Things You Wish You'd Thought of Before You Crossed the Border

[Caladan 19]

C. will be moving down (not soon enough!) soon, and we're trying to ensure that we have as smooth a transition as possible into AOS and our life here.

I'm trying to gather a list of things -- paperwork, mostly -- that we will need once he's here, things that might slip through the cracks on a first pass, or that you didn't think of until later.

For example: the paperwork indicating that his car is up to American emissions standards. Not something I would have thought of had I not read it here.

Anything like that? Anything that you found that you needed and wished that you'd done that/ordered the copy/etc before leaving Canada?

Thanks!

[Emancipation 2]

I did take the following, but I don't think it's 100% well known:

Copies of my letters of experience from my insurance agent (to get a good rate from a US insurer) Went back 5 + years

A copy of my drivers abstract from the DMV - both secured us only a 5$ / month increase in my hubby's insurance. YEAH!!

I wish I'd had TD bank as my main banker. In New England they are everywhere. Sneaky Canadians I think that may have helped my banking situation!

Just a couple of things

[together2love 0]

Getting official university transcripts and medical records from your family doctor.

[Knobby_Wheezer 0]

---and dentist

[Asamu 0]

Close any bank accounts that you do not intend to use after you cross the border.

Some of banks would not close your account if you are not there personally.

It will save you a trip back!

[Colin Wilson 0]

Close any bank accounts that you do not intend to use after you cross the border.

Some of banks would not close your account if you are not there personally.

It will save you a trip back!

Here are some interesting Links I found

http://www.americanlaw.com/ustxperm.html

Dont forget to get a Letter from Your bank

[Kathryn41 3,205]

If you are going to add him to your insurance, get a statement from his current insurer in Canada that he is 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; get copies of medical tests and reports from doctor and dentist for new US physician's records; set up any bank accounts he is keeping open with an online access; 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 (I made up a form letter that I filled in the account number and 'last date' and had to prove to cable company date of receipt) - there may be refunds available on things like insurances; notify Canada Revenue Agency of new address - especially if he receives GST credit since any monies paid after he crosses the border will have to be repaid, plus to receive tax package for year he leaves at new address; keep at least one Canadian account open if he is 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.; change mailing address with Canada Post (needs to be done about 1 month prior to date of move); 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; bring a telephone directory from his Canadian city with him in case he needs to look up numbers after he leaves. If he is bringing pets, get a copy of their medical record from the vet. Arrange with friend or neighbour to check former residence after he leaves to verify mail, etc. isn't being left at old address (I had this happen even though Canada Post had change of address filed - got a refund on the fee to cover the 6 weeks they failed to redirect mail - but wouldn't have known if my next door neighbour hadn't sent the mail to me); 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.

Edited April 4, 2007 by Kathryn41

[Caladan 19]

Wow! Thanks. This is a great list.

[piosenka 0]

omgosh kathryn! <3 You are a doll for typing that all out! I think your statement there should be formatted to an official checklist! I'm doing that right now and send it to my fiance. This thread is great! Maybe sticky material?

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Thanks:-).

Something I did forget to arrange before hand and had to do long distance -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;

If you want to bring special houseplants to the States, you can as long as they have a phytosanitary certificate issued from the Canadian Food and Inspection Agency - check the blue pages in the phone book. The certificate which lists all plants on it costs under $20 - don't remember the exact fee; they have to physically inspect the plants to verify disease and pest free;

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;

If you are hiring someone to clean your apartment after you move out, (often necessary to get your deposit back) check to make sure how they want payment - the cleaners I hired wanted cash - so I had to make arrangements with my neighbour to leave the money and the apartment key with her and for them to pick them up from her who then turned the key over to the landlord. Make sure your landlord knows your new address to send you back your deposit or any monies owed to you.

Edited April 5, 2007 by Kathryn41

[mozplay 28]

I wished I had stocked up on a year's supply of NeoStrata facial cleanser. My poor face hates me for not doing so.

Mo

[Flames9_RN 358]

One time coming back from Saskatoon, my big suitcase was 90% filled with Scotties toilet paper!! I hated the TP here, until I found the Costco stuff!! And of course going through Toronto to DC they searcgh every bag!! The screener just gave me a weird look!! lol

[piosenka 0]

You don't have Scotties TP where you live? I thought they sold that stuff everywhere!

[Flames9_RN 358]

Haven't seen it in the DC area

[piosenka 0]

I think I confused your Scotties TP with our Scott tissue TP http://www.scottbrand.com/us/products/tissue/index.asp Silly me :x