Severing ties with Canada + Tax Info

[jonilui 9]

Hello! Here's a rundown of my timeline:

K1 Visa issued: May 15, 2015

Entered U.S.: June 28, 2015

EAD: Nov 11, 2015

Date of U.S. Employment: Jan 13, 2016

Green Card Issued: Jan 29, 2016

I've been holding off on severing ties with Canada (lived in Toronto) just in case things didn't work out here in the U.S. Now that it is time to file Canadian taxes and it's asking me questions about whether my marital status has changed and my life has finally settled down, I'm unsure of how to go about doing things. I still have a bank account in Canada that I will keep open indefinitely. I have not cancelled my health card, driver's licence, or anything else.

Can someone advise what my steps are here? How do I report exactly to Canada that I've left - do I change my address on my driver's licence and health care to my U.S. address? Since I still have a bank account, I'm assuming this means I still have residential ties? How do I file taxes? Just like regular? Or do I need to fill in other forms. Also do I need to tell Canada I've gotten married?

Sorry, lots of questions, but if anyone can provide detailed insight as to what my next steps are to make sure I don't get in any legal trouble, that would be great!

Edited April 6, 2016 by jonilui

[Exocet 88]

Are you actually married now?

You are not living in Canada, so you are not entitled to health care anymore.

When you were married, you should have informed the CRA within a specified time frame. I forget what it is now, but you can look it up on their website. When you do your taxes this year, you have to check the box that says you ceased to be a permanent resident.

Since you are now a resident in the us, you should get a driver's license for the state you live in. Each state has different requirements for this. Look it up on the DMV website for your state.

[jonilui 9]

Yes I am married now. That's what I mean by being established - I have drivers license, bank account, health insurance, etc. All I'm keeping in Canada is my bank account.

I just kind of got carried away with things and was waiting until I got my green card to sever my ties with Canada.

I just need someone to list what I need to do right now.

[NikLR 13,227]

Actually once you moved you ceased to be a resident of Canada.

File your exit taxes. You don't have to do anything with your driver's license or health card. Get a US driver's license.

Give your bank your new address.

[oncefuturealien 45]

Yes I still have an account in Canada, but they have my new address here.

[jonilui 9]

Thanks for the help.

Trying to file taxes but am very confused about it. I still have canadian bank account and credit cards. Also, I am keeping my Canadian passport. Am I non-resident, resident, non-resident s216, s217, deemed resident?

My marital status changed after I moved to the U.S. obviously, but it says I can't file my taxes through online or programs. I have to mail it in?

Edited April 9, 2016 by jonilui

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Yes you must mail it

[NikLR 13,227]

You are a non-resident for Canadian Tax purposes from the date you entered the USA with your visa.

[NikLR 13,227]

You are a Canadian citizen and as such are always entitled to a Canadian passport. You must have one at least until you become a US citizen and even then it's beneficial to continue to keep it if only for visiting Canada.