Hi to all members of Canadian Desi. We have landed 2 months ago in Winnipeg, MB and have now settled down. All formalities including PR Card, SIN, Health Card, RIV Car Import, drivers license, school admission, etc. have been completed and we intend to look for suitable jobs shortly. I have a few questions for veteran CanadianDesis.

1. We came here from the US and as the Canadian Dollar is appreciating rapidly against the US $ we are receiving less money than what we had originally budgeted for. We intend therefore to keep our money in the US bank for some more time atleast until we get a decent conversion rate. Please advise if there are any tax implications I need to consider. We will be filing our taxes in both US and Canada this year.

2. What would be the best way to start building our Credit history? We have an excellent rating in the US and would like to start building our credit history here. However most Credit Card firms we spoke to said they need current employment (which we dont have). Anyway to get a Secured Credit Card without employer? I have done searches on Google and the reults have not been helpful. (We are still using our US bank issued credit cards and are sending money to them in US$).

3. We have received our PR Cards and wanted to make a short trip to the US to meet friends during Christmas/ New Year. We do not have a US Visa any longer - our H1 has expired and our I-94 was taken by INS at border. As Canadian Residents, do we need a Visa to enter US? I understand that US Green Card holders can travel to Canada without any visa and would assume the reciprocal also holds, but would like confirmation.

4. Purchasing online from the US: I had some loyalty points and coupons from US companies and US websites. Can I purchase electronic/ software items from the US and would there be any taxes/ duties applicable. All of my "Goods to Follow" have already arrived and I cannot claim settlers exemption. What I want to know is: Is there any customs levied on US goods for Canadian residents? (I can also give my US address and have deliveries forwarded to me through Change of Address).

We love Winnipeg and Manitoba - it gives us a big city features with a small town look-and-feel. I am particularly enjoying the wide open skies and laid back attitude and am really finding it relaxing and refreshing after a high-pressure job in the States.


Thanks to all Canadian Desi members for their responses.

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3. We have received our PR Cards and wanted to make a short trip to the US to meet friends during Christmas/ New Year. We do not have a US Visa any longer - our H1 has expired and our I-94 was taken by INS at border. As Canadian Residents, do we need a Visa to enter US? I understand that US Green Card holders can travel to Canada without any visa and would assume the reciprocal also holds, but would like confirmation
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Per new rule a Canadian PR need valid visa to enter US.For your case you need a visitor visa .Getting a visitor visa is often very easy if you have a job here in Canada then visa officer uderstand your intention to return back

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ani

Thanks, Ani. Since we dont have employment currently, it will not be possible. Tks for the feedback.