home instead for fear of being booted from the country.

Does anyone know a way for me to get my computer up here legally and without customs getting antsy? It'd be a lot cheaper to pay the $125 to ship that up here than to pay $500+ on a new one.

Thanks!
-Cvstos

 

[scylla]

Don't ship your computer until after you have landed and become a PR. Then you should be good. If you ship it earlier, expect to pay customs/duty and then you may find it more worthwhile to purchase a new one.

No - you don't need to include photos of your wife.

 

[wowsers]

There are so many wrinkles in immigration practice that I hesitate to disagree with Scylla; but so far as I am aware the advice not to ship your computer until after you have landed is incorrect. You should enter it on a customs B4 form and you only have one chance to import it free of customs duty: when you land and not after you have landed. The notes to the B4 form state it clearly:<and accompanying the settler at the time of the settler's arrival in Canada>.: see the back of the B4 form, top of second column.

 

[scylla]

There are so many wrinkles in immigration practice that I hesitate to disagree with Scylla; but so far as I am aware the advice not to ship your computer until after you have landed is incorrect. You should enter it on a customs B4 form and you only have one chance to import it free of customs duty: when you land and not after you have landed. The notes to the B4 form state it clearly:<and accompanying the settler at the time of the settler's arrival in Canada>.: see the back of the B4 form, top of second column.

Sorry - I should have been more clear. Yes - the computer should absolutely be declared on the B4 form. It can then either be brought when you enter Canada OR shipped at a later date (as long as it has been declared). When you land, you bring two forms. Once that declares items you are bringing with you now and declaring - and another list of items to follow. The computer would be listed on the list of items to follow.

 

[Catou]

The B4 form is, however, only for new settlers, so this is not much use to you before you get PR. Unless you take a trip back and return with it as a visitor you should leave it where it is or be prepared to pay any duty and GST customs would charge. Once you have PR you complete the B4 form, list all your possessions, and can bring them into Canada free of duties and GST.