US Citizen Bringing belongings to Canada as Tourist

[LAUS2018]

I am an employed US citizen (31 yr old) moving to Canada from California with a remote job (US employer). I have received an invitation for the 1-year Open Work Visa. I have until January 2020 to get my visa, however, I do not need to work in Canada quite yet (as I have a job in the US).

I signed a lease with my boyfriend in Canada last month (he's English awaiting PR) and plan to cross the border later this month (in his pick-up truck w/ Uhaul trailer of my personal items & clothes, for the most part). I'd like to initially enter as a temporary visitor or tourist (not activating my year work visa). My time in Canada will not exceed 6 months as I will be traveling back every 2-3 months to the US for work events and family holidays.

My concerns:
Will there be any major red flags at the Canadian Border if I show: proof of US employment, US health insurance, Car registration (will be left in California), California Apartment Lease, etc. and explain to them that I'm traveling for an extended but temporary visit for my boyfriend?
Would it be beneficial to have my US return flight booked for my next trip back (2 months in)?
Should I even mention my invitation to apply for the temporary work visa?

Worst case scenario, I am prepared to show my invitation and get my work visa, I'd just rather not "start the clock" if I don't need to. Also in the event that my remote employment situation ever changes and I need to find work there, I can start my work visa then.

Ultimately, I plan to marry my boyfriend and if we decide to stay in Canada I'll apply to get PR status as his spouse.

Thank you for the help!

 

[zardoz]

I am an employed US citizen (31 yr old) moving to Canada from California with a remote job (US employer). I have received an invitation for the 1-year Open Work Visa. I have until January 2020 to get my visa, however, I do not need to work in Canada quite yet (as I have a job in the US).

I signed a lease with my boyfriend in Canada last month (he's English awaiting PR) and plan to cross the border later this month (in his pick-up truck w/ Uhaul trailer of my personal items & clothes, for the most part). I'd like to initially enter as a temporary visitor or tourist (not activating my year work visa). My time in Canada will not exceed 6 months as I will be traveling back every 2-3 months to the US for work events and family holidays.

My concerns:
Will there be any major red flags at the Canadian Border if I show: proof of US employment, US health insurance, Car registration (will be left in California), California Apartment Lease, etc. and explain to them that I'm traveling for an extended but temporary visit for my boyfriend?
Would it be beneficial to have my US return flight booked for my next trip back (2 months in)?
Should I even mention my invitation to apply for the temporary work visa?

Worst case scenario, I am prepared to show my invitation and get my work visa, I'd just rather not "start the clock" if I don't need to. Also in the event that my remote employment situation ever changes and I need to find work there, I can start my work visa then.

Ultimately, I plan to marry my boyfriend and if we decide to stay in Canada I'll apply to get PR status as his spouse.

Thank you for the help!

You turn up at the border as a "visitor" with a U-Haul... Expect some serious scrutiny and a possible refusal.

 

[scylla]

I am an employed US citizen (31 yr old) moving to Canada from California with a remote job (US employer). I have received an invitation for the 1-year Open Work Visa. I have until January 2020 to get my visa, however, I do not need to work in Canada quite yet (as I have a job in the US).

I signed a lease with my boyfriend in Canada last month (he's English awaiting PR) and plan to cross the border later this month (in his pick-up truck w/ Uhaul trailer of my personal items & clothes, for the most part). I'd like to initially enter as a temporary visitor or tourist (not activating my year work visa). My time in Canada will not exceed 6 months as I will be traveling back every 2-3 months to the US for work events and family holidays.

My concerns:
Will there be any major red flags at the Canadian Border if I show: proof of US employment, US health insurance, Car registration (will be left in California), California Apartment Lease, etc. and explain to them that I'm traveling for an extended but temporary visit for my boyfriend?
Would it be beneficial to have my US return flight booked for my next trip back (2 months in)?
Should I even mention my invitation to apply for the temporary work visa?

Worst case scenario, I am prepared to show my invitation and get my work visa, I'd just rather not "start the clock" if I don't need to. Also in the event that my remote employment situation ever changes and I need to find work there, I can start my work visa then.

Ultimately, I plan to marry my boyfriend and if we decide to stay in Canada I'll apply to get PR status as his spouse.

Thank you for the help!

You can't come in with a u-haul and all of your belongings as a visitor. If you try - expect problems. Best case scenario you'll be allowed in but will have to pay a bunch of tax/duty on your stuff. Worst case scenario is a 1 year exclusion order if CBSA is unhappy with what you've tried to pull.

IMO you have two choices. (1) Come with the u-haul and get your work permit as you're entering right away. (2) Come as a visitor but leave most of your stuff at home. Bring the u-haul and your stuff once you're ready to trigger the work permit.

 

[LAUS2018]

You turn up at the border as a "visitor" with a U-Haul... Expect some serious scrutiny and a possible refusal.

Thank you!

 

[LAUS2018]

You can't come in with a u-haul and all of your belongings as a visitor. If you try - expect problems. Best case scenario you'll be allowed in but will have to pay a bunch of tax/duty on your stuff. Worst case scenario is a 1 year exclusion order if CBSA is unhappy with what you've tried to pull.

IMO you have two choices. (1) Come with the u-haul and get your work permit as you're entering right away. (2) Come as a visitor but leave most of your stuff at home. Bring the u-haul and your stuff once you're ready to trigger the work permit.

Thank you for the tips! Very much appreciated. Option 1 sounds like the very obvious choice here.