Cross-border moving can be incredibly stressful and time-consuming. Not having all the documents ready for your cross-border move can make the experience even less pleasant. So here are some helpful tips regarding the documents you need when moving to Canada from the US or when moving to the US from Canada.
Cross-border Moving: Canada to US
Canadian citizens moving to the United States must enter the United States before their household goods do. Upon entering United States they must declare that they have goods to follow. Additionally, Canadian citizens must be accompanied by the following documents:
- Passport for you and all other adults, as well as birth certificates and clear photo identification for all family members that are accompanying you;
- Work visa, I-94 multiple entry form or an immigrant visa, whichever applies to your specific case
- Social insurance number is also mandatory;
- Filled out 3299 form, which is the responsibility of the person who moves to complete and provide it to the moving company prior to loading;
- Copy of marriage certificate only when the spouse has a different family name than yours
- In some cases, a letter from the employer specifying validity of transfer is required
There is also another situation of cross-border moving applicable for US Citizens returning to the US from Canada. Again, they must enter the United States before their household goods and declare they have goods to follow before the shipment can be loaded. They are also required to have the following documents with them:
- Passport for you and all other adults, as well as birth certificates and clear photo identification for all family members that are accompanying you;
- Social security number
- Filled out 3299 form, which is the responsibility of the person who moves to complete and provide it to the moving company prior to loading;
Cross-border moving from Canada to the US does not necessarily entail that the owner of the household goods be present at the border when the driver clears customs. However, all paperwork must be in good order to avoid held-in bond fees by customs, which are chargeable to you, as a customer. Therefore, you need to understand not only your responsibilities, but also documentation requirements and what to expect at US customs in order to enjoy a smooth transition and successful relocation.
Cross-border Moving: US to Canada
US citizens moving to Canada require the following documents:
- Canadian work visa and confirmation of residence status for each family member that accompanies you
- Valid passport for each family member traveling with you
- Two copies of the inventory list with details presenting all items that are being shipped
- Two copies of an inventory list with items that are arriving at a later date
- In some cases, a letter from the employer specifying validity of transfer is required
- Cartons and boxes that are packed by the owner must be labeled as such and present a list of contents and number on the outside.
Canadian citizens returning to Canada from the US and involved in a cross-border moving require the following documents:
- Valid Passport for all adults, as well as photo identification for each family member is also necessary
- Two copies of the inventory list with details presenting all items that are being shipped
- In some cases, a letter from the employer specifying validity of transfer is required
No move is too big or too far for McWilliams! We are highly experiences in international moving and can advise you throughout the process. To read more information on cross-border moving, we recommend that you check out our International Moving page or contact an expert at McWilliams.