Practical Guide to Moving to the U.S.

Before You Leave Canada

Do these before you cross the border:

• Keep your Canadian bank account open — you'll need it for RRSP access, TFSA, receiving any Canadian income, and tax refunds from CRA
• Notify your bank you're moving — some Canadian banks (especially credit unions) close accounts of non-residents. TD and RBC are generally fine.
• Consider TD Bank or RBC — both have US subsidiaries (TD Bank US, RBC Bank). Opening a US account with the same bank makes transfers easier.
• Get a no-FX-fee credit card — Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite or Brim Financial Mastercard charge no foreign transaction fees, useful while you transition.
• Download your I-94 — print it from i94.cbp.dhs.gov after entry. You'll need it for SSN, driver's licence, and bank account.
• Cancel provincial health insurance — OHIP, MSP, RAMQ, etc. You're no longer eligible once you move. See our tax guide for implications.

Social Security Number

You need an SSN for employment, banking, credit, and taxes. Here is how to get one:

Driver's License

Requirements vary by state, but generally you need:

• Proof of identity — Passport + I-94
• Proof of residency — Lease, utility bill, or bank statement with U.S. address
• SSN — Required in most states
• Proof of legal presence — I-94, TN approval notice

Your Canadian licence is valid for 30-90 days depending on state. Some states waive the road test for Canadian licence holders. Request a REAL ID compliant licence for domestic flights.

Health Insurance

• Employer-sponsored — Best option. Most employers cover 60-80% of premiums. Enroll during onboarding.
• ACA Marketplace — If employer does not offer coverage. Plans range Bronze to Platinum.
• Budget: $200-800/month depending on plan level, age, and location

Banking & Credit

You start with zero U.S. credit history regardless of your Canadian score:

• Open a checking account — Chase, Bank of America, or TD Bank (TD is easiest for Canadians)
• Amex Global Transfer — Transfer your Canadian Amex history to a U.S. Amex card
• Nova Credit — Some lenders accept Canadian credit reports via Nova Credit
• Secured credit card — Deposit $500-1000 as collateral to build U.S. credit
• Become an authorized user — If you know someone with good U.S. credit

Building US Credit

Your Canadian credit score does not transfer to the US. You start at zero. Here's the typical timeline:

• Month 1: Open a secured credit card ($500-1,000 deposit) or use Amex Global Transfer
• Month 1-2: Try Nova Credit — some US lenders (including Amex, HSBC) accept Canadian credit reports via Nova Credit to approve you without US history
• Month 3-6: Your first US credit score appears (typically 650-700 with on-time payments)
• Month 6-12: Enough credit history for a car loan, apartment lease, or unsecured credit card

Housing

Finding housing without U.S. credit history is challenging but solvable:

• Larger security deposit — Offer 2-3 months upfront to offset no credit
• Employer letter — Have your employer confirm salary and employment
• Corporate housing — Short-term furnished apartments while you establish credit (1-3 months)
• Individual landlords — More flexible than large property management companies
• Bank statements — Show 3-6 months of Canadian savings as proof of stability

Moving Belongings

• Duty-free entry — Personal effects owned for 1+ year enter duty-free
• CBP Form 3299 — Declaration of free entry for personal effects. Complete before arrival.
• Vehicle import — Must meet EPA and DOT standards. Most Canadian vehicles qualify. Need Form HS-7 and EPA Form 3520-1.
• Shipping — Budget $2,000-8,000 depending on volume and distance

Pets

• Dogs — Need rabies vaccination certificate + microchip. No quarantine from Canada.
• Cats — No federal requirements, but check state and airline rules
• CDC requirements — Dogs must appear healthy. Rabies certificate must show vaccination at least 28 days prior.

Phone & Utilities

• Phone — Get a prepaid U.S. SIM immediately (T-Mobile, Mint Mobile). Postpaid plans require credit check.
• Utilities — Electric, gas, water, internet may require deposits ($100-300) without credit history
• Internet — Research providers before signing a lease. Availability varies by address.