v256.0 · relocation checklist · US → CA · verified 2026-04
United States to Canada — relocation checklist
19-step ordered checklist covering visa, banking, healthcare, housing, taxes, schooling, shipping, and pets. Written for the US citizen seeking Express Entry, work permit, family sponsorship, or Start-up Visa.
From
To
Total cost
CAD 12,000-35,000 — visa, settlement, deposit, shipping
Timeline
16-32 weeks pre-arrival, 6-8 weeks post-arrival
Typical profile for this pair
US citizen seeking Express Entry, work permit, family sponsorship, or Start-up Visa
Step-by-step checklist (19 steps)
Pre-departure (20-32 weeks out)
- Choose pathway — Express Entry (CRS-based PR), Provincial Nominee Program, Work Permit (LMIA-required or LMIA-exempt CUSMA), Start-up Visa, Family Sponsorship
Pre-departure (16-20 weeks out)
- ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) via WES, IQAS — ~CAD 250
Pre-departure (12-16 weeks out)
- IELTS General Training or CELPIP — target CLB 9+ for max CRS
Pre-departure (10-14 weeks out)
- Express Entry profile; ITA at draws; PR application within 60 days of ITA
Pre-departure (8-12 weeks out)
- Medical exam (panel physician), biometrics CAD 85, police clearance
Pre-departure (6-10 weeks out)
- US tax planning — citizenship-based, FEIE coordination via Form 2555; FBAR + 8938 ongoing
Pre-departure (4-6 weeks out)
- Proof of funds — settlement funds CAD 14,690 single + CAD 3,924/additional (2024 levels)
Pre-departure (3-4 weeks out)
- Housing — Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal popular; CAD 1,800-3,500/month 1BR
Pre-departure (2-3 weeks out)
- Ship — household goods via cross-border trucking or sea freight; under CUSMA personal effects duty-free
Pre-departure (1-2 weeks out)
- Pet — Canada CFIA requirements: rabies vaccine + microchip + import permit
Arrival (Week 1)
- COPR stamping at port of entry; landing interview with CBSA
- Apply for SIN at Service Canada — same-day issuance with COPR
Arrival (Week 1-2)
- Open Canadian bank — RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank Newcomer Programs
Arrival (Week 2-3)
- Health card registration (OHIP/MSP/RAMQ) — 3-month waiting period; buy private interim
Arrival (Week 2-4)
- Long-term housing — credit history + employer references typical
Arrival (Week 3-4)
- Driver's License — most provinces accept US license for 60-90 days; convert via knowledge + road test
Arrival (Month 2)
- Children school enrollment — public schools free for PR
Arrival (Month 3-6)
- US 1040 + Form 2555 FEIE + FBAR + 8938; Canadian T1 General due April 30
Ongoing
- Canadian citizenship after 3 years (1,095 days) physical residence in 5-year window
Cost breakdown
| Express Entry + biometrics | CAD 1,365 + CAD 85 |
| ECA (WES) | CAD 250 |
| IELTS General | CAD 320 |
| Medical exam | CAD 200-450 |
| Settlement funds (single) | CAD 14,690 (must show) |
| First month rent + first/last + deposit (Toronto 2BR) | CAD 5,000-12,000 |
| Shipping (cross-border) | USD 2,000-7,000 |
| Pet relocation | USD 200-1,000 |
⚠ Gotchas + watch-outs
- US CITIZENSHIP-BASED TAX — must file 1040 even as Canadian resident
- FBAR + Form 8938 for Canadian accounts >USD 10K aggregate
- 3-month health card waiting period — buy private interim CAD 100-200/month
- CUSMA work permits don't require LMIA but limited to ~70 occupations
- US-Canada DTAA prevents double taxation; saving clause limits some treaty benefits
- TFSA + RESP not US-tax-favored — careful structuring
- Quebec separate immigration program (CSQ/PEQ)
Official sources
- Canada IRCC — https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html
- IRS US citizens abroad — https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad
See also: United States profile · Canada profile · all relocation checklists
Last verified 2026-04. Immigration, tax, and banking rules change frequently — verify with official sources before acting.