Moving to the United States from Canada

Visa Pathways for Canadians

Canadians have several visa routes into the US, including one that is unavailable to most other nationalities. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for short visits to the US and can generally enter for tourism or business for up to six months with proof of citizenship ^[1].

TN Visa (USMCA).

The TN nonimmigrant classification is available exclusively to citizens of Canada and Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement ^[1]. Canadian professionals in designated occupations (engineers, accountants, scientists, computer systems analysts, and roughly 60 others listed in the USMCA annex) can apply for TN status at the US port of entry without a prior petition from USCIS. You need a job offer letter from a US employer specifying the TN-eligible profession, your qualifications, and the terms of employment. TN status is granted in increments of up to three years and can be renewed indefinitely. Unlike the H-1B ^[2], TN status does not have an annual cap, which makes it the fastest and most predictable route for qualifying Canadian professionals.

H-1B Specialty Occupation.

Canadians who do not qualify for TN status (because their profession is not on the USMCA list) can apply through the standard H-1B process, which requires employer sponsorship and selection through the annual lottery ^[2]. The H-1B requires at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a specialty occupation ^[2].

L-1 Intracompany Transfer.

Canadians working for a multinational company can transfer to a US office in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role, provided they have worked for the company abroad for at least one year within the preceding three years ^[2].

E-2 Treaty Investor.

Canada has a treaty of commerce and navigation with the US that qualifies Canadian nationals for E-2 investor visas ^[1]. This route requires a substantial investment in a US business and is popular with Canadian entrepreneurs.

Employment-based green cards.

For permanent residence, Canadians can pursue EB-1 (extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, multinational managers), EB-2 (advanced degree professionals, including National Interest Waiver), or EB-3 (skilled workers and professionals) immigrant visas ^[3]. Canadian-born applicants generally face shorter backlogs than applicants from high-demand countries because per-country limits do not constrain Canadian applicants in most categories.

Family-based immigration.

US citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor Canadian spouses, children, parents, and siblings through the family preference system ^[1].

Cross-Border Tax Obligations

The US taxes residents on worldwide income. Once you become a US tax resident (through the green card test or the substantial presence test), you must report all income from all sources, including Canadian-source income, on your US federal return ^[1]. The substantial presence test counts days present in the US over a three-year period using a weighted formula: all days in the current year, one-third of days in the prior year, and one-sixth of days in the year before that, with a threshold of 183 days ^[2].

The US-Canada Tax Treaty.

The US-Canada Income Tax Convention, originally signed in 1980 with subsequent protocols, prevents double taxation on the same income ^[3]. The treaty allocates taxing rights between the two countries and provides foreign tax credits so you do not pay full tax to both. You claim credits on Form 1116 for taxes paid to Canada on income that is also taxable in the US ^[4].

RRSP and TFSA treatment.

Under the treaty, the US generally defers taxation on income accruing in a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) until distribution, provided you file an annual election on your US return ^[3]. Without the election, the US would tax the annual growth. Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) receive no special treaty protection ^[3]. Unlike RRSPs, TFSAs are not addressed in the treaty, which creates additional reporting and tax complexity for Canadians who maintain them after becoming US tax residents.

Canadian departure tax.

Canada imposes a deemed disposition on most capital property when you cease to be a Canadian tax resident ^[5]. This means you are treated as having sold your investments at fair market value on the date of departure, triggering capital gains tax ^[5]. Principal residence exemptions generally still apply. File a Canadian departure return (T1) for the year you leave.

FBAR and FATCA.

If you keep Canadian bank accounts, RRSPs, or TFSAs after moving, you must report them on FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) if the aggregate balance exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year ^[6]. FATCA Form 8938 has higher thresholds for reporting specified foreign financial assets ^[7].

Social security.

The US-Canada Totalization Agreement prevents dual social security taxation and lets you combine work credits from both countries toward benefit eligibility ^[8]. Generally, you pay social security taxes only to the country where you work.

Healthcare Transition

Canadian provincial health insurance (OHIP, MSP, RAMQ, etc.) terminates when you become a non-resident of that province, typically after you have been absent for a defined period. Ontario, for example, cancels OHIP coverage after 212 days of absence in any 12-month period. Your coverage end date depends on your province's specific residency rules.

US employer-sponsored insurance.

Most Canadians moving to the US for work will receive health insurance through their employer. US employer plans vary widely in quality, and you will encounter concepts unfamiliar in Canada: deductibles (the amount you pay before insurance begins covering costs), copays (fixed amounts per visit), coinsurance (your percentage share of costs), and out-of-pocket maximums (the cap on your annual spending). Review plan details during your employer's open enrollment period.

The coverage gap.

Between losing provincial coverage and starting employer insurance, you need bridge coverage. Some employer plans begin on your first day; others have a waiting period of 30 to 90 days. During any gap, a short-term travel medical policy or an international health plan from providers like Cigna Global or Allianz Care can cover you.

ACA Marketplace.

If you are not receiving employer insurance (self-employed, between jobs, or on a visa that does not include employment), you can purchase coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace during open enrollment or a qualifying life event. Premium subsidies are income-based.

Prescription drugs.

Drug prices in the US are substantially higher than in Canada. If you take ongoing medications, check US pricing before you move. Some Canadians maintain a Canadian pharmacy relationship for non-controlled medications shipped across the border, though this exists in a legal gray area. Generic medications in the US are more affordable than brand-name equivalents, and discount programs like GoodRx can reduce costs at US pharmacies.

Dental and vision.

Unlike some provincial plans, US dental and vision coverage is almost always separate from medical insurance. Many employers offer dental and vision as optional add-ons. If your employer does not, individual plans are available but often have annual benefit caps.

Banking and Finances

Cross-border banking.

Several Canadian banks operate in both countries, which simplifies the transition. RBC, TD, BMO, and Scotiabank have US subsidiaries or partner relationships. TD Bank has a large US retail presence across the eastern states. Opening a US account at a Canadian bank's US subsidiary before you move can ease the transition, as they are familiar with cross-border clients.

Credit history.

Your Canadian credit history does not transfer to the US. You will start with no US credit score, which affects your ability to rent an apartment, get a credit card, or finance a car. Some cross-border banking programs (notably RBC's and TD's) offer credit card products that help establish US credit. Secured credit cards and credit-builder loans are common starting points. Building a US credit score to a usable level takes six to twelve months.

Currency management.

The CAD/USD exchange rate directly affects your purchasing power if you have Canadian-dollar savings or receive Canadian-source income. Wise, Revolut, and Norbert's Gambit (using dual-listed ETFs on the TSX and NYSE to convert currency at near-spot rates) are popular among Canadians for minimizing conversion costs on larger transfers.

Retirement accounts.

Your RRSP can remain open after you leave Canada, but you cannot make new contributions as a non-resident. Withdrawals are subject to Canadian withholding tax (typically 25% for non-residents, reduced to 15% under the treaty for periodic pension payments) ^[1]. Consider whether to transfer RRSP assets into a US 401(k) or IRA. Direct rollovers are not permitted, so this requires careful planning with a cross-border financial advisor to manage the tax consequences on both sides.

401(k) and IRA.

Once employed in the US, you will likely have access to a 401(k) plan. Contribution limits, employer matches, and Roth vs. traditional options differ from RRSP/TFSA structures. The US also offers IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) with lower annual contribution limits than 401(k)s. Both are tax-advantaged, but the mechanics differ from Canadian registered accounts.

Social Security benefits.

Under the US-Canada Totalization Agreement, you can combine CPP/QPP credits with US Social Security credits to qualify for benefits from either country ^[2]. You can collect both CPP/QPP and US Social Security simultaneously, though each is calculated on the contributions made to that country's system.

Moving Logistics

Customs and duty.

Personal household goods and effects that you have owned and used before moving are generally exempt from US customs duties when you are transferring your residence ^[1]. Prepare a detailed inventory. Prohibited items include certain food products, plants, and items restricted by US agricultural regulations.

Driving.

Most US states allow you to drive on a valid Canadian driver's license for a limited period after establishing residence (typically 30 to 90 days), after which you must obtain a state license. Some states offer reciprocity with Canadian provinces and will exchange your license without a road test; others require a full written and driving examination. Research your specific state's requirements before arrival.

Shipping household goods.

Cross-border moving companies that specialize in Canada-to-US relocations include Atlas Van Lines, United Van Lines, and AMJ Campbell (which partners with US carriers). Costs depend on volume, origin, and destination. A typical two-bedroom household shipped from Toronto to New York might cost several thousand dollars; cross-country moves cost more. Get at least three quotes.

Pets.

Dogs and cats entering the US from Canada need a valid rabies vaccination certificate. The US does not require quarantine for pets arriving from Canada. Airlines vary in their pet transport policies. Air Canada and most US carriers accept small pets in-cabin and larger animals in cargo, subject to breed and weight restrictions.

Shipping a vehicle.

You can bring a Canadian-registered vehicle into the US for personal use. The vehicle must meet US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards. Most Canadian-market vehicles comply, but some modifications may be required (daytime running light adjustments, speedometer conversion to mph if not dual-marked). You will need to clear the vehicle through US Customs and register it in your new state, which requires a title, proof of insurance, and passing a state vehicle inspection where applicable.

Cell phone and utilities.

Canadian cell phone plans do not work cost-effectively in the US long-term. Get a US plan from carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon. Setting up US utilities (electricity, gas, internet) typically requires a Social Security Number or ITIN, which ties back to your immigration status.

Cultural Adjustment

Proximity vs. difference.

Canada and the US share a language (mostly), a border, and significant cultural overlap, which leads many Canadians to underestimate the adjustment. The differences are real but subtle: healthcare is not universal, employment protections are weaker, and the social safety net is thinner. These differences compound over time rather than hitting you on arrival.

Healthcare mindset.

The single biggest adjustment for most Canadians is navigating a system where medical care has direct, visible costs. In Canada, you rarely think about the price of a doctor's visit. In the US, you will learn to check whether a provider is in-network, estimate costs before procedures, and negotiate bills. This is not optional. Unexpected medical bills are a leading cause of financial stress in the US.

Workplace culture.

US workplace norms vary by industry and region, but in general, Americans work longer hours, take fewer vacation days, and have less parental leave than Canadians. The US has no federal requirement for paid vacation or paid parental leave, though many employers offer both as benefits. Negotiate these during the hiring process, because they are not guaranteed.

Tipping.

Tipping culture in the US is more pervasive and at higher percentages than in Canada. Standard restaurant tips are 18-20% (vs. 15-18% in Canada). You are also expected to tip bartenders, hotel housekeeping, valets, hairdressers, and rideshare drivers.

Regional variation.

The US is enormous and culturally diverse. The experience of living in New York City, rural Texas, coastal California, and suburban Minnesota are vastly different in cost, climate, politics, and social norms. Research your specific destination rather than generalizing from "the US" as a whole.

Taxes and sticker shock.

Prices in the US are displayed before tax, and sales tax rates vary by state (and sometimes by city and county). Some states have no sales tax; others charge over 10%. Income tax also varies by state. Texas, Florida, and Washington have no state income tax; California and New York have rates above 10%. Factor state and local taxes into your cost-of-living comparison.

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