My visa was approved on Wednesday (YAY!!!) and I'm planning on moving mid-May. Can someone give me a list of everything I need to do in the next two months or point me to a good thread with that information?

I want to move me, my cat and some stuff from Toronto to Portland, sell my car and quit my job (and apply for EI?) but I'm not sure what order to do everything in, or what else I need to do? I assume I have to let Ontario know I don't qualify for OHIP anymore and change my addresses on everything to my mom's address and... I'm sure there are a million things I'm missing.

Thanks!!!

Hi!

Congratulations for your approval!
I posted a similar question a couple of weeks ago so you might want to check the following post:
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=115754

Yohann

Thanks Yohann. I tried searching but with words like 'moving' or 'checklist' almost every post comes up!

I remember posting my own moving list in the Canada forum, but can't remember the title of the thread. Here's some important things:

1. hire movers/loaders, etc. UPack is an excellent option.
2. Close bank accounts, checking ,etc.
3. Advise Canada Post of change of address
4. Let OHIP know you're bye bye starting on "X" date.
5. Cancel all services -cable, phone, cellphone, etc.
6. Pack, purge, move!!!!

- get some letter from your auto insurance (to prove experience)
- i wonder also about getting your credit reports.... if it's any usefull when you will want to open an acount

I'm pretty sure that OHIP is still good for up to 2 years after leaving the country. At least that's what my friends who have gone away for school or work have told me. It might be different in this situation.

One should contact the provincial health coverage provider and declare non-residency starting the end of the month in which one leaves Canada. Eg., my departure date is April 5th, I am paying BC Health Insurance for the whole month of April. As of May 1st they declare me non-resident effective immediately.

Fyi: most agencies require a two-week notice of termination/non-residency. Some need it a month in advance. As soon as you know the date you will leave, contact them. And you know what? Call them back a week later JUST TO MAKE SURE they have updated their system. I never take chances with dealing with just one personnel. Experience has taught me to always follow-up. With another personnel on a different date!

^^ That makes me sad - I want to keep seeing my Canadian Dr. when I go home to visit cause I really like her But I guess I'm not allowed then.


Another thing I just thought of: I would get another debit card made, so you can give it to a family member to deposit cheques or money into your Canadian account in necessary.