USC visiting canadian Fiance in Canada - will we have trouble?

[Lights 56]

So, during the holidays my F gave me a gift (jewelry, not the e-ring). I don't wear jewelry often but wear ones that he got me. He came to Canada for a week before we took off for Mexico for the holidays. He didn't declare the gift and he admits was a oversight on his part. He normally declares everything and so do I, even though I know I'm over or under the allowed amount.

So we get back to our normal lives and I'm traveling for work. I come back and the customs asks me what I did while I was away. I checked off both business and personal of the sheet. I said I went for a conference but my fiancé met me in the city since he's a USC. He asked how long we've been together and if we had a nice Christmas. I said "yes, we spent it in the sun" and he asked "oh did you get any presents" and I said "just this necklace" not thinking anything of it. Of course I get taken into the back and asked about the jewelry etc. I was completely honest with him and he ended calling my fiancé and my fiancé, without hesitation, asked him who does he need to call to pay for the tax? He didn't realize because technically he didn't give it to me in Canada, but I was bringing it back that it needed to be declared. And I never knew the value and was just wearing it, so I didn't think nothing of it either. The officer was nice and said it's clearly an oversight and that he trusts it won't happen again. We paid and I was out of there.

He's coming back for a visit and hoping that this little hiccup won't get us in trouble or that he will be denied. He did not fight the agent when I called and was completely apologetic and willing to pay. We're both tax payers (income/property etc.) and never have been late in our life. And after starting this process, we've been honest about our intentions (that we are in the process of K1) when I go to the US to visit and he comes visits here. We just don't want some little oversight to follow us.

I know this may be a silly post and maybe I'm just paranoid, but I just don't want to make any mistakes that could not let us see each other during this waiting period.

Edited February 7, 2014 by Lights

[Hypnos 6,576]

I can't imagine it would be an issue.

[cee-gee 20]

I agree, this shouldn't be an issue during future visits.

On a side note, when you poe; just keep it simple... Don't offer information unless you are asked, if you do; you are begging for more questions. I'm not saying this happened in this instance, just something to keep in mind. Please try not to be too paranoid over everything, I know this ones a toughie; we’ve all been there, and know how you feel. I can remember being the exact same way .

[Lights 56]

I agree, this shouldn't be an issue during future visits.

On a side note, when you poe; just keep it simple... Don't offer information unless you are asked, if you do; you are begging for more questions. I'm not saying this happened in this instance, just something to keep in mind. Please try not to be too paranoid over everything, I know this ones a toughie; we’ve all been there, and know how you feel. I can remember being the exact same way .

Thanks for this! I know… I definitely over talk when I'm nervous. Even if I have nothing to hide and coming back into my own country. I've always been naturally chatty too, so it doesn't help me . I can admit that I probably stepped into this one.

I'm glad it shouldn't be a problem… just in case, we do have the receipt on hand if they question the value of the jewelry. He asked me how much was the necklace and I didn't know, not something I ask about when receiving a gift. So when my fiancé told him, they ended up raising the cost of what he said by a $500. They probably think that we would've claimed lower, but he was honest and told them exactly how much he paid.

[mtlguy 59]

you'll be fine. don't worry about it. fact is, you probably have a good mark on your record with customs. They do appreciate honesty, and it goes on their records.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Jeebus - never admit to getting jewelry again People get all wound up about declaring engagement rings every once in a while too. They have no clue what jewelry you had coming into or out of the country with so let it lie. The Cdn border guards let me in every Christmas with 700-800 worth of gifts for family - they only ask if we have gifts...YES...and then they tell us to enjoy our trip.