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shipping stuff to Canada on a TWP

DianneO

Full Member
May 2, 2011
22
0
I will soon be going to Montreal on a TWP and wish to ship some stuff - just one box, about 30 kg. I will be sending this before I leave, is there any form that I need to fill in for the Canadian immigration? I've been reading something about the "goods to follow" form on this thread, but I'm not sure if it's applicable in my case as I'll be on a TWP... thank you very much!
 

scully

Member
Mar 17, 2011
15
0
Hiya,

I am in Ontario on a TWP for three years. I shipped about 6 boxes of assorted things from home.
I didn't fill in any paperwork prior to leaving in this regard, and when I arrived at the US/Canada border (I drove into Ontario) I told them that I was shipping some things from home.
I can't recall if they had me fill in a form then and there, but I'm pretty certain that they didn't - and as my belongings are deemed to be temporary imports, they weren't taxed.
When they arrived about 6 months later, the shipping agent forwarded the customs form to me, which I then had to take to the airport to declare. I confirmed that I was here temporarily, and the understanding is that my things will be leaving with me when I go home (though most will end up trashed before then, eg clothes). I had my form stamped, no tax or fee was required, and then the shipping company was able to deliver my goods.

So long story short - as a temporary worker, you shouldn't have to pay tax on your items. When you arrive in Montreal, just tell them you've sent some items - you'll probably need to show your shipping consignment - and they'll either have you fill a form there, or have you wait til everything arrives, like they did for me.

Hopefully that hasn't confused you!
 

steaky

VIP Member
Nov 11, 2008
14,773
1,750
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Goods to follow form are for settlers and returning residents only. Here is what it said in the publication:

Persons coming to Canada for the purposes of employment for a period exceeding 36 months are at first arrival considered to be Settlers to Canada even though they may be considered Temporary Residents for immigration purposes.
 

DianneO

Full Member
May 2, 2011
22
0
Thank you! My work permit is for two years. Does this mean, then, that I can already send my stuff now and not worry about any forms I'd have to fill in for immigration? Is there anything else I need to do other than ask the shipping service to collect my box? It's going to be sent via air so I'm expecting it to arrive in about 10 days..
 

scully

Member
Mar 17, 2011
15
0
I'm not an expert on the rules, I can only tell you what I did in my case - but you can arrange to have your items sent at any time. They won't be released in Canada without customs clearance, which you'll arrange when your goods land.

You said it's only going to take 10 days - when are you planning to move up there? If you're using a company to manage the whole transfer for you, from pickup to drop off, then I don't see why they wouldn't hold your box until you're there to arrange to clear it. But I wouldn't send it months ahead of when you're going to move, y'know?

Re immigration - when you send items internationally, the company you use should issue you with a consignment itemising the contents. That's all you'll need to show at the border when you come through, and then again when you arrange to clear your goods.