Moving to Canada

Confirm your immigration pathway — Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), family sponsorship, or work permit. Apply for your SIN (Social Insurance Number) on arrival. Research provincial healthcare registration as coverage starts immediately in some provinces and after a waiting period in others.

• Sea freight from the UK takes 12–18 days; from Australia 25–35 days; from the Middle East 20–28 days.
• Returning Canadians and new permanent residents can import personal effects duty-free if owned and used for 6+ months.
• Vehicles must meet Transport Canada safety standards. Left-hand drive vehicles from the US generally comply; others may need modifications.
• Climate matters: winter in Ontario and Alberta is extreme — protect wooden furniture and electronics from temperature fluctuations during transit.
• LCL shipping is cost-effective for 1–2 bedroom volumes; FCL for larger households.

• Passport and Permanent Resident Card (or Confirmation of Permanent Residence — COPR).
• BSF186 — Personal Effects Accounting Document (for duty-free importation of household goods).
• Detailed itemised inventory with purchase dates and estimated values.
• Vehicle import form (Form 1 — Vehicle Import Form) if shipping a car.
• Proof of prior ownership for goods claimed duty-free.

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) manages all imports. Personal effects owned for 6+ months before becoming a resident qualify for duty-free entry. Firearms require an import permit and must meet Canadian Firearms Program rules. Certain foods, plants, and animals require permits from CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency).

• Listing items on your BSF186 goods-to-follow list late — all goods must be listed before you land.
• Shipping prohibited items: certain firearms, replica weapons, or switchblades without proper permits.
• Not accounting for Canadian provincial taxes when budgeting your move.
• Failing to transfer international driving licence to a Canadian provincial licence within the permitted window.