Cost of Moving to America, US
The cost of moving furniture from Canada to the US ranges from CAD $1,800 to $9,300 using sea freight and varies depending on the distance, volume, shipping company, and season.
The cost of moving personal belongings from Canada to the US varies based on volume, distance, and additional services like storage or packing. You can ship items per sea container (more common and cost-effective) or plane (faster but costlier). Calculate the volume of your belongings to get an accurate price with our Furniture Volume Calculator here.
Customs duties range from CAD $300 to $800, depending on the declared value of your items. While it’s not mandatory, most people get insurance when moving household goods from Canada to US, which costs between 1% and 3% of the total declared value.
| Volume |
Average cost |
| One-bedroom apartment |
CAD $1,800 – $3,300 |
| Three-bedroom house |
CAD $4,300 – $9,300 |
Disclaimer: The prices above are estimates.
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Best International Moving Companies Canada to US
Most people hire a professional mover to ship their furniture from Canada to America. It’s easy and saves you a lot of headaches in an already overwhelming undertaking!
When browsing moving companies from Canada to the US, look at their reputation, location, services, and reviews. In Sirelo’s extensive database, you’ll find profiles of many Canadian moving companies, including trusted reviews from real people who’ve used their services.
Here are a few of the best moving companies from Canada to the US to kickstart your search.
9.5
592
Mississauga
3 ratings as Friendly
3 ratings as "Friendly"
8.1
106
Toronto
14 ratings as Good Communication
14 ratings as "Good Communication"
8.7
43
Vaudreuil-Dorion
2 ratings as Good Price
2 ratings as "Good Price"
8.7
394
Toronto
3 ratings as Efficient
3 ratings as "Efficient"
Moving Pets from Canada to US
Knowing the US pet import requirements is important when moving to America with a dog or cat. Let’s educate you on how to move pets from Canada to the US the right way.
- Review the import requirements on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) websites. States can have their own requirements for pet importation.
- Dogs, cats, and ferrets over three months old must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate, administered at least 21 days before entry to the US.
- Get an official health certificate issued by a Canadian veterinarian within 10 days of your pet’s travel date, to show that your pet is free from parasites.
- Some states or airlines require pets to be microchipped for identification purposes.
- Use the correct travel crate and label, as each airline has its transport policy.
- Upon arrival, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspects your pet and reviews the health certificates and rabies vaccination documentation.
Moving to the US from Canada with a Car
You can move to the US from Canada and bring your car, but a few things must be prepared. Here are the most important steps to import a car into the United States.
- Confirm that your car meets the US safety and emissions standards.
- Collect proof of ownership and insurance, vehicle title, and custom forms.
- Cross the border, showing the documents from step two to the US Customs. You might need to pay import duties (usually 2.5% for cars).
- Register your car with the DMV in your state.
You can normally use your Canadian license up to 90 days after arrival. Most US states let you exchange your Canadian driver’s license for a US one without a test, but this can differ per state. Your Canadian car insurance will not work in the US, so get a US policy with liability insurance.
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How to Apply for the US Visa From Canada
There are various visa options for moving to the US from Canada, but it can get confusing quickly! Learn about the different visa types to work and live in America as a Canadian.
Visa to Work in the US From Canada
You’ll need a visa to work or live long-term in the US as a Canadian. Here are the most common work visas for Canadians moving to America.
- TN Visa (NAFTA/USMCA): For qualified Canadian professionals in certain fields (engineers, accountants, scientists). It’s valid for up to three years and can be renewed.
- H-1B Visa: A popular but competitive visa for specialized workers in fields like IT, engineering, and medicine. You’ll need a job offer from a US employer and there’s an annual cap.
- L-1 Visa (Intra-company Transfer): For employees transferring from a Canadian branch to a US office. It’s a common visa for managers, executives, and specialized workers.
- O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability): For people with exceptional ability and accomplishments, often in arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.
What Is the Process of Moving From Canada to the US?
Applying for a US visa from Canada is a straightforward process, but it requires time and preparation. Follow these steps when moving from Canada to the US.
- Determine Visa Type: You need a work or immigrant visa to work, study, or move long-term to America. Common American visa types for Canadians include the B-2 Tourist Visa, the F-1 Student Visa, and the H-1B Work Visa.
- Complete Form DS-160: This is the online application form for a non-immigrant visa.
- Pay Visa Fee: Prices vary based on the visa type and can be checked on the U.S. Department of State website.
- Schedule Visa Interview: Schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy. This applies to long-term or work visas, short stays don’t require an interview.
- Attend Interview: Bring all required documents, such as a valid passport, proof of financial support, job contract, etc.
- Wait for Approval: The consulate will notify you of the decision.
Moving to the US From Canada Without a Job
These are your visa options for exploring job opportunities before moving to the US, or when you’re planning to study or join your American family members across the border.
- Visitor Visa (B-2): These are for short stays and to explore job opportunities. You cannot work in the US on this visa, so secure a job first and then apply for a work visa.
- Student Visa (F-1): Many student visas allow part-time work on campus during the studies and offer post-graduation employment through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
- Family Sponsorship: If you have close family members (spouse, parent, or child) who are US citizens, they may be able to sponsor you for permanent residency (Green Card).
How to Move to America From Canada after Marriage
Did you marry a US citizen or Green Card holder and want to join them in the States? Here’s how:
- Start Early: The process can take months to a year, depending on the visa type and processing time at the US embassy.
- File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): Your American spouse files this to establish the relationship and start the immigration process.
- Wait for I-130 Approval: This typically takes 6 to 12 months. The USCIS forwards the approved petition to the National Visa Center (NVC).
- NVC Processing: Complete the DS-630 (Immigrant Visa Application) and I-864 (Affidavit of Support from your spouse) forms.
- Undergo Medical Examination: To ensure that you meet the US health standards.
- Schedule Visa Interview: With the US embassy or consulate in Canada. Bring the DS-260 confirmation, sealed medical exam results, passport, photos, I-864 form, and other civil documents.
- Attend Visa Interview: To answer questions about your relationship and immigration eligibility.
- Visa Approval and Issuance: A few days or weeks after the interview, your visa will be approved or denied. When approved, you’ll receive your immigrant visa and you can enter the United States.
- Spouse Visa: The CR-1 (Conditional Resident) and IR-1 (Immediate Relative) visas are the entry documents and part of becoming a Green Card holder.
- CR-1 Visa is issued when the marriage is less than two years old at the time of entry to the US. After two years, you file Form I-751 for your permanent Green Card.
- IR-1 Visa is issued when the marriage is more than two years old at the time of entry to the US. You’ll receive a 10-year Green Card right away.
- Get Green Card: The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will admit you as a permanent resident upon arrival. You’ll get a Conditional Green Card (if married less than 2 years) or Permanent Green Card. During this application, you can also request an SSN.
- Consular Processing: If you’re already in the States on a valid visa, you can apply for an Adjustment of Status (AOS) to become a permanent resident. Otherwise, the consular processing will happen at the US embassy or consulate in Canada.
Living Expenses in Canada vs US
As a Canadian moving to America, you can generally expect your living expenses to be higher in the States. The average living costs in the USA per month vary significantly depending on the city, lifestyle, and housing. In an expensive city like New York, you’ll need around CAD $3,500 to $5,500 monthly for a single person, whereas in Houston, it’s CAD $2,500 to $3,800.
Below are the average living expenses in the USA compared to Canada in Canadian dollars.
| Item |
Toronto, Canada |
New York, USA |
Houston, USA |
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) |
$28.00 |
$43.48 |
$28.99 |
| Pint of Beer |
$8.00 |
$12.32 |
$8.70 |
| Regular Cappuccino |
$5.45 |
$8.56 |
$7.79 |
| Eggs (dozen) |
$4.94 |
$8.40 |
$5.31 |
| Single Transport Ticket |
$3.35 |
$4.20 |
$1.81 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, City Center) |
$2,521.76 |
$5,568.94 |
$2,384.17 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, Outside Center) |
$2,096.70 |
$4,134.43 |
$1,781.60 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
$4,331.07 |
$7,638.29 |
$6,550.38 |
Source: Numbeo
Pros and Cons of Living in the US
It’s the land of opportunities! While many Canadians move to the US for better opportunities, tax benefits, rich cultural experiences, and global connections, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Here are the benefits of living in the USA vs Canada, as well as the drawbacks.
Pros
Bigger job market & higher salaries
Career growth opportunities
Lower taxes
Rich cultural and recreational options
Leading universities & innovation
Iconic cities like New York
Cons
High living & healthcare costs
Expensive immigration process
Higher crime in some areas
Fewer government programs
Risk of natural disasters
Polarized political climate
Moving From Canada to US Checklist
Once the initial excitement of moving to America from Canada wears off, you’ll probably feel overwhelmed with everything that needs to be arranged. This moving to America checklist includes the 10 things to know before moving to US from Canada, to avoid common pitfalls.
- Check the visa and immigration requirements, and start the application early
- If needed for your visa, secure a job with a US employer
- Prepare for your move to the US from Canada by hiring a moving company and booking flights or other transportation
- Research neighbourhoods and find accommodation
- Get private health insurance through your employer or the marketplace
- Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) for work and tax purposes
- Set up a US bank account and get familiar with the credit score system
- Understand the tax system (you might need to file taxes in Canada and the US)
- Transfer your Canadian driver’s license
- Optionally, research your options for public, private, and charter schools
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