Moving guide · both directions · official sources

Moving between Canada and the USA

What you legally need, what to do first, and the questions everyone asks. Written in plain language, with a link to the official source for every rule.

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The move in 7 steps

  1. Status to live and work, the documents you need, tax filings when you leave and arrive, customs declarations and deadlines. Read this first.
  2. Visitors can't simply move in. You need a visa, work permit or permanent residence before you start a job.
  3. Leaving one country and arriving in another changes your tax residency, and some rules apply on the day you go.
  4. Some provinces make newcomers wait for public coverage, and U.S. plans have enrollment windows.
  5. Household goods, cars and pets all have customs paperwork. Some cars aren't worth importing.
  6. Compare cities, then rent or buy. Check if you're allowed to buy and which extra taxes apply.
  7. ID numbers, bank account, phone, driver's licence, doctor and schools in your first 90 days.
Step-by-step guide

🇨🇦 Canada → USA 🇺🇸

TN and other visas, leaving Canada for tax, U.S. health insurance, importing your car, and your first 90 days.

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🇺🇸 USA → Canada 🇨🇦

Express Entry and work permits, the foreign-buyer ban, provincial health waits, the RIV car program, and your first 90 days.

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Topics

Read the FAQ ›

Legal must-dos

Every legal obligation for each direction, in one list.

Visas & work

Your legal right to live and work: TN, H-1B, green cards, Express Entry, work permits.

Taxes

Tax residency, departure tax, the treaty, FBAR, and what happens to your RRSP, TFSA and 401(k).

Health care

Provincial waiting periods, U.S. coverage options and covering the gap.

Money & credit

Banking, starting a new credit file, cross-border accounts and exchange rates.

Buying or renting

Canada's foreign-buyer ban, provincial foreign buyer taxes, FIRPTA and newcomer mortgages.

Bringing your stuff

Customs for household goods, cars, pets, firearms and cannabis.

Driving

Exchanging your licence, deadlines, and keeping your insurance history.

Settling in

SIN or SSN, phone, schools, cost of living and weather.

FAQ

Short answers to the questions people ask most.

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Before you move checklist

Canada → USA

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General information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change; confirm with the official source or a licensed professional.
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Last checked: October 2026

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