F-1 Visa Questions

ckdouglas6
New Member



Joined: 05 May 2008
Posts: 4
Location: Toronto

Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 10:36 am

 

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I have been accepted to University in the US and have received my I-20 with my financial records attached. I also have my Sevis I-901 receipt. Other than my passport is there anything else I need to have at the border crossing? How long does this process take? It seems like most immigration offices are open until 4:30 pm Mon - Fri, should I make sure I am there at minimum amount of time before 4:30?

Are their customs forms that I can fill out in advance for my property that I am bring down with me? Any advice you can give would be appreciated on this.

I am driving down in a new truck that I just purchased, is this going to be subject to taxes and is there anything I should be aware of because it is a new truck? What documentation should I make sure I have for my truck and possessions?

While I'm in the US for school will I be required to get US state plate and a US license? I will be attending school for 2-4 years.

Any help would be appreciated! Any suggestions or advice outside of these questions is also appreciated.

Karen

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Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1122
Location: Calgary

Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 11:02 am

 

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You sound okay on the paperwork side for immigration. It shouldn't take long.

If you're a student you can remain non-resident, and I would suggest that you do because personal effects are subject to tax if they're less than a year old. If you remain a resident of Canada (that doesn't mean you're physically there necessarily) you can drive your truck for up to a year in the US.

After that you would need to import it, there are various threads on here that explain how to do it, the key point is to get the CBP clearance form so you don't get hit with sales tax when you transfer the title.

Bear in mind your personal tax situation: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/p151/README.html

Students file Form 8843 instead of Form 8840 as it explains in that document. You must file a 1040NR return every year otherwise the IRS can tax you on any money you receive, e.g. from your parents. Do not be tempted to file a regular 1040 while you remain a foreign student.

If you get employment authorization for optional practical training you pay tax on your earnings in the US (declared on your 1040NR) and claim a foreign tax credit in Canada (see the general guide for the T1 return).

Another tip for students is that you can get work authorization fairly early on for part-time work, talk to the people at the college you're going to about it, you apply on USCIS Form I-765. Also get a social security number at the local SSA office(apparently the SSA may ask to see your EAD but I'm not sure if that's accurate, they only need to see your I-20).

Having a social security number helps you with all sorts of things, e.g. opening a bank account, all sorts of applications for things.
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Steve.

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devgrace
New Member


where to live? best way to go about it?

Joined: 21 Jul 2008
Posts: 3
Location: Ontario

Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 11:28 am

 

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Unfortunately I don't know much about whether or not you will have to import your car but when I was at school in Massachusetts other friends of mine from Canada didn't have to import their cars.

A note of caution: I'm not sure where you live and which border crossing/office you will be getting your paperwork done at but it can be a quick or a lengthy process. I've spent as little as 20 min or as much as 3 hours in the immigration offices a the Niagara border crossings. I suggest going during a weekday (Tues - Thurs) so then you don't have to deal with the weekend traffic and congestion that they may have in their offices.

Devon

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ckdouglas6
New Member



Joined: 05 May 2008
Posts: 4
Location: Toronto

Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:15 am

 

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Where and when do I obtain the CPB Form for my new truck? I will enter as a non resident and keep it registered in Ontario for the next year but do I get the form I need to avoid paying taxes when I do register it in the US?

Do I need to obtain a US state drivers licence immediately or do I need to wait?

Since I am crossing as a Non resident, can I cross at anytime during the day or night or do I need to cross during the hours that the immigration office is open at the the POE?

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ckdouglas6
New Member



Joined: 05 May 2008
Posts: 4
Location: Toronto

Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:21 am

 

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Another question.

Should I be changing my address on all my accounts to the US address, or should I have an address in Canada where this information should be sent since I am entering as a non resident? I have sold my home, but can always use my parents address since this is where I would be going to stay when I return to Canada.

Thank you.

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Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1122
Location: Calgary

Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:53 am

 

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You need to get the I-20 stamped so you need to cross when there is someone there. There is no CBP paperwork for the truck if you drive it across, have a look at this: www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/newsroom/public...importingacar.doc - you basically just drive home and then drive back again and do the import bit then and they will give you the forms, you'll have to report back to CBP with the EPA paperwork to get the clearance (not necessarily the same border post, they have offices).

Legally you don't ever need to obtain a driver's licence in the US because you are a foreign student, most States exempt students from the requirement to get one. However once you've officially imported the truck, you will need to get insurance and it will be simpler if you have a US DL.
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Steve.

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Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1122
Location: Calgary

Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:59 am

 

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Doesn't really matter what address is on your accounts, whatever is most convenient really because you're a foreign student and your tax home remains Canada, regardless.

If you change your address to your US address, you need to tell the Canadian bank you are still a resident of Canada for tax purposes otherwise they might start withholding Part XIII non-residence tax on your bank interest.

You still pay income tax on your worldwide income via your Canadian return, so any bank interest you receive from a US bank account you open you should declare on your Canadian return (I'm sure everyone does). When you open an account in the US make sure you file Form W-8BEN (the bank provides it) with them so they don't report the income to the IRS.
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Steve.

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