Ok, so tomorrow my fiance and I sign my lease for our new condo in the U.S. I am still waiting for my K-1 interview...

Can I begin to move my furniture down now?

Do I need proof that I am not moving right at this moment (i.e. my ties to living in canada)?

Or, can I not move anything at all until I activate my visa?

Can anyone who HAS already been through this give me some insight?

Thanks SO much!!!

j.

[quote name='jexida' date='May 1 2008, 04:22 AM' post='1803564']
Ok, so tomorrow my fiance and I sign my lease for our new condo in the U.S. I am still waiting for my K-1 interview...

Can I begin to move my furniture down now? You could do just to be prepared!

Do I need proof that I am not moving right at this moment (i.e. my ties to living in canada)?
If you are not travelling anywhere, you do not need to prove anything.
Or, can I not move anything at all until I activate my visa?
Depending upon the outcome of your interview, you may or may not get your visa. I wouldn't move furniture just yet but you can always do so, but you do not need proof of anything if you are just having furniture shipped. I wish you the best of luck!!

You should drop over to the Canada forum here! We've been asked this many times. Because Canada and the US are so close, many couples want to start the move process before the visa is granted. In truth, you can't move anything over before you enter the US. When you do move, and for instance you're driving, you're going to make sure you're only bringing in allowed goods, and you have to list them. Maybe not individually, but in groups say "Kitchen items"etc. Electronics, you're going to have to state what they are and write out the serial number on them. No pirated CD's or DVD's etc. Bringing the goods over with you by vehicle, when you activate your K-1, they might go through your things, or ask for your list of what you're bringing over. Things you're sending down by mail, can't be preceeded by you. After you're in the US, if you have goods shipped to you, you'll need paperwork completed in Canada with (if going by courier anyway...) with a copy of your visa. Goods will be marked "personal property", and no duty will be charged because you're here already in the US and mailing your goods after your entry.

I had a few boxes mailed to me once I was here. I brought no furniture or anything like that when I came, so the ins and outs of paperwork etc. are probably best answered by those that did that. Come on over to the Canada Forum and post your question there and you'll have a wealth of information!

moved to the canada forum for more in depth responses.

Just wanted to say hi! what Carla has said is spot on! Also, if you ship things that are not accompanied by you (you ship them with someone like Upack or a courier) you will need to fill out form 3299 (found here) and give this to the shipper to accompany your goods.

You have up to 10 years to ship your personal belongings duty free.

This is incorrect.

Of course it happens, but you are not technically allowed to let anything precede you into the country. It is 'suppose' to either accompany you when you enter on the K1 or afterwards. If you are shipping through a 3rd party (trucking co) they are required to have forms proving you are residing in the U.S. legally.

FAQ's

Recent post of someone who tried to do the same from CA to US before activating the k1.

Also, if you are planning on a visit to sign the lease you should bring ties to show you will be returning.

good luck

One can visit the USA (yes, u can be denied, blah blah blah) But I would NOT be bringing a car load of personal belongings with ya! I wouldnt even pack a job resume!! if the POE officer suspects your going to stay (and a car load of personal belongings shows that) he can deny you entry!! best of luck

Not what I wanted to hear, but can't say I'm suprised

Thanks All for your responses!

J.

When you move your stuff after you've rec'd your K1, your personal belongings and household goods will not be subject to tax and duties. If you try to ship it down before you get your visa, it WILL be subject to tax and duties, and who wants to pay for something twice if you don't have to?

You're best to wait until you have your visa.