Moving to the US Summary List/ Canadian Immigration Guide

[Captain Ewok 1,857]

Please see the following Wiki page for the Canada Immigration Guide:

http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/Canada

[Krikit 1,163]

Some useful links:

Cross Border Taxes

Dual Citizenship - What Travellers Should Know

Becoming an American Citizen - A Moral Dilemma

Digital Fingerprinting

Importing Your Vehicle

Importing Your Vehicle - Quick Links

Shipping Your Belongings

Hotel Reviews - Montreal

Parking in Montreal

Visitation FAQ's

Moving to the US - CBP FAQ's

CPP & OAS Pension, Canada/US Treaty and what it means to you

Proving domicile when not living in the U.S.

Canadian Police Certificate for Those Who Are Inside Canada

Canadian Police Certificate for Those Outside Who Are Outside Canada

Passport Thread

Kathryn's Pre-Departure List

Know Before You Go

Grocery Items Unavailable in the US and Comparable Items

Establishing Domicile and Reestablishing Domicile for Americans Living in Canada

How to Transfer $$$ Between Countries

DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program

Documents Required by Canadians and How Long Can They Stay?

Name Change in Canada after Marriage

Immigrating to Canada

Moving to Canada and Bringing Your Belongings

Non-US Citizens and Wills

Edited April 3, 2011 by Krikit

[Beth and John 7]

This has some very useful information! Thank you!

However, I got a great giggle out of the grocery items that you cannot get in the US. There are quite a few items on there that are indeed available in multiple regions of the US, i.e. KitKat candy and Oreo Cookies. At every grocery store I have ever been to and I've lived in Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Colorado, and Michigan. Maybe it is just limited regionally?

Again, very useful list! Thanks for putting it together!

[Krikit 1,163]

Thanks!

Yes, there are a few places you can get some of the items. Keep in mind, however, that the majority of the listed items may be available in the US, but they're not made with the same ingredients. There are US versions and Canadian/British versions and they taste completely different.

[soonenough 1]

Hey new on here but i just wanted to put out there that on the list of things the U.S. does not have one is wrong.. and that is the beloved TIM HORTONS. AS MY WIFE LOVES THEIR COFFEE:) They have TIMS here but they are normally in the midwest. Deffinatly IN OHIO.. and just for your knowledge that an XL cup in the US is bigger than the one in CANADA. Just put that out there for you TIMMIES lovers MOVE TO OHIO around the COLUMBUS AREA if you are a DIE HARD TIM LOVER LIKE MY WIFE LOL:)

[Flames9_RN 358]

Welcome to VJ! Believe me, Tim Hortons has been covered to death on the Cdn forum,lol I'm one of its biggest supporters! RI has them, but I actually dont care for the TImmys in the USA, just doesn't taste the same to me, probably a different cream. Merry xmas and welcome to VJ

[coldwatersurf 5]

I dont see MISS VICKIES chips on the list. dear god i have looked for these chips and the only thing that comes close to it is "kettle" chips. My Canuck friends visited on December and they brought 3 grocery bag full of miss vickies chips and my parents brough 2 more grocery bags of them. My husbad told me that they could not be that special until he and his friend tried them and it is very addicting. they finished 1+ bag of the chips each and they are not the small bags. LOL

[Krikit 1,163]

Updated!

[Dot 0]

If the beneficiary resides in Alberta (Edmonton) are they going Montreal or Vancouver Consulate?

[Malrothien 6]

For K1/K3: Vancouver

For CR1/IR1: Montreal

[M613 6]

I know this is important to me (and I didn't see it... maybe it's here-heh), so I thought I'd contribute:

VOTING FOR CANADIANS LIVING OUTSIDE OF CANADA

Edited August 18, 2010 by M613

[Pauley 2]

I know this is important to me (and I didn't see it... maybe it's here-heh), so I thought I'd contribute:

VOTING FOR CANADIANS LIVING OUTSIDE OF CANADA

I tried a sample questionnaire, filling it out as my wife would. Most folks here would likely be disqualified from voting for the same reason she is:

To qualify to vote, you must intend to return to Canada to resume residence in the future.

Reference: Paragraph 222(1)( c ), Canada Elections Act

Voting abroad procedures are in place to allow Canadian residents to be able to vote while away on business or vacation. People who have immigrated outside of Canada typically don't intend to return, and are thus deemed ineligible to vote in Canadian elections.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I've gone through and tried to make an overall summary list of what to do and who to tell about your move to the US as an immigrant. Please feel free to add information to this list from your own experiences. I've included links at the bottom of this post to useful threads already posted on Visa Journey (and borrowed heavily from them to make this list: ). Hopefully this topic can be pinned as this question arises often.

Who to notify -re change of address or closing accounts

Personal
family doctor - also get copies of medical records for new doctor or permission to transfer files directly
Veterinarian- get copies of pet's medical records and make sure up to date on vaccinations
dentist - get copies of dental records or permission to transfer directly
Insurance - life and car - cancel -may get rebate - update with spouse's name if keeping
landlord - (usually 2 months notice required)
cleaning services - arrange final clean of premises after you leave and cancellation
Utilities - heat, gas, hydro, water/sewage -change of address and final account payment/closing
telephone provider - change of address and final account payment/closing
internet service provider - change of address and final account payment/closing
magazine subscriptions- change of address and any change in mailing costs
club memberships -change of address
Air miles plan -change of address
affinity cards - points cards for groceries, office supplies, etc. - change of address
sponsored children or any charities you support - change of address

Government
Canada Post - paid change of address for one year
Canada Revenue Agency - notify in writing of change of address and date leaving country re GST and CTB. (not eligible for either after leaving Canada)
Provincial Health Plan - not eligible after giving up Provincial residency
SIN -change of address
Canada Pension Plan - change of address (you will still get benefits when you retire if you have contributed) - add Spouse's name
passport -make sure it will be valid for a while or get a new one
Driver's License -keep and check driving requirements on your Cdn license in your new state
Car registration/sell car -notify DMV of change of address or sell car if not importing
Elections Canada - notify of change of address - you will need to notify Elections Canada of your out of country address so you can receive a special ballot in order to vote in any upcoming elections.

Employment
-notify employer of change of address
-give appropriate length notice
-obtain Record of Employment (ROE) from Employer as may be eligible for EI benefits
-obtain Letters of Reference for US Job search - US employer unlikely to call Canada
-get statement from employer's health insurance provider listing dates of coverage, especially if you have pre-existing condition, as US provider will require proof of previous -coverage to allow coverage of pre-existing condition (usually a one year wait period otherwise)
-pension plan or retirement benefits - may have to make electives from available options

Taxes
-employer - change of address for T-4s
-CRA - change of address in writing to mail you appropriate tax forms for exit taxes
-investments, etc - change of address for appropriate tax schedules/forms
-notify accountant of change of address

Vehicle
-decide if meets requirements for import and sell if not
-get compliance letter from manufacturer
-obtain/verify insurance to cover you until car is registered and insured in US
-contact lien holder and ensure they allow vehicle to leave Canada
-check into vehicle registration requirements in new state
-notify DMV of change of address - may be rebate if plates returned

Moving your Animals and Plants
-veterinary certificates/proof of rabies - bring copies of pets medical records; have food and travelling supplies for pet
-CITES certificates (birds and reptiles) -make sure you can import an exotic pet and have appropriate forms - CITES may be required
-Phyto-sanitary certificates (houseplants) - inspection within 2 weeks prior to moving by CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)

Financial Concerns
-bank change of address - set up accounts to monitor online, keep one account open for CRA direct deposit; of refunds
-have to notify IRS of foreign accounts over $10,000 http://www.irs.gov/p...-pdf/f90221.pdf
-RRSP - decide what to do and notify change of address
-Employment retirement plans -change of address and choose from listed options from provider
-any loans - make arrangements to continue payments
-notify brokers re: investments -change of address
-credit cards - Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, Canadian Tire, gas cards, store cards, etc -change of address, no need to cancel
-obtain copies of Canadian credit report - you will have no credit in the US and they won't check Canadian sources so bring them with you - may help

Customs
-be aware of restrictions and dispose of items you can't import or don't want to import (alcohol, firearms, etc.)

Miscellaneous
-have friend or family monitor mail box to ensure mail is being forwarded or collected
-locate and bring important personal documents - school records, degrees, awards, accomplishments, birth certificates/baptismal certificates for self and children; court documents
-bring a telephone directory from your Canadian city
-University Transcripts - get copies
-University Alumni - notify of change of address
-Driver's Abstract - get copy (may be required for licensing in new state)

Useful links to other discussion on this topic:
http://www.visajourn...03#entry3288403

http://www.visajourn...0

Edited July 10, 2014 by Kathryn41

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Two useful posts from other threads:

Southern Canadian Posted 02 July 2008 - 04:29 PM Hello everyone.. hope that you've all had a good day so far

As most of you know, my big move to the US will be on July 19.. which is coming up very quickly. I've searched the forums on VJ and gathered a list of things that need to be done before moving to the States. But I had a question about a few things. I noticed that I need to contact Canada Post, Canada Revenue Agency, The Ministry of Transportation and Ontario Health. The question is.. when should I be making those calls? Now?? The day before?? Or after I move?? Also, when I call each place, what exactly am I calling to inform them of? I know I call Canada Post to inform them of my new address and Ontario Health to let them know that I will no longer need it. When I call the Ministry of Transportation, is it to cancel my Canadian drivers license? I sure hope not, because I'll be driving to the US with all of my stuff. And my last question is, are there any other people/places that you think I might need to contact to inform them of my move or are those four the main ones, aside from cell phone company, visa, master card, etc.

Below is a list that I have gathered from past forums. Maybe it can be of help to someone else who is preparing for their move to the States:

- A copy of your letter of experience from your car insurance agent (you might be able to get good rate from a US insurer with this)

- A copy of your drivers abstract from the DMV

- Getting official university transcripts

- Get a copy of your medical records from your family doctor and dentist for your new US physician's records

- Close any bank accounts that you do not intend to use after you cross the border. (Some banks may not close your account if you are not there in person.)

- For any bank accounts that you do wish to keep open in Canada, try to get online access

- If you are going to be added to your partner's insurance, get a statement from your current insurer in Canada that you are covered from (beginning date) to (end date) - especially if there is any sort of a pre-existing health situation - some insurers need proof of continuing insurance coverage if you want to get immediate coverage without a waiting period

- Notify all utilities or regular account billers (ie. hydro, internet, phone, insurance, etc.) of date of last service and new address to send last bill on account and KEEP PHOTOCOPIES of all of these notifications

- Notify Canada Revenue Agency of new address - especially if you receive GST credit since any money paid after you cross the border will have to be repaid and to receive the tax package for the year that you leave

- Keep at least one Canadian account open if you are expecting a refund from CRA next tax year as it makes it easy for direct deposit

- Notify credit card holders of new address and if necessary, close accounts

- Obtain copy of Canadian Credit report - may or may not be accepted in the US but could be useful if applying for car loan jointly, etc.

http://canadian-cred...rt.com/free.htm I called the number that they give on that site and got my free credit report within a week of calling.

- Change mailing address with Canada Post

- Set aside important documents - school records, family photogaphs, personal achievements, correspondence, health records, receipts for warrantied appliances or proof of purchase for items being moved to the US. (Include serial numbers for electronics), plus last 7 years income tax records in case of audit, and bring; prepare a photocopy of every identification document - credit cards, birth certificate, SIN card, bank cards, etc. along with contact addresses and put copy in with important documents

- Decide what to do with RRSPs and non-locked-in employment pensions

- Notify Canada Pension Plan office of new address

- Notify Provincial health insurance of date leaving Canada

- Get Record of Employment from employer as may be eligible to apply for Employment Insurance once in US

- If you can, bring a telephone directory from your Canadian city with you in case you needs to look up numbers after you leaves. Arrange with friend or neighbour to check former residence after you leaves to verify mail, etc. isn't being left at old address

- Leave new mailing address with same neighbour. If possible, try to pay off any outstanding debts prior to moving, but if not, definitely contact debt holders and make arrangements to keep paying on debts (ie. student loans, credit card bills, etc.). Use up any bonus points left on credit or account cards (Petropoints or Shoper Drugmart points, etc.); donate items to Good Will and receive income tax receipt for charitable deduction

- Contact your employment references before you leave the country and ask them to write you a letter of recommendation that you can include with your resume and job applications in the US. It is unlikely a potential employer will contact someone outside of the country for references so try to make it as easy as possible for them to get those references. They may choose to follow up a really good reference with a call, if you make the short list but having the reference in front of them makes it easier for them to want to hire you

- Check customs list of banned and restricted items (ie alcohol, firearms, tobacco, items of ivory/endangered species, lottery tickets, etc.) to make sure you follow the necessary guidelines for allowable amounts and forms.

- Stock up on any food and other items that will be missed in the US. as almost everything is by prescription in the US.

Feel free to add to the list if I have missed something important. Thanks guys!!

Kathryn41: Posted 17 March 2009 - 04:16 PM I found it useful to make up a 'form letter' that contained my old address, my new address, information about the effective date of leaving, effective date of cancelling accounts (utilities, insurance, phone, etc.), then leaving a space where I would write in the account number and the name of the recipient (hydro company, ISP provider, etc.). I made photocopies of each completed form, then sent them either enclosed with the bill or to a separate address if the bill said 'do not send mail'. It made it much easier to notify everyone and proved useful when the cable company insisted I didn't notify them and wanted to charge me an extra 3 months worth of bills. I sent them the photocopy of the notice that was sent with the cheque and the bank statement showing the date the cheque was cashed. They backed down. I also got refunds on my last telephone bill and my different insurances so that was nice.

Get copies of your medical records from your doctor and a letter from your employer's health coverage verifying that you are insured so you can provide it if requested by your new medical insurer. If you have any prescriptions see if you can get several months worth filled before you move as it may take some time to get into see a US doctor to get a US prescription (Yes, there are long wait times in the US too!).

Have a neighbour still check your mailbox of your old apartment or house even though you send a change of address notification to Canada Post. They 'missed' re-directing a months worth of my mail and my neighbour collected it for me and sent it to me. I did get a refund from Canada Post for the non-redirected mail but it was a nuisance. Having someone check as a precaution is a good idea.

[Team Katman 9]

Excellent, and extremely useful, post! Thanks for doing this, Kathryn!