U.S. Departure Checklist for Moving to Canada

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Making the move from the U.S. to Canada requires careful planning. Here’s a streamlined departure checklist to guide your transition smoothly and stress-free: U.S. Departure Checklist for Moving to Canada.

Before You Move

Additionally, using a thorough departure checklist will ensure you don’t overlook any important details.

- Determine your Immigration Path – You need to be a citizen or have a valid immigration Visa to be able to live, work, and have provincial health coverage in Canada. Meet with an immigration attorney to ensure your immigration plans will meet your goals.
- Pre-move Consultation with a Cross-Border Specialist – Meet with a cross-border specialist to discuss pre-move tax planning such as:
  - Rearranging your assets to take advantage of income splitting in CanadaPre-move Roth conversionsQuantify your projected tax liability in CanadaReview tax filing requirements in Canada and the U.S. (dates, forms, etc.)
- Gather Essential Documents – Make sure to gather and keep in a safe, accessible place:
  - Passports
  - Immigration documents (Visas, Work Permit, Etc.)
  - Travel itinerary
  - Airline tickets
  - Prescriptions
  - Packing lists
  - Pet vaccination records a bill of health from veterinarian
- Explore Moving Company Options – These will vary by area. Moving companies may not service the pick-up and drop-off addresses. Scheduling can be tricky, so start early.

By following a departure checklist, you can better prepare for any potential challenges.

- Prepare to Import your Vehicle – Check the RIV to check your vehicle’s eligibility. You will also have to prove that your vehicle meets the safety and emissions standards for Canada. This documentation will have to come from the manufacturer and it can be difficult to get.
- Plan for Pets to Enter Canada – Check our blog for more information.

A well-structured departure checklist is essential for ensuring all necessary documents are ready.

- Prepare for the Importation of any Firearms or Alcohol
  - Alcohol
  - Firearms
- Refill Prescriptions – You will not have provincial healthcare for 3-mionths in most cases. Make sure you have enough of your prescriptions to last that long or make arrangements for refills.

Ensuring you have your medications listed in your departure checklist can alleviate stress during your move.

- Research the cost of living in your new home to avoid surprises
- Sign up for Social Security Online – Create your Social Security account while still residing in the U.S. at www.ssa.gov/benefits/forms/. A U.S. address is required for account setup, and dealing with Social Security from Canada can be more complex.

Your departure checklist should also cover how to set up your Social Security account from Canada.

- Manage Personal Belongings and Customs – Create a detailed inventory of personal belongings, including their values. Including pictures of the contents of sealed boxes can be helpful. Create two copies of the list, one for yourself and one for customs. This ensures duty-free and tax-free importation. For more details, visit the Canada Border Services Agency website.

Make sure your departure checklist includes all relevant customs information for a smooth transition.

After You Move