When I first prepared my own goods to follow list, I was focused on flights and immigration documents. Like many newcomers, we arrived with suitcases first, then went back and shipped our belongings later. I also remember reaching out to a friend in Canada for guidance. That helped me realize a crucial detail: your “Goods to follow” list (or Form BSF186) may seem like a small task, but it can save you from paying duties and taxes on your belongings later.

If some of your personal belongings will arrive in Canada after you do, you should prepare a goods to follow list before you land using Form BSF186 and, if needed, the continuation sheet BSF186A. This is the list you show at the border, so your later shipment is already recorded.

What is a Goods to Follow List for Canada?

💡A goods to follow list is a record of the things you own that will arrive in Canada after you do. Declaring these items when you first enter Canada can make it easier to bring them in later.

In simple terms, this is the record that tells the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) which belongings are coming later.

Who Needs a Goods to Follow List?

This record is necessary if you are:

• Landing as a permanent resident
• Moving to Canada in stages
• Doing a soft landing
• Arriving with only some of your belongings and sending other items later

That is very common. It was my experience too. A simple question to ask yourself is:

Will any of my belongings arrive in Canada after I land?

If the answer is yes, you should prepare a goods to follow list.

What is the difference between BSF186, BSF186A, and B4?

This is where many newcomers get confused, and honestly, that is understandable. People hear one term from friends, see another term online, and then find a different form name on the official website.

Here is a simple way to understand the different names you may see online and on official forms.

BSF186 vs BSF186A at a Glance

*Access the form Personal Effects Accounting Document (BSF186) also known as Settler’s Effect Lists.

Why Your Goods to Follow List Matters

This step matters because many newcomers do not move everything at once. For example, some people may do a “soft landing”, or return to finish work or family commitments, or wait until they find housing in Canada before shipping larger items. Others cannot manage a full international move in one trip.

A proper goods to follow list can help you:

• Show clearly what is coming later
• Avoid confusion when your shipment arrives
• Keep your belongings tied to your original landing record
• Make the border process smoother

This is one of those tasks that may not feel urgent before you travel, but you’ll be glad you did it properly later.

When Do I Show the Goods to Follow List?

You must show your goods to follow list Canada at your first point of entry. This is usually the first airport where you land or the first land border you cross.

💡Important: Do this even if you aren’t shipping your goods for another six months. If you don’t get your list stamped during your initial landing, it is difficult to add items later.

Many newcomers think that they need to wait until the shipment is on the way. Usually, that is not the best approach. It is better to prepare the list before you travel so you are ready when you arrive. CBSA also explains that you can complete Form BSF186 before you arrive in Canada.

How Do I Create a Goods to Follow List for Canada?

When I prepared mine, I kept it simple but detailed. The goal is to make it easy for the officer to understand what is with you now and what will arrive later. If you are still figuring out the logistics of moving your life across borders, see our complete guide on How to Transfer Money and Ship Goods When Moving to Canada.

1. Make two separate lists

Prepare:

• One list for goods accompanying you
• One list for goods to follow

Keeping them separate makes the process easier and avoids confusion at the border.

2. Describe each item clearly

For each item, include:

• What the item is
• Quantity
• Value in Canadian dollars
• Make and model for expensive items
• Serial number, if there is one

💡What to Put on Your Goods to Follow List
For each item, include a clear description, quantity, and value in Canadian dollars. For expensive items, add the make, model, and serial number if possible. The clearer your list is, the easier it will be later if your shipment is checked against it.

Sample Goods to Follow List for Canada

Here is a simple example of what your list can look like to use as a guide:

3. Group everyday household items together

You do not need to list every spoon, shirt, or towel separately. You can group simple items such as clothes, books, kitchen items, linens, and toys (see table above). This keeps your list practical and readable.

4. List high-value items separately

These items are more likely to raise questions if described too generally. List the following items separately:

• Laptops
• Cameras
• Watches
• Bicycles
• Musical instruments
• Tools
• Collectibles
• Jewellery

Jewellery Needs Extra Care

When I prepared my own list, I took photos of my jewellery and made sure it was listed in detail. That extra effort helped, and I still remember the border officer telling me my list was very detailed and well done.

For jewellery, it is smart to include:

• A clear description
• Type of item
• Metal or stones, if relevant
• Estimated value
• Photos

💡For higher-value items, an appraisal can also help. Even if you do not have appraisals for everything, clear photos and a careful list can make a big difference.

5. Use the current value in Canadian dollars

Do not focus on the original price you paid years ago. Convert the value of your goods to current Canadian dollars before filling out the form to meet IRCC and CBSA requirements. The value does not need to be perfect down to the last dollar. Just be realistic and consistent.

6. Bring two copies

Bring two copies of your lists so one can be stamped and returned to you.

Keep that stamped copy in a safe place.

What Can You Put on the List?

You can usually include personal and household items such as:

• Clothing
• Books
• Electronics
• Furniture
• Kitchen items
• Children’s items
• Jewellery
• Bicycles

💡Tip: Check out the CBSA site for other specifications that apply to jewellery, wedding gifts, and value limitations. For example, for personal and household items that are worth more than CAN$10,000, you must pay duty and taxes on the amount over CAN$10,000.

Can Goods Arrive in More Than One Shipment?

Yes. This is common for newcomers. For example, you may:

• Arrive with luggage first
• Ship a few boxes later
• Send larger furniture once you have housing
• Ask family to send more personal belongings later

The important thing is that the items were listed on your original stamped goods to follow list.

Can I Add Items Later?

Usually, you should assume no.

That is why it is so important to prepare your list as carefully as you can before you land. Many newcomers think they can add something later if they forget it, but that is not something you should rely on.

If there is any item you may ship later, it is better to include it now.

Try to include everything you may send later.

What Does Not Belong on the BSF186 Form?

You do not need to include the following documents on your BSF186 form:

• University transcripts
• Educational certificates
• Resumes
• Reference letters
• Professional licences

While these settlement documents are important, they are not personal goods for customs purposes.

Keep these documents with your important travel and immigration papers, but do not include them on your customs list. For that separate settlement prep, read our guide, Documents to Carry to Canada for PR.

What Happens When Your Goods Arrive?

When your shipment reaches the border, having a stamped goods to follow list Canada will ensure you don’t pay unnecessary duties.

The moving company or shipping company will contact you. You will need to present your stamped copy of the BSF186 to “clear” customs. To ensure your boxes are packed and labeled correctly for this process, review our checklist, Shipping Household Goods and Personal Items.

💡Tip: Keep your stamped copy in a safe place with your passport and COPR. It is one of the most important documents you will have during your first year in Canada!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

This is where many newcomers get caught, especially when they are already busy with travel plans and landing documents.

Checklist Before You Travel

Before you leave for Canada, make sure you have:

• Two printed copies of the Goods Accompanying list.
• Two printed copies of the Goods to Follow list.
• Values in Canadian dollars.
• Serial numbers for electronics and photos for jewellery.

This is one of those small steps that can make a big difference later. If you are already managing a lot before your move, you are not alone. Many newcomers find this confusing at first. But once your goods to follow list is done, you will feel much more prepared.

💡 Moving Tip: Custom forms like the BSF186 protect your belongings, but what about your health? Most newcomers face a 3-month gap before provincial health coverage kicks in. Read our guide on Travel Medical Health Insurance for Newcomers to stay protected during your move.

Final Thoughts

A goods to follow list Canada is a record of personal or household belongings that will arrive after you land. Newcomers should prepare one list for the items they bring with them and another for the items arriving later. Use the main form BSF186, and BSF186A if you need more space. The goods should be listed at first entry and should have been owned and used before landing.

FAQs

If you are planning a move, learning how to search for jobs in Canada before you land is the best way to ensure a smooth transition and a faster hiring process. Moving to Canada is a big step, and finding work is often one of the biggest concerns. The good news is that you can start preparing for your job search before you arrive in Canada. Early effort helps you save time, reduce stress, and make smarter decisions about where to live.

Getting hired before arrival is possible in some cases, but that should not be your only goal. A better goal is to arrive prepared. When you research the labour market and understand how to search for jobs in Canada effectively, you give yourself a stronger start.

Why Start Your Job Search Early?

Starting early helps you understand how your occupation fits into the Canadian labour market. You can find out if your occupation is regulated, learn where demand is stronger, check salary ranges, and compare the job market across provinces. It also helps you set realistic expectations.

Many newcomers do not secure a job offer before they arrive, but they still benefit from doing the groundwork in advance. Canada offers free online pre-arrival services for eligible permanent residence applicants and their families, and the Canada Job Bank provides newcomer job search tools, labour market information, and job postings to help people prepare.

From Planning to Action: Your Step-by-Step Roadmap

Understanding the benefits of an early start is the first step; knowing exactly which levers to pull is the second. The Canadian job market is unique; it prioritizes a mix of formal qualifications, “soft skills,” and professional connections.

To help you navigate this, here are eight action steps on how to search for jobs in Canada. These steps, from broad research to specific tools, eventually build a plan you can execute from anywhere in the world.

Here’s how to lay the foundation for your Canadian career before you even pack your bags.

1. Access Free Pre-Arrival Services

If you are an approved Permanent Resident (PR) applicant, you can access free IRCC-funded (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) services before you even board the plane. These free employment services can help with planning your job search, resume support, settlement advice, and referrals to services after arrival.

Note: These services are generally not available to visitors, international students, or temporary workers.

Pre-arrival services can help you:

• Understand the Canadian hiring process
• Prepare a Canadian-style resume
• Improve interview skills
• Learn about credential recognition
• Connect with settlement and employment supports
• Make a realistic job search plan before you move

This is one of the best first steps if you are eligible.

2. Research the Job Market Before You Choose a City

One of the most important parts of how to search for jobs in Canada is knowing where the work is. Before deciding where to settle, ask yourself:

• Which cities have the most openings in my specific field?
• What are the average salary ranges for my role?
• What skills do employers ask for most often?
• Is my profession regulated, or does it require a license to practice?

The Canada Job Bank is one of the best places to begin your research. It includes job postings, labour market information, wages, and newcomer resources. When searching job postings, pay attention to required technical skills, education or certificates, and whether employers prefer local candidates. This research helps you prepare smarter applications later.

💡Job Search Tip: Use the Canada Job Bank to compare opportunities by region. Read more in our guide, Canada Job Bank: Your Vital Research Tool.

A practical example

A newcomer in accounting may first focus only on Toronto. But after reviewing job postings and labour market information, they may discover opportunities in nearby cities or other provinces with lower living costs and less competition. Doing this research early can shape both your job search and settlement plan.

3. Find Out if Your Occupation is Regulated

In Canada, many jobs (i.e., healthcare, engineering, skilled trades, and education) are regulated. That means you may need a licence, registration, or certification before you can work in your profession.

Find out if your occupation is regulated in the province where you plan to live. Then find out which body handles licensing or credential recognition.

💡Knowing if you are regulated is just the start. To navigate the process of verifying your international education and work experience under the new 2026 standards, see our guide: Credential Recognition Canada 2026: Guide for Newcomers & Professionals.

Before you arrive, gather:

• Education documents
• Transcripts
• Reference letters
• Training certificates
• Proof of work experience
• Identification and immigration documents

4. Build a Canadian-style Resume 

A key part of how to search for jobs in Canada is having a resume that speaks the local “language.” You may need to adapt your resume for the Canadian job market. If you are not sure where to begin, read our guide, Eight Tips to Write a Canadian-style Resume, to learn how to create a resume that fits Canadian employer expectations.

A strong resume should:

• Match the language used in the job posting
• Highlight measurable achievements
• Focus on relevant experience
• Use clear, direct wording

💡Resume Tip: Tailor your resume for each employer. Review several job postings in your field and notice which keywords, tools, and responsibilities appear again and again. Then adjust your resume to reflect the language employers are using.

5. Tap Into the “Hidden Job Market” Through Networking Before You Arrive

Networking is a vital part of how to search for jobs in Canada. Many roles are filled through referrals, conversations, and connections before they are ever posted online.

Before you arrive, start building your professional presence online.

Focus on these networking steps:

1. Update your LinkedIn profile to your target city
2. Connect with professionals in your field
3. Join newcomer, industry, and professional association groups
4. Follow employers in your target city.
5. Reach out with short, polite messages asking for advice, not just for a job

Example outreach message

Hello, I am a supply chain professional preparing to move to Calgary later this year. I am researching the local job market and would appreciate any advice on hiring trends or skills employers are looking for. Thank you.

That kind of message is much more effective than asking a stranger to find you a job.

6. Know What to Do Before and After Arrival

You can make a lot of progress before you arrive in Canada, but some steps can only happen after landing.

Applying for your SIN is a priority, but it’s just one of several critical moves you’ll make in your first 48 hours. See our full breakdown of these initial steps in our latest post, First Things to do After Landing in Canada.

💡 Planning your first week? While this guide focuses on pre-arrival, make sure you have a plan for your first 48 hours on the ground. Check out our checklist for Your First Days After Arrival in Canada.

7. Use Sector-Specific Support on How to Search for Jobs in Canada

Some industries have specialized newcomer support programs. For example, BCCA Integrating Newcomers is a government-funded, free, nationwide employment coaching service for skilled immigrants looking to join Canada’s construction industry. It supports pre-arrival and recently landed permanent residents.

This is a good reminder that general job-search advice is important, but sector-specific support can be even more useful when it matches your experience.

8. Create a Simple Pre-Arrival Job Search Plan

Your pre-arrival checklist should include:

• Choosing two or three target cities
• Checking if your occupation is regulated
• Connecting with people in your field each week
• Checking job postings to compare employer expectations
• Gathering documents for licensing or credential review
• Planning your first-month budget after arrival

A simple plan like this can help you arrive feeling more confident and organized.

A newcomer example

Mina, a project coordinator, planned to move to Canada in six months. Before leaving, she used Job Bank to compare job demand in Mississauga, Ottawa, and Calgary. She updated her resume for the Canadian market, improved her LinkedIn profile, and joined online newcomer and professional groups. She did not arrive with a job offer, but she arrived knowing which roles to target, which skills to highlight, and where to focus her search.

That preparation gave her a much stronger start.

Final Thoughts

You do not need to wait until you land in Canada to begin building your career. By learning how to search for jobs in Canada, you turn a daunting move into an organized, confident plan.

Research the market, use official newcomer resources, improve your resume, build your network, and learn what employers in your field expect. Even if you do not secure a job before arrival, the work you do now can make your search faster and more focused once you get here.

FAQs About How to Search for Jobs in Canada