Moving from Canada to the US: Cross-Border Guide
Visa & Immigration Requirements
Before planning the logistics of your move, ensure your US immigration status is in order. Common visa categories for Canadians relocating to the US include the TN visa (NAFTA/CUSMA professionals), H-1B (specialty occupations), L-1 (intracompany transfers), and green cards (permanent residency). Each category has specific rules about what you can bring and how long you can stay.
Canadian citizens entering the US for work don't need a visa stamp in their passport for TN status—it can be obtained at the port of entry. However, having your employer's offer letter, educational credentials, and supporting documents organized is essential. For other visa types, processing times can take months, so factor this into your moving timeline.
Customs Clearance for Household Goods
US Customs and Border Protection requires a detailed inventory of all household goods being imported. You'll need to file CBP Form 3299 (Declaration of Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles) and provide a packing list with descriptions and values. Items owned and used for at least one year are generally exempt from duty.
Restricted items include certain food products (no fresh produce, meat, or dairy), alcohol (limited quantities without duty), firearms (require ATF import permits), and vehicles (must meet EPA and DOT standards). Prescription medications should be in original containers with a doctor's letter. Your moving company should handle customs brokerage or partner with a licensed broker—this typically costs $150–$400.
Timing matters: your household goods must cross the border within a reasonable period of your own entry. If your belongings arrive before you do, they'll be held in a bonded warehouse at your expense. Coordinate delivery dates carefully with your mover.
Cross-Border Moving Costs
Cross-border moves from Canada to the US cost 20–40% more than equivalent domestic distances due to customs brokerage, cross-border insurance, and regulatory compliance. A one-bedroom move from Montreal to a US city within 1,000 km (New York, Boston, Chicago) runs $3,000 to $6,000. Longer routes to cities like Los Angeles or Miami can reach $8,000 to $15,000.
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Insurance is especially important for cross-border moves. Standard mover's liability coverage is minimal—typically $0.60 per pound per article. For a cross-country international move, invest in full-value replacement coverage, which adds $300–$800 to your moving cost but protects against significant losses.
Financial & Administrative Setup in the US
Open a US bank account as soon as possible—many Canadian banks have US affiliates (TD, BMO, RBC) that can pre-arrange accounts. Apply for a Social Security Number at your local SSA office after arrival. You'll need it for employment, banking, and building US credit history.
File a final Canadian tax return for the year of departure and a US tax return for the same year (for income earned after arrival). You may need to file FBAR (FinCEN 114) reports if you maintain Canadian bank accounts exceeding $10,000 USD in aggregate. Consider consulting a cross-border tax specialist—the Canada-US tax treaty prevents double taxation but is complex. Up & Out partners with experienced customs brokers for all Canada-to-US moves—get your free cross-border quote today.
