Moving from Canada to the USA, whether to be close to your family for work reasons or to trade Toronto’s diverse culture for Florida’s sunshine, is an enthralling adventure. However, aside from planning and consulting moving services, gathering the essential paperwork should be at the top of your moving to-do list.
Our article is designed to help you and guide you through the necessary forms and documents required for a smooth transition when moving from Toronto to Florida.
Visas and Work Permits: A Detailed Breakdown
Relocating to the United States from Canada can either be permanent or temporary based on your situation, and therefore, the following is required:
1. Non-Immigrant Visa
This is usually ideal if you are moving to the USA for school or work.
For Temporary Work Purposes
- If you secure a temporary job in the USA, consider the H-1B Visa, which is mostly used for those working in specialty fields according to the Berkeley International Office.
- If your company transfers you to a branch in the United States, you will need the L-1 Visa, which typically allows intracompany transferees.
- Please note that before applying for a temporary work visa, your current employer must petition Form 1-129 on your behalf, which has to be reviewed and approved by the USCIS for eligibility purposes. Forms 1-129 play a significant role in establishing the employer’s sponsorship of you as a non-immigrant worker.
It also provides crucial information about the beneficiary’s qualifications and the job position. Lastly, it shows the employer’s compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
For Studies Purposes
Normally, students from Canada need no visa to study in the United States. However, the following must be done:
- One must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (Form 1-20) from the school or the Student and Exchange Visitor Program they plan to attend.
- Canadian citizens who plan to pursue vocational studies, such as cooking and auto mechanic classes, in the USA must obtain an M-1 Visa after being accepted by an approved student and Exchange Visitor Program vocational school.
Always consult with the USCIS for precise details about the application forms and process.
2. Immigrant Visa
This is for Canadian citizens who plan to permanently move to the United States. Immigrant visas are sponsored by an employer or a family with U.S citizenship. Here’s what you will need to kickstart your immigrant visa application process:
- Application and submission of Form 1-30 (for families).
- Application and submission of Form 1-40 (for employers).
The people eligible to file Form 1-30 are United States citizens and lawful permanent residents (individuals with green cards). For guidance about obtaining an immigration visa, visit USCIS, which is the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
3. A Valid Passport
A valid Canadian passport is required to enter the United States, as it is a travel document when crossing the border. So, the earlier you get one, the better. Your passport may take a while to process, and you need it before you start planning to move to the U.S. To acquire one, visit the official website of the Government of Canada’s Passport Program.
Here are other necessary documents that you must provide:
- Social Insurance Number
- Birth certificates
- A marriage certificate copy (if the family name of the spouse differs)
- Clear photo ID for every family member
United States Customs Paperwork: What’s Needed
The United States Customs and Border Protection requires the following documents and forms:
- S Customs Forms: This entails Form 3299 (for non-residents) to declare their households. the CBP officials use it to assess one’s belongings during border inspections. To acquire this form, you must visit the official website of the United States Customs and Border Protection and download the Customs Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles Form 3299.
- Customs and Border Protection Declaration Form 6059B: This form should be completed by both returning U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens. It provides detailed information about who you are and what you are bringing into the United States (including wildlife and agricultural products).
- A Valid 1-94 Form: This is an entry record created for you by CBP when crossing the border. It helps identify your immigration status and the authorized staying period. You can always access your 1-94 entry record electronically via the CBP website.
- A Detailed Full Truck Inventory List: This is required to help the CBP officials verify your items. To come up with a detailed list you have to list each and every item you are moving from Canada to the U.S. (from furniture, electronics, personal effects and more). Secondly, you have to ensure each item has a description, quantities, and estimated values. Lastly, keep a copy of the list for future reference.
- Form HS7: Are you planning to bring vehicles to the U.S.? If yes, you will need to complete Form HS7, providing details about the vehicle you are importing. The information you provide should include the make, VIN, and model of the vehicle, among other necessary details. If any repairs or modifications have been made to the vehicle, ensure you declare all of them.
Bottom Line
Before you embark on a journey to relocate from Canada to the United States, ensure that you have all the required documents and forms, as discussed in this article, from a valid passport to the necessary visa and forms like 3299.
