⚖️ Legal must-dos

Have a U.S. status that allows you to live and work (for example TN, L-1, E-2, H-1B or a green card) before you start working.

If you're visiting, stay within your authorized time (usually up to 6 months) and register with the U.S. government if your stay is longer than 30 days and you're not already registered.

Carry your passport, visa or approval documents, job letter and proof of qualifications when you cross.

File a final Canadian return with your departure date; report deemed dispositions and file Form T1161 if your property is worth more than $25,000.

File U.S. returns once you're a U.S. tax resident (green card or substantial presence test). Snowbirds claiming non-residency file Form 8840.

File an FBAR if your non-U.S. accounts total more than $10,000 at any time in the year once you're a U.S. person.

Apply for a Social Security number once you're authorized to work.

Declare your household goods to CBP; use Form 3299 for shipments that arrive separately.

Import a car only if it meets EPA and DOT rules; dogs need a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Never bring cannabis.

Get a state licence and register your car by your state's deadline (for example, 20 days to register in California).

Get U.S. coverage (employer plan or Marketplace Special Enrollment Period); your provincial plan stops covering you once you're no longer a resident.

Have Canadian permanent residence or a work permit before you start working (Express Entry, PNP, CUSMA work permit, PGWP or sponsorship).

As a visitor, stay within the period the border officer gives you (normally up to 6 months).

Carry your passport, work permit approval or Confirmation of Permanent Residence, and job offer when you cross.

U.S. citizens and green card holders keep filing U.S. returns on worldwide income, plus FBAR for Canadian accounts over $10,000 combined.

File Canadian returns as a resident from the date you establish residential ties, reporting worldwide income from that date.

Apply for a Social Insurance Number before you start work.

List all your goods on Form BSF186 at your first entry, including goods to follow. Report CAN$10,000+ in cash.

For a car: check admissibility, get a recall clearance, give U.S. Customs 72 hours' notice before export, and finish the RIV process within 45 days.

Check whether the ban on non-Canadian buyers applies to you (scheduled to end January 1, 2027) and budget for provincial foreign buyer taxes (Ontario NRST, B.C. additional tax).

Exchange your U.S. licence by your province's deadline (for example, 60 days in Ontario, 90 days in B.C.).

Apply for your provincial health card as soon as you arrive; cover any waiting period (B.C., Québec and others) with private insurance.