Complete Guide for Canadians on How to Move to the USA in 2019

In each year, thousands of Canadians migrate to the United States to study, live, establish businesses, and to search for better employment opportunities. However, moving from Canada to the United States is not a walk in the park as most people think.

Regardless of the reasons for moving, one must first get immigration approvals from the relevant authorities. You will fill out several forms, especially when searching for a job in the United States. If travelling to work, you must acquire a work visa.

How to Move from Canada to the United States

It’s no doubt that moving to the United States from Canada can be so stressful. To move successfully, you should start applying for your travel documents and permits as early as possible. Here are the things to do before and after moving into the U.S.

1. Apply for the United States Residency

If you are moving to the United States for the first time, ensure that you have a valid proof of residency before travelling. Without authorization from the U.S. government, you will not be allowed to cross the border.

The kind of approval documents you’ll get will depend on the reasons for moving and the number of days you’ll spend in the United States. Here are some of the proofs available.

• Temporary Work Visa: Allows you to enter the U.S. to work for a certain period. In this case, your employer is the one to get you Form I-129 approval for your entry.

• Permanent immigrant Visa: Allows you to stay in the United States permanently and get a social security number and better healthcare like any other U.S. citizen.

• Green Card: Allows you to move freely within the U.S. without restrictions. With a green card, you can work in any place of interest. Also, you’ll gain access to social security number, healthcare services, and an insurance cover.

• U.S. Citizenship: If you hold a green card for five years or more, you can easily acquire the United States citizenship. You can also get citizenship when you have been married to a U.S. citizen for three years.

2. Get the United States Currency (USD)

Once you have a proof of residence and ready to move into the United States, you should get the U.S. money. You will need foreign currency to pay for all the services you will need when you arrive in the United States, including transportation costs.

Convert CAD to USD before leaving Canada for the U.S. Don’t wait to exchange cash at the airport where there are many fraudsters. To make the most out of the money exchange, find a currency exchange company with the best rates at Knightsbridgefx.com.

3. Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)

When you arrive in the United States, the first thing you should get is the social security number. Without it, you will not access most services in the country. Getting a data plan for your phone would be even challenging.

Social security number is the basis for almost everything in the United States. You must have it to qualify for the social security benefits. When you apply for the social security number, it will take around 1-2 weeks to receive it.

4. Get a U.S. Bank Account and Credit Card

With your social security number and U.S. mailing address, you can now open an account in any bank of your choice. That’s where you’ll deposit your savings and paychecks for your utility bills. Choose a bank which you can access easily when in need.

Another thing that will be of crucial relevance is a credit card. As a Canadian who doesn’t have any credit history in the U.S., it might be quite tricky to get a credit card. However, financial companies like the American Express offer credit cards to Canadians in the U.S.

5. Move Your Household Stuff into the U.S.

In many cases, people sell their household goods when moving to the United States. But if you will still need some of your stuff, you can either hire a shipping company to help you move them or move them by yourself. The former is usually the best option.

Final Words

Moving from Canada to the United States can be stressful when not prepared in advance. If planning to move, start processing your travel documents as early as possible to avoid inconveniences. As you fill out the forms, provide accurate details without making errors. Otherwise, the process may delay.