There are many formalities that you are required to complete when you’re moving to Canada as a permanent resident (PR). There are documents to prepare and organize , financial matters to be addressed , belongings to be shipped , and much more. One of the important tasks is to have the forms BSF186 and BSF186A ready. These are also popularly known as forms B4 and B4A, respectively.
Forms B4 and B4A are essential documents required for entry into the country (along with your passport, PR visa, and Confirmation of Permanent Residence). They will have to be presented to the officer at your first port of entry in Canada. For some of you, this could be the connecting or layover airport in Canada. In this article, we will walk you through the process of accurately filling out the forms so that you’re well-prepared for your move to Canada.
| Note: Completing these forms prior to arrival is not mandatory but it does help save time after you land in Canada. If you choose to complete the forms at the airport, after arrival, have all essential information ready to go. |
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Forms B4 and B4A are personal effects accounting documents, also known as settler’s effects lists. Those moving or returning to Canada with the intention of establishing permanent residence are required to fill these forms.
Form BSF186 (or B4): This is used to outline and keep track of the items you are bringing with you at the time of entry into Canada. Items listed on this form are ones that you owned in your home country and intend on using for your household and personal use in Canada. The list will help border officers determine if you need to pay duty on any of the goods. You can find the exhaustive list of permitted and restricted items on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website . This form is required even if you have no goods with you at the time of arrival.
Form BSF186A (or B4A): This is a goods-to-follow list and is used to track all the items that will be arriving in Canada separately – either on the day of your arrival or after your arrival. You should fill this form if you’re having any of your belongings shipped. If you don’t complete this form and your goods arrive at a later date, you may have to pay duty for importing them into Canada. One of the major benefits of completing form B4A and getting it stamped by the CBSA offer is that your goods will qualify for duty- and tax-free importation into Canada.
You’ll need to have two copies (one for you and one for the CBSA officer) of both forms. CBSA officials will stamp both copies and assign a file number. They will keep one set of completed forms and return the other to you along with a receipt.
Tip: Ensure you have the B4 and B4A forms on your person or in your carry-on luggage, as they will be required to be presented to the CBSA officer at your first port of entry in Canada.
