Driving

[RcaliforniaR 5]

Hello Visa Journey community, 

 

My fiance and I have applied for a K1 visa back in May. Early May filers, hopefully you are having more luck than we are, we filed end of May and we are still anxiously awaiting our NOA2.

I have a question for anyone who has any knowledge regarding bringing cars into the US from Canada. Please point me to any helpful websites that detail exactly what forms I have to fill out and what documentation I need to have ready when crossing the border from Canada to the US at the first point of entry. I obviously have adequate insurance and after speaking with my insurance agent, she advised me that I have 30 days to change that over once I move. I just don't want any confusion at the border regarding my car. 

Thank you!

[broppy 204]

Assuming you want to permanently import the car, lot depends on the make, model, and age of the vehicle. If it already has both US EPA and FMVSS stickers, you should be good to go. If not, you'll need to get a letter of compliance from the manufacturer that states it complies with all necessary regulations (I know Toyota will do this quite quickly and easily with a phone call to the right place and a follow-up email - other manufacturers may make you jump through hoops or outright refuse). With the stickers or the letter, you can fill in all the paperwork at POE while they're processing your visa. If the car was made in the US or Canada, you can import it without paying duty (though state DMV may still levy tax when you register it).

If you can't get the letter, or your vehicle isn't compliant (e.g. doesn't have TPMS), your best bet would be to contact a registered importer to make the necessary adjustments and import the vehicle for you (costs $$$) or give up and sell the car before moving. Try searching the Canadian forum here for your car's manufacturer to find more info.

Edited October 1, 2017 by broppy

[RcaliforniaR 5]

Thank you so much @broppy. I should have mentioned that the car is a 98 Toyota worth about $1000. Not worth it to import but worth it to transport some household goods and save me and my fiance not only the flight cost but also the shipping cost for our goods. 

[broppy 204]

16 minutes ago, RcaliforniaR said:

Thank you so much @broppy. I should have mentioned that the car is a 98 Toyota worth about $1000. Not worth it to import but worth it to transport some household goods and save me and my fiance not only the flight cost but also the shipping cost for our goods. 

At that age, I don't think TPMS is required - should be trivial to import it - see thread below for Toyota's compliance letter details.