Canadian non-Residents visiting Canada - Customs Form

[nineofive]

Hello,

For Canadian non-residents entering Canada, do we fill in the customs declaration forms as "residents" and enter the date last departed from Canada?

Has anyone had problems with the customs officer as to why you've been away for so long? If you tell them that you're a non-resident, he/she shouldn't give you a hard time, right?

Thanks.

[anothercanuck]

we go every year having lived here for 7...i'm non-resident...never had a problem...just tell the truth...if your working and living here, tell them that...nothing to worry about

[carang]

no, you fill it in as non-residents.... otherwise, you may be liable to pay canadian income tax (if they think you are resident.... and by filling in customs forms as a resident, that is what you are declaring)

no problems at all with customs.... i've been doing it for 17 years not. why in the world would they give you a hard time?

it isn't illegal for canadians to live in other countries, so why would there be a hassle?

usually goes like this:

hand passport over at counter
"how long have you been away from canada?
"i don't live in canada"
"oh, where do you live?
"hong kong"
"how long have you lived there?
"almost 17 years."
"how long will you be in canada?"
"one month"
"what is the purpose of your trip?"
"visiting family."
"ok, here is your passport, have fun!"

[nineofive]

So I should fill in the "visitors" section using a Canadian passport?

Well I don't know, cuz you know some of those customs officers can be a real aXX sometimes.

[anothercanuck]

if you are indeed visiting and will return to HK, then yes...imho you're making this out to be a much bigger deal than necessary...be respectful, leave the attitude at home, let them think they're the boss...shouldn't be a problem really...

[HowardCoombs]

Anothercanuck - you missed the most important one : tell the truth!

OP :
If you are a visitor (you are) then say so. You are definitely not a resident (you are residing in Hong Kong).
Dont try to be cute and play word games with them it will get their suspicions up. If you not doing anything illegal then just be 100% truthful and honest and they wont bat an eyelid.

I'm another canuck with 17 years here and never had any issues with Canadian authorities.

[Hairball]

Despite what some people say Canadian border services officers (the new combined customs and immigration officers) aren't really that bad to Canadians. The information you enter on your card is mainly for customs reasons, the exemptions are different for "visitors" to Canada (even if you are a citizen).

And I believe these records can also be obtained by other government agencies. As long as you are honest you won't have problems.

[nineofive]

Thanks guys for your responses. I just wanted to clarify what others had done because I found it odd to be entering as a 'visitor' like other foreign visitors while holding a Canadian passport.

It's all clear now. =)

[anothercanuck]

Anothercanuck - you missed the most important one : tell the truth!

OP :
If you are a visitor (you are) then say so. You are definitely not a resident (you are residing in Hong Kong).
Dont try to be cute and play word games with them it will get their suspicions up. If you not doing anything illegal then just be 100% truthful and honest and they wont bat an eyelid.

I'm another canuck with 17 years here and never had any issues with Canadian authorities.

actually i did say that in my first post...

[HowardCoombs]

actually i did say that in my first post...

Yes, but its worth repeating as the OP still seemed to be confused somewhat and wavering