Published October 21, 2024 • 5 Min Read
Getting ready for moving day? If you’ve been busy planning for your move to the U.S. from Canada, much of your prep work is behind you. If you’re just starting out, you should read our article on how to move to the U.S. from Canada. Here are some tips to reduce the heavy lifting on your journey south of the border and make for a smooth transition to life in the U.S.
1. Consider an international moving company
If you’re going to be transporting a significant amount of personal belongings from Canada to the U.S., it’s a good idea to hire an international moving company to do the job. International moving companies have the experience and expertise to not only wrap and pack your valuables so they arrive safely at your destination, but also to manage the paperwork required to clear customs.
2. Equip your mover with everything they need
If you’ve decided on using a mover, know that they will be your biggest ally as you navigate (figuratively and literally) your journey to the U.S. So, you want them to have all the information they need to transport your stuff to the U.S. without incident. A good international mover may have a checklist of all the documentation that will be needed, but generally, here’s the paperwork you’ll need to show at customs:
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A completed 3299 customs form. This is the Declaration For Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles, which provides a full inventory of what you’re bringing into the U.S. This form is meant to ensure that the items you’re bringing across the border comply with U.S. customs laws and regulations.
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Your work or study visa and letter of offer of employment (if applicable).
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Your valid passport.
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Your I-94 document (stamped when you cross the border).
If you’re set on moving to the U.S. from Canada without the help of a mover – and plan on driving yourself and your stuff across the border – keep in mind that there are rules that come with bringing your own car with you on your move. If you’re renting a car or a trailer for your move, make sure you’re allowed to cross the border with the rental and that you have all the necessary paperwork (see above) to show the border agent.
3. Enter the U.S. before your possessions do
If all your documentation is in order, you don’t need to be physically present at the border with your stuff – you just need to get there first. Arriving in the U.S. before your possessions means that all completed paperwork and immigration information can be processed ahead of time and a simple inspection will take place once the truck arrives.
When you enter the U.S., customs officials will put an I-94 document in your passport – provided your work visa is in order. You must provide your moving company with a copy of this document to prove that you have been granted entry into the United States. U.S. Customs will then verify this information when your moving truck arrives at the border.
Keep in mind that your personal possessions can enter the U.S. duty-free, as long as you’ve owned them for at least a year. If you’re thinking of buying a bunch of new things before moving, it’s best to compare the cost to purchase them south of the border versus buying in Canada – then paying to move and import them.
4. Consider your auto needs
If you’re planning on having a car after you move, you have a few options. You can sell your car in Canada and buy a new one in the U.S. or import your car to the United States – either by driving it across the border or shipping it. Here are some things to consider:
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Cars can be less expensive to buy in the U.S., and you may pay less sales tax on the purchase
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If you’re looking to import your car, you may have to pay sales tax on it when you register it in some states. For example, if you bought a car in Toronto before moving, you would have paid HST on the purchase. When you bring it to the U.S, you may then have to pay an additional sales tax to the state you’re moving to.
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Your existing vehicle must meet U.S. safety and environmental standards in order to bring it across the border. You may need to provide:
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A compliance letter from the manufacturer (not the dealer) saying it meets U.S. safety standards.
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A completed EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) form for each vehicle you’re importing. Your car must conform to the United States EPA emissions standards and requirements.
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A completed HS7 form, which is a declaration form for importing motor vehicles into the U.S.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) site has lots of information and all the forms you need to import your car.
When you’re immigrating to the U.S., moving day is a big step. Be as prepared as possible to help ensure everything runs smoothly. Then once the big day is behind you, you’ll be well on your way to your new U.S. adventure!
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This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
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