Moving to the United States from Canada
Moving from Canada to the United States is a major life transition that involves immigration eligibility, U.S. Customs compliance, and international logistics. With more than 22 years of experience handling Canada–U.S. relocations, Orbit International Moving helps individuals, families, and professionals move legally, efficiently, and with confidence.
Our team specializes exclusively in cross-border household goods shipments, working directly with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to ensure your move complies with all federal and state regulations.
This guide explains how Canadians can move to the U.S., what you can ship, required documents, and how to avoid costly delays—based on real-world experience handling hundreds of Canada–U.S. moves every year.
How Can a Canadian Move to the USA?
Before planning your physical move, it’s essential to understand how you’re legally allowed to live in the U.S. Orbit does not provide immigration services, but our movers work closely with clients relocating under the following common pathways:
Common U.S. Visa & Residency Options for Canadians
- TN Visa (USMCA) – One of the fastest options for Canadians in eligible professional occupations with a U.S. job offer
- Employment-Based Visas – Including H-1B and employer-sponsored green cards
- Family Sponsorship – Through a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or family member
- E-2 Investor Visa – For Canadians investing in or purchasing a U.S. business
- Student Visas (F-1) – Temporary relocation for education, sometimes leading to long-term options
- Returning U.S. Residents – Americans returning to the U.S. after living in Canada
Important: U.S. Customs typically will not clear household goods before the owner has legally entered the U.S. in their approved status.
What to Consider Before Moving from Canada to the U.S.
A successful cross-border move requires more than packing boxes. Our clients can rely on Orbit for guidance on:
- Immigration status & entry timing
- U.S. Customs clearance requirements
- Restricted and prohibited items
- Vehicle import compliance
- Alcohol, firearms, and specialty items
- Pet relocation rules
Mistakes at the border can result in storage fees, seizure of goods, or shipment refusal. That’s why working with an experienced international mover matters.
Prohibited & Restricted Goods When Moving to the USA
U.S. Customs strictly regulates what can be imported. The following items are prohibited or highly restricted:
- Products made from endangered species (ivory, animal hides, certain antiques)
- Perishable food items and agricultural products
- Narcotics or medications without prescriptions
- Firearms and ammunition (special permits required)
- Vehicles that do not meet U.S. safety and emissions standards
- Flammable or hazardous materials
Alcohol and food shipments are strongly discouraged in household goods containers because FDA and other federal requirements (including Bioterrorism Act prior‑notice rules) can create delays and extra paperwork.
U.S. Customs Regulations for Household Goods
Used household goods and personal effects are duty-free if:
- You have owned and used them for at least 12 months
- They are not intended for resale
Items purchased within the last 12 months may be subject to duty.
Note: Duty assessment is always ultimately at CBP’s discretion.
Documents Required to Move from Canada to the USA
To clear U.S. Customs smoothly, Orbit will guide you through preparing the following:
Required Customs Documentation
- Completed CBP Form 3299
- Signed U.S. Customs Power of Attorney
- Detailed inventory in English
- Copy of passport photo page
- Copy of visa or immigration status document
- Ocean Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
Additional Requirements for Returning U.S. Residents
- Social Security Number
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Foreign address
Additional Requirements for Non-Residents & Immigrants
- Passport number
- Visa number and visa type (TN, H-1B, E-2, Student, etc.)
- Country of issuance
- Visa issue and expiration dates
- I-94 Form (if applicable)
Shipping Alcohol to the United States
Shipping alcohol is legally complex and varies by state. If included, you must provide:
- FDA Prior Notice
- Number of bottles/cans
- Type and alcohol content
- Manufacturer and country of origin
- Value per bottle
- Signed statement confirming, it is for personal use, not for resale
We strongly recommend speaking with your state liquor authority before shipping alcohol.
Firearms & Ammunition
Firearms and ammunition are heavily regulated. In many cases you must obtain an approved ATF import permit (such as ATF Form 6 or 6NIA), which can take 4–6 weeks or more to process, and you may need proof of prior lawful export for certain U.S. origin firearms.
Without proper documentation, firearms should not be shipped.
Importing a Motor Vehicle into the USA
Vehicle importation is one of the most common causes of delays.
All vehicles must meet:
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions requirements
Vehicles over 25 years old may qualify for exemptions.
Required Vehicle Import Forms
- CBP Form 7501
- HS-7 Declaration (DOT)
- EPA Form 3520-1
Important: If a vehicle fails emissions testing, modification costs and bond fees can be substantial.
Orbit can advise whether shipping your vehicle is cost-effective before you commit.
Inherited Goods
Inherited items may qualify for duty‑free treatment, if the followings are provided:
- Copy of death certificate
- Inventory list
- Declared value of each item
Moving Pets from Canada to the USA
- Dogs and cats do not require quarantine, except in Hawaii
- Valid veterinary health certificate required
- Proof of rabies vaccination required
- Birds and exotic animals may require quarantine
All animals must be declared as pets with no commercial value. CDC and USDA rules can apply for some species.
Important Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always confirm requirements with U.S. government agencies or qualified professionals.