When you’re making the move to the US from Canada, there are plenty of things to consider; it’s not quite like moving across states, after all. Making sure everything is in order before you move, getting your belongings across the border, understanding the everyday differences between the two countries, and having all your papers in order are all things that need to be taken care of before making the final move.
Make Sure Everything is in Order Before You Move
Before you make the move, you’ll want to make sure that you aren’t leaving any loose ends back in the Great White North. The move will be complicated enough as it is with the filing for visas and clearing things with customs, so it can put your mind at ease to make sure that both your work life and your home life are figured out.
Getting Everything to Where You Need It
Moving to the US from Canada means that your stuff will have to move as well. You’ll have to decide on how you plan on getting the stuff to your new home. Moving your personal belongings across the border will have to be cleared with customs and you’ll have to make sure that you know what you can or cannot bring with you. Check the rates that are offered to ship your belongings in order to make sure that you are able to afford the rates. For what you can’t bring with you, or what you don’t want to bring with you, consider holding a yard sale to bring in some cash before you make the move.
Knowing the Everyday Differences Between the Two Countries
Canada and America do seem to share many similarities. For example, the average incomes in both the United States and in Canada are virtually the same, while the benefits in Canada given to workers are considerably more beneficial than what workers receive in the United States. For instance, Canada offers maternity leave for new parents of 17 weeks to up to 52 weeks, while the United States does not have a mandate for maternity leave. The healthcare systems in general are slightly different and you’ll have to look into the type of healthcare your company offers you or what you can afford on your own.
Making Sure Your Papers Are in Order
One of the major things you need to do in order to make a smooth transition from Canadian life to American life is to make sure your immigration papers and your visas are in order. You need to file the proper paperwork, for example, if you are planning to go to America on a work visa. This includes having an official job offer from an employer in the United States. This process differs greatly from the process involved if you are marrying a US citizen, so it’s important to make the distinction between the types of emigration.
Canada and the US are similar in certain ways, but that doesn’t mean that the move is not without its complications. If you understand what it means to emigrate from one country to the other, your move should run fairly smooth.
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Sean Carter is an exprienced writer who has contributed to numerous blogs all across the internet. His main areas of interest include traveling, cars and home renovations