❓ Moving FAQ

Not as a visitor. You can't work for a local employer in either country without the right status. Most people line up a job offer and status (or permanent residence) first.

Official source: IRCC: explore immigration programs ↗

Canadian visitors can usually stay up to 6 months, and you state your intended stay at entry. Visitors staying longer than 30 days must also be registered with the U.S. government. Staying longer than allowed means applying to USCIS.

Official source: Government of Canada: United States travel advice ↗

Normally up to 6 months. The border officer decides and can give you less.

Official source: IRCC: how long visitors can stay ↗

TN is a work status for Canadian and Mexican citizens in listed professions under USMCA. You need a job offer from a U.S. employer and the required degree or credentials. Canadians can apply at a U.S. port of entry without a visa. Canadian permanent residents who aren't citizens can't use it.

Official source: U.S. State Dept: visas for USMCA professional workers ↗

No. Provincial nominee programs, work permits (including under CUSMA), studying and then getting a post-graduation work permit, and family sponsorship are other common routes.

Official source: IRCC: explore immigration programs ↗

Sometimes. It depends on the route: some statuses let a spouse work and some don't. In Canada, for example, some spouses being sponsored can apply for an open work permit. Check your exact route.

Official source: IRCC: sponsor your spouse, partner or child ↗

In the year you move you usually file in both. Afterwards, U.S. citizens keep filing U.S. returns wherever they live. The tax treaty and foreign tax credits are meant to prevent paying full tax twice on the same income.

Official source: IRS Publication 597: U.S.–Canada tax treaty ↗

When you stop being a Canadian resident, you're treated as having sold certain property (like many investments) at market value, and you may owe tax on the gain. Canadian real estate and RRSPs are among the exceptions.

Official source: CRA: dispositions of property for emigrants ↗

You can usually keep both. U.S. tax on RRSP growth is generally deferred until you withdraw. A TFSA stops building room once you're a non-resident, new contributions are taxed by Canada, and the U.S. may tax its income. Get advice before you move.

Official source: CRA: how non-residency affects your TFSA ↗

Yes, the substantial presence test counts days over three years. If you meet it but spend fewer than 183 days in the U.S. in the year and keep a closer connection to Canada, you can file Form 8840 to stay non-resident.

Official source: IRS: closer connection exception (Form 8840) ↗

A yearly report U.S. persons file when their foreign accounts add up to more than $10,000 at any time in the year. It's due April 15, with an automatic extension to October 15.

Official source: IRS: FBAR (foreign bank account report) ↗

It depends on the province. Ontario has no waiting period; B.C. and Québec have waits of up to about 3 months. Buy private coverage for any gap.

Official source: IRCC: health care in Canada for newcomers ↗

Moving to the U.S. from another country may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period on the ACA Marketplace, so you can sign up outside open enrollment.

Official source: HealthCare.gov: Special Enrollment Periods ↗

Generally no. Credit bureaus keep separate records in each country. Some lenders will consider a foreign credit report, so bring a copy, and start building local credit early.

Official source: FCAC: credit report and score basics ↗

In Canada, you can open a basic account with original ID; you don't need a job or a deposit. In the U.S., many banks ask for an SSN or ITIN, so check with the bank first.

Official source: FCAC: opening a bank account ↗

Most non-Canadians can't buy homes in and around cities until the ban ends, which is currently scheduled for January 1, 2027. Exceptions include permanent residents, some work-permit holders and spouses buying with a Canadian. Check the CMHC page for any change.

Official source: CMHC: Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act ↗

In some provinces, yes. Ontario charges a 25% Non-Resident Speculation Tax province-wide, and B.C. charges a 20% additional property transfer tax in specified regions.

Official source: Ontario: Non-Resident Speculation Tax ↗

Yes, there's no national ban. Expect stricter mortgage terms without U.S. credit, and when you later sell as a foreign person the buyer generally withholds 15% for the IRS (FIRPTA).

Official source: IRS: FIRPTA withholding ↗

Usually not, if you're moving there and the goods are used and declared properly. In Canada list everything, including goods to follow, on Form BSF186 at your first entry.

Official source: CBSA Memorandum D2-2-1: settlers' effects ↗

Often, but check first. U.S. → Canada goes through the RIV program and needs a recall clearance. Canada → U.S. requires the car to meet EPA and DOT standards. Sometimes selling is simpler.

Official source: Transport Canada: importing vehicles bought in the U.S. ↗

No. Taking cannabis across the border is illegal in both directions, even with a medical authorization.

Official source: CBSA: crossing the border with cannabis is illegal ↗

Into the U.S.: at least 6 months old, microchipped, healthy, with a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Into Canada: requirements depend on the dog's age; use CFIA's pet tool.

Official source: CDC: dogs entering the U.S. ↗

Usually, within a deadline. Ontario lets you drive on a U.S. licence for 60 days and exchanges U.S. licences; B.C. gives 90 days. U.S. states each set their own rules for Canadian licences.

Official source: Ontario: exchange an out-of-province licence ↗

Get your ID number (SIN or SSN), open a bank account, get a local phone number, apply for your health card or confirm insurance, and keep all your status documents safe.

Official source: Service Canada: apply for a Social Insurance Number ↗