Importing Vehicle

[Jauque 1]

I drive an old beater van here in Canada, but I bought a nice vehicle in Kansas that I intend on driving when I get there.

My question is do I have to go through the hassle of importing my van if my intention is to scrap it when I get down there?

[TimandJoyce 1]

Well, I'm certainly not taking my car. For one thing it would never survive the drive from west to east!

If you can get a few bucks for your van, that's what I'd do. As far as the other car, you'll have to check the state laws transferring your drivers license over, and what's needed. I believe it's different from State to State.

[SuperDuper! 230]

Based on the posts here, it seems like such a no-win nightmare to bring a vehicle into the US!

Good luck to you. Maybe you could get cash for your clunker....

[Jauque 1]

I thought about just selling it but I wanted to fill it up with all my stuff instead of having to mail it.

Seems way cheaper to drive then fly us all down there. I wonder if theres a direct phone line to any sort of CBP station that might answer questions about importing (or not importing) vehicles.

[Inky 1,110]

on a K-1 visa you are allowed to bring one car free of duty charge, any other car after that car is charged aprox 2.5% of the purchace price.

Cars need to have Compliance Letters if you are moving with intent to immigrate, so yea I would assume you need a compliance letter to get it across the border on a K1- visa. The CBP ask if you are leaving anything in the country on your arrival and you will have to say you are moving, provide them with a list of all your box#s and contents, they will likely ask about your car/van. If you can find the number of the place you plan on entering at im sure they would answer questions, and probably be able to give you a more certain answer.

They also charge a small fee in USD when you cross over, to do your paperwork, just incase you hadnt known that so keep some cash in the wallet if thats not something you commonly do.

[Jauque 1]

on a K-1 visa you are allowed to bring one car free of duty charge, any other car after that car is charged aprox 2.5% of the purchace price.

Cars need to have Compliance Letters if you are moving with intent to immigrate, so yea I would assume you need a compliance letter to get it across the border on a K1- visa. The CBP ask if you are leaving anything in the country on your arrival and you will have to say you are moving, provide them with a list of all your box#s and contents, they will likely ask about your car/van. If you can find the number of the place you plan on entering at im sure they would answer questions, and probably be able to give you a more certain answer.

They also charge a small fee in USD when you cross over, to do your paperwork, just incase you hadnt known that so keep some cash in the wallet if thats not something you commonly do.

Thanks for that info. I just better get a compliance letter to be on the safe side. I phoned the Ford Motor Company of Canada a few days ago and they said I needed to get it from a dealership which didn't sound quite right compared to what I've read on here. I'll see what the dealership says.

[minnew 4]

Depending on the year and condition of the vechile as well the van may or may not be EPA or DOT compliant. It may cost you more $$ to make it compliant than its actually worth. I think you have a certain amount of time after you import it to make it compliant? There may or may not be recalls as well, but Ford should pay for that. Maybe your family can drive the van down to Kansas and return it to Canada? So that you at least have a means of moving your belongings.

[Inky 1,110]

on a K-1 visa you are allowed to bring one car free of duty charge, any other car after that car is charged aprox 2.5% of the purchace price.

Cars need to have Compliance Letters if you are moving with intent to immigrate, so yea I would assume you need a compliance letter to get it across the border on a K1- visa. The CBP ask if you are leaving anything in the country on your arrival and you will have to say you are moving, provide them with a list of all your box#s and contents, they will likely ask about your car/van. If you can find the number of the place you plan on entering at im sure they would answer questions, and probably be able to give you a more certain answer.

They also charge a small fee in USD when you cross over, to do your paperwork, just incase you hadnt known that so keep some cash in the wallet if thats not something you commonly do.

Thanks for that info. I just better get a compliance letter to be on the safe side. I phoned the Ford Motor Company of Canada a few days ago and they said I needed to get it from a dealership which didn't sound quite right compared to what I've read on here. I'll see what the dealership says.

yes you have to go to the ford dealership, the ford head office does not accept you doing it, the dealership has to file the request for you. my car is a ford and thats what i had to do, got the letter in 1 week.

[MrsCat 6]

yes you have to go to the ford dealership, the ford head office does not accept you doing it, the dealership has to file the request for you. my car is a ford and thats what i had to do, got the letter in 1 week.

x2

Based on the posts here, it seems like such a no-win nightmare to bring a vehicle into the US!

Disagree. It was the easiest part of this whole insane immigration process.

[Inky 1,110]

Based on the posts here, it seems like such a no-win nightmare to bring a vehicle into the US!

Disagree. It was the easiest part of this whole insane immigration process.

Agree, 5 min in the office with the person to request the letter, 1 week to get the letter, done. Thats it thats all.

[SuperDuper! 230]

Based on the posts here, it seems like such a no-win nightmare to bring a vehicle into the US!

Disagree. It was the easiest part of this whole insane immigration process.

Agree, 5 min in the office with the person to request the letter, 1 week to get the letter, done. Thats it thats all.

Do a basic search here, and you will see how Canucks do NOT look forward to doing an inventory and bringing a vehicle full of life accessories into the US.

Edited August 4, 2009 by itzallgood

[La Souris 19]

Based on the posts here, it seems like such a no-win nightmare to bring a vehicle into the US!

Disagree. It was the easiest part of this whole insane immigration process.

Agree, 5 min in the office with the person to request the letter, 1 week to get the letter, done. Thats it thats all.

Do a basic search here, and you will see how Canucks do NOT look forward to doing an inventory and bringing a vehicle full of life accessories into the US.

It doesn't seem much more complicated than when I drive for a weekend visit. More stuff, that's all. Oh, and a letter for the car and my Immigration papers... That part is soooo not stressing me

[SuperDuper! 230]

Based on the posts here, it seems like such a no-win nightmare to bring a vehicle into the US!

Disagree. It was the easiest part of this whole insane immigration process.

Agree, 5 min in the office with the person to request the letter, 1 week to get the letter, done. Thats it thats all.

Do a basic search here, and you will see how Canucks do NOT look forward to doing an inventory and bringing a vehicle full of life accessories into the US.

It doesn't seem much more complicated than when I drive for a weekend visit. More stuff, that's all. Oh, and a letter for the car and my Immigration papers... That part is soooo not stressing me

So you are discounting all the people that had a difficult time importing their vehicle and life possesions across the Canadian-US Border?? Glad you live such a charmed life, dear. Most of us live in the REAL world. God Bless.

Edited August 4, 2009 by itzallgood

[La Souris 19]

So you are discounting all the people that had a difficult time importing their vehicle and life possesions across the Canadian-US Border?? Glad you live such a charmed life, dear. Most of us live in the REAL world. God Bless.[/size]

I said that I was not stressed about it. From what I read here, from my experience so far and from the experience of family and friends who moved to the USA, I don't see why I would stress. That doesn't mean no one has trouble I guess I'll stay in my charmed life bubble

Edited August 4, 2009 by La Souris

[Inky 1,110]

I have to really LOL. Even if you are using PODS, ABF, UHAUL or any shipping service, you have to inventory EVERYTHING for customs anyways, and deal with all of the same things just minus the part of driving it. It is NOT difficult. Wow.