Does Airport Immigration Know About Boxes Mailed?

[USjason]

OK here is my dilemma, I spent a few months in Canada last year but returned to the US in October. I am getting married this summer and would like to return on visitor status until then, and then apply for sponsorship after marriage. I mailed 4 boxes from the US to Canada and Customs has seized the boxes and are holding them for proof of immigration status. My question and concern is, I am flying to Canada in a few days and I am worried that when I speak with the officer at the airport that they are going to see issue with the boxes? I assume they will see my visitor pass from last year and I am not too concerned about that because it was for 2014, I just don't want to fly all the way there if I have been flagged? Is there any way of knowing beforehand? I believe that I have only been dealing with the shipping carrier at the border and UPS advised that customs inspected the packages and determined they belong to a new resident but I have only dealt with the shipping carrier.

 

[Ponga]

I suspect that there's a very good chance that CBSA will question you about this when your arrive. They may think that you're coming to Canada to live and you'll need to be prepared to convince them that you are not. Aside from that, they may levy duties and taxes on the items in the boxes, if they even clear them for delivery.

How did you prepare the declaration for the contents of the boxes (and the value)?


Obviously, it would have been better for you to have addressed the boxes to your fiance, rather than yourself, but...I'm sure it happens all the time.

 

[newtone]

Just curious what was in those boxes? Unless its drugs, illegal fur, weapons and a few other things its rare CBSA will seize items

 

[USjason]

The boxes were addressed to my fiancé who is a citizen. The boxes were labeled at personal items from seasonal home. His parents own a home here. I think there may have been a few things with my name on it and because of that they won't release the boxes until I can prove I'm a citizen too. At this point I could care less about the belongings, I'm more worried about trying to cross now, I'm worried they may have flagged me but the more I think about it, I don't think they would flag me yet because right now they are only requesting proof, a flag is a pretty big thing so I don't think they would until they don't receive proof?

 

[Ponga]

Hmmm...I'm not sure what to suggest now.

FWIW, you wouldn't need to prove that you are a citizen of Canada, only that you are a legal resident of Canada (such as a Permanent Resident), if these boxes are being held because of the contents that belong to you.

As long as you have strong ties back to the U.S. (job, home, bank account, and a return ticket (refundable), etc.) the boxes may not be an issue.
Provide enough evidence to CBSA that you are NOT moving to Canada just yet.


Good luck!