ssarchi

How long does it take to change from being an "immigrant" to being a "resident".
Is being a resident the same as being a citizen?

How many vehicles did you land with?

AM993

I am neither a Canadian citizen, neither a US citizen, just moving from one country to the other for the company I work for. My status in Canada is temporary resident (work permit). My understanding is that as soon you spend over 183 days per year (half a year) in Canada, you are a Canadian resident and therefore are subject to the same regime as a Canadian citizen.

[/QUOTE]How many vehicles did you land with? [/QUOTE]

I brought 2 vehicles (including the Porsche) that I owned in the US before moving. Customs did not care how many cars I was bringing along with my personal effects.

ssarchi

Very interesting...... and thanks!!

Wilder

Yikes. I know someone who moved from the US and had to pay duty and taxes on his car. I don't know the particulars of his situation (maybe he entered Canada without his cars and brought them up once landed?!?!) but I hope he didn't get the short end of the stick.

993C4Smontreal

i just inquired about this very question for my brother whom lived in Boston for 12 yrs. He wanted to move back to canada nd bring his car with him.....i called canada customs and Quebec SAAQ, they both told me that he has a $10,000 exemption. If the car is worth say $25,000, he would have to pay the duties, and 2 taxes on $15,000......also, inquirted for my wife 3 yrs ago coming fr LA...same answer $10K exemption.....this may be a quebec thing though!

ssarchi

Seems like the Canadian Government is not too excited about luxury cars.....I guess we are pretty lucky in the tax department in the US.

DJF1

In my case my "immigrant" status implies residency. Just like someone getting a "green card" in the US. So with all my paperwork for the residency squared away before I moved to Canada, I flew into Winnipeg international and "landed" as a new resident. At that time I filed my paperwork.
In short I imported 3 cars and almost my entire household from Texas in a 40 foot container without any taxes whatsoever.

Resident is not exactly the same as a citizen. I dont have voting rights for elections and If I'm bad I can get deported and my status stripped.. Just like in the US. You need 3 full years of living in Canada to apply for your citizenship ( if you get approved).

If you are already a Canadian citizen in the US I doubt it that you would get any serious tax brakes returning back...