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Moving to America/Canada with firearms

A

aus_Rob91

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 2, 2011
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North Queensland, Australia
*** Please move this post if it is in the wrong spot.
My gf and I are seriously considering moving to somewhere in the states or canada in the near future. The main reasons being that I really love shooting and hunting but it is getting incredibly hard and costly to do here. She is also studying forensics and basically there is no work in Australia outside of the 2 biggest cities Sydney and Melbourne (and neither of us want to live there really).
I own a few bolt action rifles, some of which I would rather not sell. As such, is it possible to move to the US or Canada with firearms? I have tried to find out on the net but most sources just have lots and lots of politically correct blabber that doesn't just state yay or nay.
Also, what are the laws with hunting in the US and Canada? Can an immigrant hunt or do they have to go through a special process? At this stage I am probably leaning slightly towards Canada, as even though somewhere with crime would be good (sounds kinda dumb but for the female's job she needs somewhere with work available for forensics) but going from Australia, with about 20 shootings a year to the US with about 12,000 seems a fair jump...
Any info would be appreciated and as I said I don't know where to put this question so move it if it needs to be
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

not sure but i know that canada is part of the commonwealth so it 'Should' be easier to get over there without alot of fuss but no doubt there will be paperwork involved. the best bet would be to call Australian Customs and start asking questions they will no doubt give you an email address and you pitch it to that email and go from there, the other thing to do would be to call up Canada and ask there customs what the story is and how to go about becoming a resident or if you need special permission from there government to bring firearms into the country alot of this is in the VISA application you need to fill out to gain entry legally into another country a tourist visa gives you 90 days(3 months) if you go for a working Visa you might get 12 months out of it. hope some of this helps theres no hard and fast rule because of peoples understanding of the law. for instance you get bob (bob don't care as long as it don't tick set off a geiger counter or go boom) Paul (anal SOB won't let anything that even looks like it can throw a pebble)
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

You need to take a hard look at Phoenix, AZ. Plenty of forensics work to be done in the valley and lots of places to shoot from 100 to 2000 yards within an easy drive from the city. If you decide on anywhere in the US write (don't call, get everything in writing) to the closest US consulate for info on bringing firearms into the US. Good luck.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

Well then, you should definitely come up to Winnipeg Canada! 2-3 shooting/stabbings a week in downtown. and beautiful scenic winters for some amazing hunting! As for rules, I believe all you need is your rifles registered, and then just go buy a deer tag and hunt! its that simple! I am sure if you search up Canadian government rifle import laws on google or something I am sure you will get what you are looking for! When you planning on coming?
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

How do shootings occur in Winnepeg? Are they using pistols smuggled from the US? I thought the big cities their were 90% safer than across the border.

Otherwise, there are better hunting opportunites in Canada than the US, except for Alaska.


-s
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c1steve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How do shootings occur in Winnepeg? Are they using pistols smuggled from the US? I thought the big cities their were 90% safer than across the border.

Otherwise, there are better hunting opportunites in Canada than the US, except for Alaska.


-s </div></div>

It's hard to get honest statistics on this. The gun grabbers want to vilify the US but there are reports that ~90% of the gun crime is committed with guns stolen from lawful owners.

Considering how lax the Canadian legal system is on Burglary and "non-violent" offenders I suspect that the 90% estimation is pretty accurate.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

I really don't have many answers for most of your questions, but can tell you that it is possible to hunt in the US even if you are not a citizen.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

Try Texas. We want you to bring all the guns you have..no registration. Pick a major city and your wife will have all the work she can stand
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

The US will in general be more gun-friendly than Canada, but certain states such as Illinois and California are a little screwy and best avoided. You're also likely better off in the midwest or west than somewhere along the east coast, as state gun laws and attitudes tend to be more restrictive in the east.

A trip over to visit a few different parts of the country that seem good candidates will probably help quite a bit. Good luck with your move,

John
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jhnmdahl</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The US will in general be more gun-friendly than Canada, but certain states such as Illinois and California are a little screwy and best avoided. You're also likely better off in the midwest or west than somewhere along the east coast, as state gun laws and attitudes tend to be more restrictive in the east.

A trip over to visit a few different parts of the country that seem good candidates will probably help quite a bit. Good luck with your move,

John </div></div>

I agree with most of this. There are states in the southeast that are very gun friendly and getting more so each year. Virginia being one of the better ones. If you are considering a move to the US check out this information (link below) to help choose a state based on what liberties/freedoms are important to you.

http://mercatus.org/freedom-50-states-2011
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

Thanks for all the info! I am definitely considering a holiday to a few of the places that I am looking at to see what suits me best. My own pick was New Zealand as it is pretty similar to Australia in many ways except they have goldilocks gun laws (just right). Almost no crime though, which even though I would prefer, aint real good for forensics. I thought Texas, but I honestly don't think any job is worth me having to leave the house everyday with a concealed carry handgun.
Here's hopes to the lottery tonight and I will just buy a house in each continent!!!
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

maybe late comments,but...forget canada. as socialist as australia. move to the USA. we need imigrants like you. look closely at the south. i live in FL. Ga,Fl,Al,Tx would be my first choices. all 4 have a decent degree of firearms freedom. if you can avoid the big cities in the south also. i.e. if you employment allows that. for example: gainesville FL close to me is as a crypto fascist,controling,liberal bed wetting sewer. also has highest milage in the state. i bet austin,tuscalossa and atlanta are about the same. the secret is to live somewhere where the big cities don't totally control the whole state. rural/semi rural usually = more freedom (and lower taxes).
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

Of course, the real question will be under what authority you (and your girlfriend separately if you are not married) will be permitted to immigrate to either country:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/immigrants_1340.html

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/notices/notice-permanent.asp

With regard to Canada's gun laws, does 'out of the frying pan, into the fire' mean anything to you?

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/information/residents/index-eng.htm
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

Avoid New York State. This liberal dump of a state has it's own assault weapons ban that is worded almost identically to the 1994 AWB, only our never sunset after ten years.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

Moving to the US with firearms, especially bolt action rifles is very easy.

All you need to do it complete ATF Form 6 (link below) and provided you agree not to sell the firearms once you arrive in the US they'll email you back the import permit, with a 'not for resale' stamp on it. Usually takes 2-3 wks all in. Sell anything in Oz that you might not want to keep. Rifles are so much cheaper here anyway.

You will also need a valid hunting permit from ANY state in the US. I would recommend Alaska's non-resident small game permit for $20 which you can apply for online and they will post to you.

The combination of the ATF permit and the hunting licence make you legal.

Once you land, declare your firearms at customs. They will complete a customs form, check your rifles against the import permit and give you a couple of forms to sign...25 mins max. Obviously, turn up for your flight over with the rifles in a hard case, trigger locks, don't bother bringing ammo but if you want to fill in the details on the ATF form and they'll let you bring that in too. The first time you will open the rifle for inspection will be at customs and a police officer will probably be there so make sure your rifle is safe and trigger locked etc.

You can then as a foreigner walk into ANY state in the US and be legally in possession of your firearms. Having said that, if you live in a restricted state, you are best advised to call ahead to their rifle permit team if they have one/require it who will normally advise you to drop your rifles off at your local police station who will hold them on your behalf until you've got a permit. If you have to go down this route do two things 1) get rifle licensing to call the police station a few days before you arrive. It isn't common and they won't know what to do without guidance and 2) call the police station 5 mins before going in to drop the rifles off and make sure they know you are arriving...all in locked case/trigger lock etc.

Of course, if you are lucky enough to end up in a gun friendly state you can clear customs and virtually walk out the door and that's the end of it.

Shout if you need more help.

http://www.atf.gov/applications/eform6/
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=license.prices
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

"Of course, if you are lucky enough to end up in a gun friendly state you can clear customs and virtually walk out the door and that's the end of it."

This! Come on over and enjoy your stay.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

I hate to say this- but go to the US. The only reason I'm still in Canada is because my wife and I both have excellent jobs. Otherwise, we would be out of this backwards country before the sunset.

I would miss the nature, but not the politics or people.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

Wow! Excellent feedback thanks folks! I checked out those links and yeah maybe the US would be better. I was already thinking a smallish town. From what I have seen on google research etc, most places over there are much closer than here, with even the smallest towns being within driving distance to substantial sized towns/cities.
My ideal place would be somewhere that gets quite cold during the winter and warm during the summer (we don't have seasons where I live, just hot & wet for the first half of the year and hot & dry for the rest). I would like to be able to drive to somewhere with snow during winter as well.
Also, does anyone have good links to realtors that I can look at to get an idea of what property prices are like?
I have only had a small investigation into immigrating and it appears as though the only way to get in is to already have a job offer. I will be finished my degree in about 18months so I may be able to apply for jobs then.

Thanks again for the help
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aus_Rob91</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I thought Texas, but I honestly don't think any job is worth me having to leave the house everyday with a concealed carry handgun.
</div></div>

I think you're falling a bit for sensationalization of our crime over here. Except in bad areas of some large cities, I would not consider leaving the house unarmed to be dangerous....though I often carry just because I can. Ten years with a carry permit and I've never been in or witnessed a situation where I'd actually need it.

For houses, browse areas on www.realtor.com to get an idea of prices. I'd recommend you start out renting so you can really make sure you know where you want to live before buying. Due to the economy, many areas have really good deals if you take time and are patient about it.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

You say your girlfriend is going the 'forensics' route. Well, there's a thing or two about that field up here. Not ever city has a lab, and not every lab has 'every field'.

More specifically, PM me with the field she is taking because depending on where in the country that 'lab' is, really narrows down your directions and possibilities.

Even though the country is large, you 'could' just be limited to a choice or one or two cities.

So let me know, if you want.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

I just got a job offer to work up in Canada. Wages are higher and "free" health care is a plus. Health care from employers in the USA is getting harder to get and is very expensive. Cost of living is more in the oilfield ares of Canada due to high wages. Same with the USA, if the oilfields are booming, housing will cost more.
They want me to relocate up in Alberta with several cities to chose from.
I too might be looking into Canada gun laws.
I have seen people pass back ground checks that were not residents of the USA. The guy from Columbia had a delay but it passed. I don't know if its that way in Canada.

I am hoping I can buy a firearm up there as there are several models/calibers of Tikka T3 rifles that are imported up there that the US does not get for some reason. The import restrictions are not as regulated for other firearms and vehicles as the US is. They get the cool Land Cruisers up there.

Can one with a work VISA buy a firearm or vehicle?
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

Yeah I would imagine that the way they portray violence in the US over here is a method by the greenies to try and con the sheeple into seeing that the second a person holds a firearm, they are going to commit a violent act with it.
Needless to say though, the crime rate there is substantially higher than here, I do really like to know that you can carry simply if you feel the need. I also really like the 'castle' type of laws in America where someone can defend their family in their home with a firearm. Over here, if you do that 1. You will probably be sent to jail. 2. If you aren't sent to jail, the criminal will sue you and you will probably lose any chance of keeping guns again.

I had a look at Wichita Falls in TX (just because it was the first place I thought of caus I was reading Startign Strength at the time) and it was ok but any other suggestions? The weather seemed perfect though, with hot summers and cold winters.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aus_Rob91</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I had a look at Wichita Falls in TX (just because it was the first place I thought of caus I was reading Startign Strength at the time) and it was ok but any other suggestions? The weather seemed perfect though, with hot summers and cold winters. </div></div>

Ha, nothing in Texas is cold, friend.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

Canada is the same. American media is used to demonize Canadian firearms and their owners. As we all know, TV and reality are two entirely different things. Many of us are working to re-educate and undo the damage of anti firearm misinformation. Canada is (hopefully) going to start seeing a lot of intelligent firearm and self defense reform. Thankfully, the general Canadian public is becoming more aware of factual American examples (like Florida) where the rearming of citizens led to dramatic drops in crime and rape. This is in stark contrast to the increased violence we have experienced under strict gun control.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aus_Rob91</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yeah I would imagine that the way they portray violence in the US over here is a method by the greenies to try and con the sheeple into seeing that the second a person holds a firearm, they are going to commit a violent act with it.
Needless to say though, the crime rate there is substantially higher than here, I do really like to know that you can carry simply if you feel the need. I also really like the 'castle' type of laws in America where someone can defend their family in their home with a firearm. Over here, if you do that 1. You will probably be sent to jail. 2. If you aren't sent to jail, the criminal will sue you and you will probably lose any chance of keeping guns again.

I had a look at Wichita Falls in TX (just because it was the first place I thought of caus I was reading Startign Strength at the time) and it was ok but any other suggestions? The weather seemed perfect though, with hot summers and cold winters. </div></div>
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/visit-visite-eng.htm

Licensing and Registration Requirements

Firearm owner and users in Canada need a valid firearms licence allowing them to possess firearms and a Canadian registration certificate for each firearm in their possession. A licence issued under Canada’s Firearms Act is different from a provincial hunting licence.

Non-residents have two options for meeting the Canadian licensing and registration requirements:
Option 1

Declare firearms in writing, in triplicate, using the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (form CAFC 909).

If there are more than three firearms, a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Continuation Sheet (form CAFC 910) should be added.

Once the declaration has been confirmed by the CBSA customs officer, it acts as a licence for the owner and as a temporary registration certificate for the firearms brought to Canada; and it is valid for 60 days. The declaration can be renewed for free, providing it is renewed before it expires, by contacting the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) (call 1-800-731-4000) of the relevant province or territory.

A confirmed declaration costs a flat fee of $25, regardless of the number of firearms listed on it. It is valid only for the person who signs it and only for those firearms listed on the declaration.

Top of Page
Option 2

Apply for a five-year Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) and register the firearms in Canada. The PAL must be issued before the firearms can be registered.

To apply for a PAL, applicants must provide evidence that they have passed the written and practical tests for the Canadian Firearms Safety Course. If they wish to be licensed for restricted firearms, they must also have passed the tests for the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course. A course from another country does not meet Canadian legal requirements. However, the tests can be taken without taking the courses.

The CFO of the province or territory that will be visited can provide information on any other documents that will be required to complete the background security check.

Once a PAL is obtained, an application to register firearms can be submitted either online at no cost or by mail after completing a paper application (CAFC 998). Some firearms must be verified by an approved verifier before they are registered. Call 1-800-731-4000 (Canada and the U.S.) or (506) 624-5380 (outside Canada and the U.S.) for help in verifying firearms.

With a valid licence and registration certificate, there is no need to complete the Non-Resident Firearms Declaration or pay a fee. However, an oral declaration must still be made to the customs officer.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

From what I see based on climate, the cities in Texas appear hotter than the country towns... This may be caus of the built up area but I don't know. The data for Houston appears to be about the same as where I currently live, maybe a little hotter in summer and a little cooler in winter. Based on that though, I may like to go for somewhere else...
Thanks for all that great info as well! I really appreciate it. End of the day it is really ahrd to decide which places would be best. I think the only way is if I become really serious, save up and go for a holiday through the states and canada
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

[/quote]

It's hard to get honest statistics on this. The gun grabbers want to vilify the US but there are reports that ~90% of the gun crime is committed with guns stolen from lawful owners.

Considering how lax the Canadian legal system is on Burglary and "non-violent" offenders I suspect that the 90% estimation is pretty accurate. [/quote]

If they are stolen Canada, would they not be almost all long guns? Are they using sawed off shotguns? Would criminals be carrying a 42" bolt gun to commit a crime? Sounds unweildy, more likely to be caught.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ATH</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aus_Rob91</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I had a look at Wichita Falls in TX (just because it was the first place I thought of caus I was reading Startign Strength at the time) and it was ok but any other suggestions? The weather seemed perfect though, with hot summers and cold winters. </div></div>

Ha, nothing in Texas is cold, friend. </div></div>

amen.. this past christmas was 99*f here in the valley. nothing cold here but the beer in our coolers..
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

Yeah I looked at Tenessee too. Maybe a small town near one of the cities?
Also, where can I find out how much land is needed in each state to legally shoot on? For example, here, you need 50 acres of land to discharge a firearm on private property (and you cannot shoot on public property... ever...)
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

I live in Arizona and we have the most right to bear arms laws available. I also work logistics for local PD and are always looking for forensics staff as we are expanding our lab and capability. Immigrants are allowed to hunt "legal immigrants" that is. and as far as crime rate is concerned, although our gun laws alleviate a lot of "LA" or "NEW YORK" and "DC" type crimes, we are 100 miles from the boarder and have enough to keep us busy. We also work with multi agency task forces which is good experience.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

That sounds really good thanks! Do you know what sort of qualifications are needed? We had a quick look and it seems as though most places over there only recognize a masters degree from australia, not a standard bachelor degree...
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c1steve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How do shootings occur in Winnepeg? Are they using pistols smuggled from the US? I thought the big cities their were 90% safer than across the border.

Otherwise, there are better hunting opportunites in Canada than the US, except for Alaska.


-s </div></div>

Actually British Columbia offers the best hunting and most game species anywhere in North America. I'm sorry to say but even better than Alaska.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aus_Rob91</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That sounds really good thanks! Do you know what sort of qualifications are needed? We had a quick look and it seems as though most places over there only recognize a masters degree from australia, not a standard bachelor degree...
</div></div>

If this has been answered already excuse me. To get into Canada (if you're emigrating there) with your long-gun you'll need to get your Canadian firearms license. I think you can challenge the test online and you don't need to live in the country or be a citizen. Just the other day the government abolished the long-gun registry which means you no longer need to register rifles or shotguns (that's once the legislation has been ratified). BTW Vancouver would be a very good bet if your girl friend is studying forensics.

The climate in Vancouver is temperate so it doesn't get cold like the rest of Canada. Also Vancouver most years gets voted in international surveys as one of the best cities in the world to live in. Furthermore, BC offers without a shadow of doubt the best hunting in North America, along with world class fishing and access to some of the most spectacular wilderness on the planet.

Their 2010 tourism commercial says it all:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddmpWGkJnyA
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

To get into the US if you're moving here with guns is more complicated than Canada. If you are coming here on a working visa you can bring your guns into the US on an ATF Form 6 import permit, but this is where it gets a little complicated. Federal US law generally prohibits non-immigrant aliens (people on work visas, students and temporary visitors) from acquiring firearms, however there are some exemptions to this law. These exemptions are proof that you have resided in one state for more than 90 consecutive days, and that you have a state hunting license (doesn't matter from which state). You'll also have to provide proof of 90 days of residence by submitting utility bills, or property rental agreement, or bank statements etc. What does all of this mean when you arrive from Oz? It means you'll have to hand your rifle over to a registered FFL at customs who will store the rifle for you for the first 90 days - if you leave the airport with it you'll be breaking federal law.

In addition to federal gun laws, there are state and municipal gun laws to consider also. Best advice is to do your homework before coming because the laws in the US, contrary to popular opinion, are a minefield.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

From what i've heard, emigrating to Canada is actually incredibly difficult, even for Australians. However, if you have a particular skill that there is a shortage of in Canada, then i'm sure you'd be able to argue your case a bit better.

Just my 0.02, i've got a few mates from canada and this is what they told me.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

They operate a point system just like you guys do.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

Learn something new everyday...

And out of curiosity i calculated my points. 2 off. screw you canadia.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

The Australian point system is tougher.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

This country is so damn full of Ex-Taliban and Ba'ath party members who masquerade as 'Asylum Seekers' that our quota for skilled migrants has been slashed.

Doesn't surprise me.
 
Re: Moving to America/Canada with firearms

If you want distinct seasons,low crime rate,and gun friendly look no farther than Virginia(outside of NOVA),Tennessee,or Kentucky. All of them fit this description to a tee. TJR
 
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