Moving From Canada to Another Country
Canada is a country with great social benefits, breathtaking scenery, and plenty of unique places to explore. Even with all its benefits, thousands of Canadians choose to move out of the country every year. So, if you’re considering moving away from the Great White North, you’re not alone.
But moving out of Canada involves more paperwork than you might think. If you want to avoid extra taxes or fees, you’ll definitely want to make sure you take the time to do this process right.
Why Consider Leaving Canada?
Living in Canada comes with many benefits like free healthcare and a gorgeous view, but it’s not perfect! Many people choose to make their home elsewhere due to:
Climate: We all know that Canada is notoriously cold in the winters. And for some, that can really be a dealbreaker. Many Canadians travel to the U.S., where the winters can be slightly more hospitable.
Expenses: Living in Canada can be expensive. The cost of living is quite high, as well as the taxes. You can also expect to pay more for things like internet and phone plans. And unfortunately, Canadian currency isn’t as strong as American or European currency. So, if you are looking to make the most out of your money, moving out of Canada might be the right move for you.
Where Do Most Canadians Go?
For the most part, many Canadians opt to move to the United States. It’s close, not separated by ocean, and culturally similar to Canada. It’s probably also the most cost-effective move for Canadian emigrants. But others may consider other English-speaking countries, like New Zealand, Australia, or the UK.
How Much Does It Cost to Move Out of Canada?
It can be hard to predict an actual estimate because prices will vary. Depending on your origin, desired destination, and what company you choose to move with. You can expect to drop a few thousand dollars on an international move, but some expenses might send this number even higher.
How Do I Move Out of Canada?
There are some things you need to take care of before moving out of Canada. Just up and leaving may leave you with challenging tax issues. If you’re seriously considering making the move, make sure you take the time to get all your ducks in a row, first.
1. Set a Budget
Just like when you move anywhere, it’s a good idea to have a budget in mind before you get started. Try to keep in mind saving extra funds for processing your belongings through customs, applying for visas, and moving everything to your new residence.
2. Apply for Visas
When it comes to traveling to the United States, Canadians have it pretty easy! You won’t need a visa to get into the U.S. for travel purposes, but if you want to live there permanently and bring along your household goods in a U-Box container, you’ll have to file for one. The U.S offers multiple work-based visas you can apply for. And thanks to the USMCA agreement, Canadians have an easier time finding work in the United States and even Mexico.
3. Organize Shipping/Storage Plans
Now comes the real hard part—moving everything! Luckily, with U-Box by U-Haul, we can help you navigate it all. Our international moving experts will help you accomplish all related paperwork.
4. Get Your Taxes Ironed Out
Even when Canadians move abroad, they may be expected to pay taxes just like every other Canadian citizen. To avoid any tax mishaps, notify the Canadian Revenue Agency of your upcoming move. Along with that, you’ll have some serious paperwork ahead of you.
5. Perform a Health Check
It’s a good idea to visit the doctor before you move. It gives you a better idea of the state of your health, while also giving you a chance to get up to date on any necessary vaccinations. You can also review your travel plans and get any medical records scanned and prepared to be delivered to your doctor in your new country.
If you have any prescription medications, also try and make sure you have enough to last a few months in your new home country. Sometimes transferring prescriptions across countries can be exhausting and time intensive. Having some extra doses of your prescription can help avoid any mishaps. Never store your prescription medication in a U-Box container. Instead, carry all prescription medications with you while traveling to your destination.
It’s also good practice to try and get health insurance before moving abroad. While many Canadians enjoy the benefit of socialized healthcare, other countries may require coverage to receive treatment.
6. Assemble Important Documents
Look, you don’t want to be the person who’s stuck at the airport for days on end because you forgot some paperwork. You should have visa paperwork, proof of citizenship, and any educational documentation. Along with this, if you’re planning to ship any home goods, you’ll need a detailed inventory of all the items you’re importing. Luckily, when you book with U-Box by U-Haul, we’ll provide this sheet for you.
7. Pay Any Outstanding Bills
Don’t get too caught up in leaving Canada that you forget to close all the accounts you held there. Make sure you settle everything like gas, electricity, internet, and banking information. If you are still intending to keep up with some subscriptions, make sure you update your address, so they know where to bill you.
What’s the Best Way to Move Out of Canada?
If you’re looking for a full service move on a budget, try U-Box by U-Haul. If you’re a Canadian moving to the United States, you can use the automated reservation process on our website. From there, you can select the number of boxes you need, and we’ll ship them straight to your door. Don’t be shy when it comes to reserving U-Box containers, we’ll refund you for any you don’t use!
For other international moves, we ask that you fill out our international quote form. From there, a team member will personally contact you to plan your move. When you opt for a full-service move, we’ll even help you with some of the pesky paperwork we mentioned before.
All you need to do is load up your U-Box container and wait for your paperwork to be approved. Please don’t forget to review the items that are prohibited for import in your destination country. And make sure that a copy of your detailed inventory list for your U-Box container is inside the container itself, for the customs agents in your destination country.
And remember that we won’t ship your items until you’re at your destination, this is because our U-Box containers may arrive prior to the estimated drop-off date. Once we get the green light, we’ll ship your items anywhere in the world and straight to your door.
So, what are you waiting for? There’s a whole world to explore, and U-Box by U-Haul is here to help you get there. Get a quote with us today!