Can I claim my wife's stuff at customs?

[dtomlinson 0]

Hello,

I've been living with my Canadian wife in Canada for the past year (I was here as a visitor, not a resident). We are now moving back to the USA for my job. Most of the stuff here is her's, but we were going to ship it with me as the "importer". The reason why is because she doesn't have her I-130 visa yet. Will I run into any problems if I claim our stuff at customs before she has her visa?

Thanks,

Don

[NikLR 13,232]

You may if it's obviously women's things like clothes but most likely you won't have issues as when you're married it's "ours" not hers or his.

[Mark & Brad 0]

Yes, I was turned away from the border trying to bring my spouses things into the U.S. this past May. It was an awful feeling, they went through everything. Even if it's shared property they want you both there. Save your money and move it across after you get approved.

[dtomlinson 0]

That does sound like a bad situation, Mark and Brad. You must have felt violated. I'm not sure it applies to our situation, though. Since it is being shipped across as unaccompanied goods, and we will be picking it up in Houston. Plus, she will be with me (she just won't have the "resident status" yet).

[NikLR 13,232]

That actually is more complicated. Shipping companies need proof they can ship it across the border so it would have to be your stuff or they need the endorsed visa before it goes. Many people purposely travel just to get the visa activated so they can start the shipment of their items.

[NikLR 13,232]

How you prove it's yours is the tricky part. Unless you were legally living in Canada, (which you weren't)there would be little reason for you to have possessions in Canada.