Help! Repatriation questions!

[katsmum]

Cross-post from another board.

My friend is planning to re-patriate to Canada next month (currently lives in Holland). It was a sudden decision and she doesn't have any necessary paperwork in place. She has a container being shipped which she was told she should declare when she arrives to avoid excessive import tax. I am worried that if she declares the container that will raise a red flag as to why she is bringing it - they may well suss out that she's planning to bring her family in to Canada to live (Dutch husband and two young children who don't have Canadian citizenship cards). If she tells them she is planning to stay, what will happen without the papers? Will customs have any knowledge of her container (she says the shipment company took her flight details though the container is expected to arrive 3 weeks after she does) - can she just act as though she's visiting her family for a holiday then do the paperwork once she's there?

What should she do?

Any advice/information greatly appreciated!

[Reba]

HER personal belongings can be moved back to Canada without incurring duty charges, however, if her husband and children do not have status in Canada, the whole kit n kaboodle may well be held up at customs until documentation can be shown that they are legally relocating.

Did she not report her children's birth abroad at the consulate in Holland? Her children are technically Canadian citizens, but if she did not do the paperwork, they won't be recognized as such when they enter Canada.

If her husband has no status in Canada, he may not be allowed entry if they say they're there to stay. If they lie and say they're just there for a visit, and immigration/customs ask them when they'll return, and any proof that they will return, how will they provide that, if they've just packed up and left their home and jobs in Holland?

She can move back no problem, but her family may have difficulties gaining entry.