Anyone can get a PAl or RPAL . I got mine with a tourist visa when I virst came to Canada from SA
This is correct, you do not need to be a permanent resident here in Canada, residents of the USA are able to get them just as Canadian residents do.
If you intend to bring any firearms from South Africa make sure they are listed on your entry documentation listed as goods to follow. You want to ensure CBSA is aware they have arrived or will be coming. You could ship them when you come but they would be held by CBSA until you obtain your RPAL.
You could contact the Canadian Consulate or Embassy in your area and see if there is a means to challenge the RPAL test oversea's before you come to Canada. As you are an experienced firearms owner, reading the reference material and the just writing the test or challenging the test could get your RPAL prior to arrival. Then you would just ship your firearms and clear them when you arrive. Your goods would be shipped inbond to the bonded warehouse closest to your home if you did not clear them at the airport you arrive at. You will also require an authority to transport any restricted firearms from the CFC to your home and eventual permanent storage location.
Welcome to Canada.


















































