Permanent vs. Temporary Imports: From US to Canada

Are you planning a trip to Canada that could last for a while? Do you want to bring your car with you?

It is relatively easy to drive over the border, as long as you have proper identification. However, since going into Canada is international travel, if you plan an extended stay and your car is going with you, then there are things you need to know about importing cars into Canada. 

Don’t worry though, if that sounds too stressful, you can always reach out to ShipLux and have your car shipped instead. How does that help you? From start to finish, that’s how. We partner with customs brokers to streamline the process of importing a car into Canada. We will get your car from door-to-door, across the border, without any stress on your part. 

Still, if you want to do it yourself, here are some things to know. First, a little chart to get us started:

Share

Just Visiting 

If your visit is short and sweet (under three months) and are just driving through Canada to get to another country, you don’t have to declare your vehicle. If you’re interested in doing that, here’s a link to the Best Road Trips in Canada. Take lots of pictures and have fun! 

On a trip like this, you’re considered a visitor. As long as the car is only for your own use, you don’t have to meet the Canadian vehicle standards. 

If you enter Canada on a work or student visa (still short-term) you are considered a visitor, so you do not have to declare your car. However, if your status changes, then you will. 

Also remember, that if you are “just visiting” then you cannot sell or dispose your car, or overstay your visa.  

Temporary Resident 

If your stay is going to last longer than 3 months, then you should consider registering your vehicle. In order to do this, you’ll need to fill out a Vehicle Import Form (form 1) Here is an example of what this form looks like.  

Be warned, however, that different provinces have different laws when it comes to registering vehicles. It’s important to know what the laws are or your car could be rejected.  Vehicle registration aside, there are lots of things you need to know when you decide to stay in Canada for a while. Check out this website for details before you go. The more you know, the easier it is to travel and live internationally. 

Permanent Resident

Things get a little more complicated if you decide to become a permanent resident of Canada. Here’s some information on how to become a permanent resident, if that’s something you would like to do. We’ll miss you, but we understand!  

But we’re not here to talk about living abroad, we’re here to talk about importing your car. If you become a permanent resident, then you absolutely must register your vehicle. Permanent residency means your car no longer qualifies for visitor status.  

Here’s the hitch, though: your car must meet Canadian standards. If it does, then you simply declare it with your other belongings to the Canada Border Service Agency and follow the procedures for importing goods.  

If your car does not meet Canadian standards then you have two choices: export it, or destroy. (Does anyone else hear doom music playing in their heads? Dun dun dun!)

Skip The Stress & Ship Your Car to Canada with ShipLux 

While declaring your car isn’t that complicated, we all know that dealing with bureaucracy can be a real pain. Our goal here at ShipLux is to make life easier for you when it comes to shipping your vehicle. Our logistics experts take the guesswork out of shipping your car from the US to Canada and give you peace of mind. Our experienced drivers, 24/7 customer support team, and included Premium Service make it easier to get your car from door to door, all the way to Canada. Reach out today to talk with one of our agents and ask for a price quote! Ask any questions, and we’ll find the best solution to make everything easy. Trust our team to take care of the paperwork and get your car and you safely to Canada.

Reach out today to talk with one of our agents and ask for a price quote! Ask any questions, and we’ll find the best solution to make everything easy. Trust our team to take care of the paperwork and get your car and you safely to Canada.