Moving from the US to Canada: Your Complete Relocation Guide
Important Disclaimer: Canadian immigration requirements, work permit processes, costs, tax regulations, and other information reflect general conditions as of early 2025 and are subject to change. Immigration requirements vary by individual circumstances and program. Always verify current requirements with official Canadian government sources (IRCC), consulates, and licensed immigration consultants or attorneys. Tax information is general only - consult with cross-border tax professionals for advice specific to your situation. Cost estimates are approximate. International Van Lines is a moving company and does not provide immigration, legal, or tax advice.
When Sarah’s tech company offered her a transfer to their Toronto office, she figured moving to Canada would be simple. Same language, similar culture, right next door—how different could it be?
Three months into the process, Sarah had dealt with work permit applications, vehicle import regulations, tax implications she didn’t understand, and discovering that healthcare works completely differently than she expected. The move wasn’t complicated exactly, but it required navigating systems and processes Americans don’t typically think about.
Thousands of Americans move to Canada every year for work, family, or lifestyle reasons. The move is definitely more straightforward than relocating to most countries, but it’s not as simple as moving between US states. Let’s walk through everything you need to know.
Immigration Pathways
You can’t just move to Canada. You need legal authorization to live and work there. Several pathways exist depending on your situation.
Work Permits
If a Canadian company is hiring you, they typically handle the work permit process. But understanding how it works helps.
The company needs a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases. This document proves no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the job. Getting an LMIA takes time and effort from the employer.
Some positions are LMIA-exempt under NAFTA/USMCA (now CUSMA in Canada). Certain professional categories allow easier work permits for Americans.
Your work permit is employer-specific. If you change jobs, you need a new work permit. Some work permits include “open work permit” provisions allowing job changes, but most don’t.
Spouses of work permit holders can usually get open work permits allowing them to work for any employer.
Processing times vary but typically run 2-4 months. Apply well before your intended move date.
Express Entry (Permanent Residency)
Express Entry is Canada’s points-based immigration system for skilled workers seeking permanent residency.
You create a profile, and candidates are ranked based on age, education, work experience, language ability, and other factors. The highest-scoring candidates receive invitations to apply for permanent residency.
Advantages: Permanent residency provides more flexibility than work permits. You can work for any employer and access healthcare immediately.
Disadvantages: The process takes longer (6-12 months typically) and requires high scores to receive invitations. Not everyone qualifies.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Individual provinces have their own immigration programs targeting specific skills or industries they need.
If you have skills in demand in a particular province, that province can nominate you for permanent residency, giving you additional points in Express Entry or providing a separate pathway.
Family Sponsorship
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor immediate family members for permanent residency. If you’re married to a Canadian or have close family who are Canadian permanent residents, this pathway might work.
Processing takes 12-18 months typically. The sponsor must prove they can financially support you.
Study Permits
Coming to Canada for university or college requires a study permit. Many people use this as a pathway to eventual permanent residency—study in Canada, get work experience through post-graduation work permits, then apply for permanent residency.
Importing Your Vehicle
Many Americans ship their vehicles to Canada. The process involves specific steps and requirements.
Vehicle Admissibility
Not all vehicles can be imported. The vehicle must meet Canadian safety and emissions standards.
Vehicles manufactured for the North American market usually comply. Check the manufacturer’s label on the driver’s side door frame. If it says the vehicle complies with Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS), you’re good.
Vehicles less than 15 years old require modifications to meet Canadian standards if they don’t already comply. This might include daytime running lights, child tether anchors, or different labeling.
Some vehicles can’t be imported at all if they don’t meet safety standards and can’t be modified.
The Import Process
Contact the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) before importing. They’ll tell you if your vehicle is admissible and what modifications are required.
You’ll need:
- Vehicle title in your name
- Bill of sale or proof of ownership
- Recall clearance letter from manufacturer (proving all recalls have been completed)
- Payment for RIV registration fee (around CAD $195)
At the border, present your documents to customs. You’ll declare the vehicle and pay any applicable duties.
GST (Goods and Services Tax) of 5% applies to the vehicle’s value. Some provinces add PST (Provincial Sales Tax) on top.
Most used vehicles owned for at least a year don’t face import duties under CUSMA, but verify your specific situation.
After crossing the border, you have 45 days to complete RIV inspection at a Canadian Tire or designated facility. The inspection verifies your vehicle meets Canadian standards and any required modifications are completed.
Once inspection is complete, you can register the vehicle in your province and get Canadian plates.
Should You Import or Buy Canadian?
Consider the math. If your vehicle is common in Canada, selling it in the US and buying similar in Canada might be simpler than importing.
If your vehicle is uncommon in Canada or you have a special attachment to it, importing makes sense.
Factor in:
- Vehicle value difference between US and Canada
- Import process costs and hassle
- Your time dealing with the process
- Whether you own the vehicle outright (can’t import with liens)
Importing Your Household Goods
Bringing your belongings into Canada requires completing customs declarations, but the process is relatively straightforward compared to most countries.
Customs Requirements
Complete Form BSF186 (Personal Effects Accounting Document) before arriving in Canada. This form lists all items you’re importing.
Items must be for personal use. You’re moving to Canada to live, not importing goods for commercial sale.
Most personal effects and household goods import duty-free if you’ve owned them before moving. New items purchased immediately before moving might face duties and GST.
Prohibited items include firearms (without proper permits), some agricultural products, and illegal goods. Alcohol and tobacco have quantity limits—exceeding them requires paying duties.
The Process
Submit your BSF186 when you first enter Canada as a new resident. Customs will stamp it and return a copy.
You can bring belongings with you or ship them separately. If shipping separately, your belongings can arrive before or after you arrive, but you must complete the BSF186 at your initial entry.
Goods arriving separately need proper shipping documentation. Your moving company should handle most of this, but you’re responsible for customs clearance.
CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) might inspect your shipment. Physical inspections are less common than document reviews, but they happen.
If customs finds issues with your declarations or prohibited items, your shipment gets held until you resolve the situation.
Healthcare
Canada’s universal healthcare system differs dramatically from the US system.
How It Works
Each province runs its own healthcare system. Coverage varies slightly by province, but all provide medically necessary hospital and physician services.
You don’t pay at the point of service for covered services. No bills, no copays, no deductibles for most medical care.
But not everything is covered. Prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and mental health services outside hospitals often aren’t covered by provincial plans.
Many Canadians have supplemental private insurance through employers to cover gaps. Expect to pay $50-150 monthly for family supplemental coverage.
Enrollment
You’re not eligible for provincial healthcare immediately upon arriving. Waiting periods vary:
- Ontario: 3 months
- British Columbia: approximately 3 months via BC Medical Services Plan
- Alberta: 3 months
- Other provinces: varies
During the waiting period, you need private insurance. Expect to pay $150-400 monthly for family coverage during this gap.
Once eligible, enroll in your provincial plan. The process requires your work permit or permanent residency documentation and proof of address.
Some provinces charge monthly premiums (like BC). Others fund healthcare through general taxation without direct premiums.
Quality Compared to US
Canadian healthcare is generally excellent for emergency and serious medical care. Wait times for specialists and elective procedures can be longer than Americans with good US insurance experience.
Primary care access varies. Some areas have doctor shortages, making finding a family doctor difficult.
Overall, most Americans adjust to the Canadian system fine. Not paying thousands in insurance premiums and deductibles offsets longer wait times for non-urgent issues.
Taxes and Financial Considerations
Tax implications of moving to Canada are complex. Consult a cross-border tax accountant before moving.
Canadian Taxes
Canada taxes based on residency. Once you’re a Canadian resident for tax purposes (generally when you establish a home and significant ties), you’re taxed on worldwide income.
Canadian income tax rates are higher than most US states. Federal rates plus provincial rates combine for effective rates ranging from 20-54% depending on income level and province.
But remember, those taxes fund healthcare. Factor in what you’d pay for health insurance in the US when comparing tax burdens.
You’ll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work and file taxes. Apply for it shortly after arriving.
US Tax Obligations
US citizens remain subject to US taxes even when living in Canada. You must file US returns and report worldwide income.
But tax treaties prevent double taxation. You can claim credits for Canadian taxes paid against your US tax liability. Most Americans in Canada end up with minimal or zero US tax due because Canadian taxes are typically higher.
Foreign bank account reporting (FBAR) applies. If your Canadian bank accounts exceed $10,000 total at any time during the year, you must report them to the US Treasury.
Renouncing US citizenship to avoid US tax obligations is extreme and has significant implications. Most dual citizens manage both countries’ requirements fine.
Banking
Open a Canadian bank account as soon as possible. You’ll need it for receiving paychecks, paying bills, and daily life.
Major banks include TD, RBC, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC. Most have packages for newcomers with reduced fees initially.
Maintain at least one US bank account. You’ll need it for US financial obligations and as a backup.
Notify your US banks that you’ll be living in Canada to prevent fraud alerts blocking your cards.
Credit History
Your US credit history doesn’t transfer to Canada. You’re starting fresh with no credit history.
This affects your ability to get credit cards, loans, or mortgages initially. Some banks offer newcomer credit card programs understanding this issue.
Building Canadian credit takes time. Start with a secured credit card if needed, pay on time, and your score improves gradually.
American Express sometimes transfers card membership across borders, maintaining your relationship even as you build Canadian credit.
Cost of Living Comparison
Canada isn’t uniformly more or less expensive than the US. Differences vary by category and location.
Housing
Toronto and Vancouver are expensive, rivaling or exceeding major US cities. Expect to pay CAD $2,200-3,500+ for a one-bedroom apartment in decent neighborhoods.
Smaller cities like Ottawa, Calgary, Montreal, or Halifax are more affordable. CAD $1,200-2,000 for similar apartments.
Home prices in Toronto and Vancouver are extremely high. CAD $800,000+ for houses in the suburbs is common.
Food and Groceries
Groceries cost roughly similar to the US, though some items (dairy, poultry) cost more due to supply management systems.
Eating out is comparable to US prices in similar cities.
Transportation
Gas prices are higher in Canada. Expect to pay CAD $1.50-1.80 per liter (roughly $5.70-6.80 per gallon USD).
Car insurance costs vary by province but tend to be similar or slightly higher than US rates.
Public transportation is good in major cities. Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have extensive transit systems.
Taxes and Fees
Sales taxes are higher. Federal GST is 5%, and provincial taxes add 5-10% more depending on province. Total sales tax ranges from 5-15% depending on location.
Income taxes are higher than most US states, especially at middle and upper income levels.
Overall
Your dollar goes less far in expensive Canadian cities (Toronto, Vancouver) than in most US cities. But in more affordable Canadian cities, costs are reasonable and somewhat comparable to mid-tier US cities.
Cultural Adjustment
Canada isn’t America North. Cultural differences exist, though they’re subtle.
Canadians tend to be more reserved and polite. Direct confrontation is less common. The phrase “sorry” gets used constantly.
Canadian identity includes NOT being American. Don’t constantly compare everything to how it’s done in the US. That grates on Canadians quickly.
Multiculturalism is central to Canadian identity. Cities are incredibly diverse, and that diversity is celebrated.
The political spectrum skews left compared to the US. What Americans consider progressive politics are more mainstream in Canada.
Canadians joke about Americans constantly. Don’t take it personally. Gentle teasing about Americans is national sport.
Weather-wise, Canada is cold. Really cold in winter. If you’re moving from southern US states, prepare for that adjustment mentally and practically.
Making the Move Logistically
Once your immigration is approved, the actual moving logistics begin.
Container shipping from most US cities to major Canadian cities takes 1-3 weeks. Costs are reasonable since distances are relatively short.
Many people use hybrid approaches—shipping furniture and large items via container, transporting essential items in their vehicle, and flying with suitcases of immediate necessities.
Customs clearance is usually smooth with proper documentation. Have your BSF186 completed accurately and your inventory detailed.
Working with moving companies experienced in US-Canada moves makes the process significantly easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my US driver’s license?
Initially yes, but you must get a Canadian license within a certain period (60-90 days typically depending on province). The process usually involves a written test and road test, though some provinces have agreements with some US states to exchange licenses without testing.
Do I need to sell my US house?
No, you can keep US property. But being a Canadian tax resident while owning US property creates tax implications. Consult a cross-border tax advisor.
Can I work remotely for a US company while living in Canada?
If you have the proper work authorization (work permit, permanent residency, or citizenship), yes. But tax implications are complex—you’re a Canadian tax resident earning income, your employer has potential Canadian payroll obligations, and you still have US tax obligations.
Will my cell phone plan work in Canada?
US plans vary. Some include Canada in their coverage. Others charge roaming fees. Check with your carrier. Many people eventually switch to Canadian carriers for better local coverage and pricing.
What about my pets?
Canada allows pet imports relatively easily. Dogs need proof of rabies vaccination. Cats don’t have specific requirements. No quarantine is required for pets from the US.
Can I get Canadian citizenship?
Yes, after being a permanent resident for 3 years (1,095 days physically present in Canada out of 5 years), you can apply for citizenship. You must pass a citizenship test and meet language requirements.
