Well friends.. in just under 2 weeks, on October 8, 2016, I will be landing in Canada as a Permanent Resident!
I was approved on August 12th and received my Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) a few days later. HOWEVER, the CIC sent my documents to my husband in Quebec, instead of sending them to me in Virginia. So, $15.00 for postage and a few days later, I finally received them!
The contents of the letter included two copies of the COPR (one for me and one for the border service officer) as well as a letter stating that my application was approved, how to get the COPR finalized when I land, and customs rules for importing personal belongings.
When landing as an immigrant/ settler you are basically given a one-time pass to bring your personal belongings to Canada duty/tax free. You are required to fill out the BSF186 - Personal Effects Accounting Document. This document informs the CBSA officer of the immigrants identification as well as all of the items he/she is bringing into the country. Oh yeah, did I mention you have to make a list of EVERYTHING you're bringing with you? You also have to include a description of each item and what it costs. Also, if you have any electronics or anything with a serial number, they need that information too! Got expensive jewelry? Plan on including a picture of each piece you have. Finally, include the price of EVERYTHING you're bringing!
Depending on what you are bringing with you, packing and listing everything could take some time. I ended up making a spreadsheet that included the item name, description, price, serial number (for items that have them) and location (which box) for each item. I labeled my boxes with a number to make finding specific items easier for the CBSA officers, as well as for myself when I start unpacking! It is quite an undertaking packing up 32 years worth of stuff! As far as getting all of my belongings to Canada, I found that U-Haul had the best deal.
This whole process has been an emotional roller coaster! I'm glad that it is coming to an end and a new chapter will begin very soon!
After I land and get settled into my new home, I will update you all on what my landing experience was like and how I'm settling into my new home in Canada! Until then...
Thanks for reading! I hope you find this and future entries helpful!
Funny and informative as always my love <3
ReplyDeleteJe suis vraiment contente de t'accueillir au Canada et on prendra bien soin de toi. Je t'aime très fort xx
ReplyDeleteCarole xxx
Hello Cynthia! My name is Samantha I am taking the same path you have taken (Outland Spousal Sponsorship). I have yet to turn in our applications but it is almost time! I am from the States and my husband is from Vancouver :)
ReplyDeleteMy question is, what was your reasoning for why you applied outland?
This is a simple run down of our situation:
-Dated for 3 years commuting back and for from Seattle to Van every other weekend.
-Recently got married but didn't have a large wedding at all, just more of a small ceremony at a court house believe it or not with 5 witnesses. We are trying to save all our $$
Our reasoning for not obtaining a visitor visa and living with him sooner is because of the fact that I would of been unable to work right away. I am not a skilled worker and cannot apply for an open work visa. We wouldn't of had a place to stay either because my husband lives at home with family. He has just finished college and just got a career worth job and is still saving for a home. There is no room in his family home for me to stay. I have a solid job here in Seattle and am saving so we can afford something in one of the most expensive cities ever!
I just want to make sure this is a legitimate reason in the eyes of the CIC for not living together sooner. A solid reason for choosing the OUTLAND sponsorship even though we are just 2.5 hours away from each other.
I know this blog is about a year old but I hope you get this!
Thank you so much!
Hello Cynthia! My name is Samantha I am taking the same path you have taken (Outland Spousal Sponsorship). I have yet to turn in our applications but it is almost time! I am from the States and my husband is from Vancouver :)
ReplyDeleteMy question is, what was your reasoning for why you applied outland?
This is a simple run down of our situation:
-Dated for 3 years commuting back and for from Seattle to Van every other weekend.
-Recently got married but didn't have a large wedding at all, just more of a small ceremony at a court house believe it or not with 5 witnesses. We are trying to save all our $$
Our reasoning for not obtaining a visitor visa and living with him sooner is because of the fact that I would of been unable to work right away. I am not a skilled worker and cannot apply for an open work visa. We wouldn't of had a place to stay either because my husband lives at home with family. He has just finished college and just got a career worth job and is still saving for a home. There is no room in his family home for me to stay. I have a solid job here in Seattle and am saving so we can afford something in one of the most expensive cities ever!
I just want to make sure this is a legitimate reason in the eyes of the CIC for not living together sooner. A solid reason for choosing the OUTLAND sponsorship even though we are just 2.5 hours away from each other.
I know this blog is about a year old but I hope you get this!
Thank you so much!