Movine-? about customs and border crossing

[AngelD 0]

We are sending in our K1 petition in a week or so and I am just curious about when I am ready to move to the States.

If we choose to drive (long long long drive from Toronto to California) do they actually look inside everybox when you cross the border? SHould be be bothered taping every box securely if this is the proceedure? Or do they xray it or what?

Any answers greatly appreciated

A

[Kathryn41 3,205]

We took a van load of possessions with us, then sent the rest by professional movers. Each item should be boxed with like items and a description placed on the outside of the box, ie. kitchen ware; linens; bedding; winter clothes; games; knick-knacks; books, etc. Electronic items need to have the serial number recorded. Make a list of each box and contents, ie box 1 books, box 2 knick-knacks, box 3 laptop computer, Sony, serial # xxxxxxx, etc. Seal up each box well as for safe packing. Keep the list of items you are moving and be prepared to hand the list to the border official when you enter the US. The list from the professional movers was checked over although nothing was inspected further. None of the items we brought across in the van, which included our 6 pet cats and houseplants (with their proper phytosanitary certificates) were inspected nor was the list looked at. Experiences vary though so you should be prepared to have the contents inspected although they probably will not be. There are prohibited items you are not allowed to bring (firearms, liqueur filled chocolates, lottery tickets, etc.) and restricted items (alcohol, tobacco, etc.) and you should read up on those so you don't inadvertently pack something you shouldn't, just in case.

[raymaga 25]

We drove across the border from Canada to the U.S. when I moved down, and the border inspector simply looked inside our U-haul truck, mainly to see if there were any live plants, which are prohibited.

We had a list of all the contents of our boxes with us, they looked at the list, and sent us on our way.

But, that is not to say that they won't search your belongings, so make sure you are not transporting items that are prohibited.

[AngelD 0]

Cool!

Not that I was worried about being caught transporting anything illegally...lol..I just wasn't sure if they went through everything (man-that would take forever!) I was more or less concerned with how to pack it to make things easier if they did do checks.

No worries--no plants, no pets, no firearms

Great advice for the computer! Do I need to do that for tv's too?

Thank you thank you

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Yes, record the serial numbers of anything electronic or that has electronic components. I also did it for electrical appliances. It was just one more thing to do while packing and then I had them. Sometimes the age of the items can also be verified by the serial number so it is a way of proving that you have had them for them for more than a year:-).

[Buttons 0]

I drove across with a Uhaul. Had itemized list, the guy didn't even look at the list and just told us to go ahead.

[Allie 5]

We took a van load of possessions with us, then sent the rest by professional movers. Each item should be boxed with like items and a description placed on the outside of the box, ie. kitchen ware; linens; bedding; winter clothes; games; knick-knacks; books, etc. Electronic items need to have the serial number recorded. Make a list of each box and contents, ie box 1 books, box 2 knick-knacks, box 3 laptop computer, Sony, serial # xxxxxxx, etc. Seal up each box well as for safe packing. Keep the list of items you are moving and be prepared to hand the list to the border official when you enter the US. The list from the professional movers was checked over although nothing was inspected further. None of the items we brought across in the van, which included our 6 pet cats and houseplants (with their proper phytosanitary certificates) were inspected nor was the list looked at. Experiences vary though so you should be prepared to have the contents inspected although they probably will not be. There are prohibited items you are not allowed to bring (firearms, liqueur filled chocolates, lottery tickets, etc.) and restricted items (alcohol, tobacco, etc.) and you should read up on those so you don't inadvertently pack something you shouldn't, just in case.

You can bring your firearms but you have to obtain and present an approved firearms importation certificate from U.S. Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives at your POE

It takes awhile I applied on Nov. 17 to take 2 hunting rifles with me when I leave. I have heard back on 2 occasions from them to verify 2 of the questions on the form

The import certificate is valid for 1 yr after receiving it.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Another clarification too . . you can bring live plants in, they just need to have a phyto sanitary certificate issued by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) certifying that they have been inspected and verfied to be free of disease or pests. It costs around $20. I brought 6 with me, including one that was started by my grandmother when she was just married - couldn't leave it behind so got some others done too:-). The Labrador Violet is now growing like crazy outside and loving the shady corner I found it next to the house and I have divided my grandmother's aspidistra into 5 pots!