Moving Items to the US before Visa received

[amarceau 0]

Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone out there has ever moved any household good to the US PRIOR to receiving your visa. I know I have to complete that 3299 (?) to have items moved over border. With the 3299 I need a visa attached. I've spoken with a few moving companies who have indicated I could simply put the move in my husbands name since I don't have the visa yet. Problem is, if asked at customs, I believe we have to prove that husband has owned all these items for min of 1 year? Is that true....?

I still have no intention of moving until Visa received, but I have my house on the market right now. If it sells before I get my visa, I need to do something with all my possessions. I was hoping I could avoid putting into storage and paying that.

Any thoughts... suggestions ? Thanks all

[zyggy 9]

Sorry.. your goods are dutiable if you try to bring them into the US before you enter on your visa.

And yes, they would not be dutiable if your husband lived outside the US for more than a year, you may be required to prove that when the goods are being brokered through Customs. Not only that he owned them for more than one year, but that he is a returning US Citizen who lived outside the US for more than 1 year. Lying to Customs is very very bad...

Edited August 18, 2006 by zyggy

[amarceau 0]

That's totally what I thought. Note to self: Do NOT use moving company that suggested that

[mozplay 29]

Also, moving household items across the border is a big red flag, which could cause you trouble yourself when you are crossing for visits. When I came down here on August 1st, we got pulled aside into customs and of course asked all those questions everyone else asked, but the thing they were looking for was household goods. It's evidence of moving. My advice would be what you already know... don't do anything that would throw a wrench into the works. Any good friends willing to loan you their garage for a few months? This might be a cheaper option for you.

Mo

[amarceau 0]

That's so funny..... You posted this about a friends garage and I was on the phone my my g-friend asking her if I could use her garage if it came to that... Of course she said no problem.... I appreciate the advice.... I knew what this moving company was telling me sounded fishy.... I definately DO NOT want any wrenches in this process..... It's a wrench in itself without me adding to it

I appreciate the insight