Moving back to Canada from the U.S.? Here’s exactly what you need to do—step by step.
If you’re a Canadian living in the United States and planning your move back, there are several critical steps you need to take before crossing the border. From healthcare gaps to bringing your belongings across, missing just one detail can create delays, stress, and unnecessary complications. In this video, I walk you through the complete non-financial checklist for moving back to Canada—based on what I see Canadians get wrong all the time.
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What You’ll Learn:
• How to confirm your residency status (dual citizen, or green card holder)
• What to do about U.S. green cards before leaving
• How Canadian healthcare works when you return (and how to avoid gaps)
• The right way to move your belongings across the border
• What to do with your driver’s license and documents
• How to set up banking and credit in Canada
• The most common mistakes people make, and how to avoid them
Watch the video here:
⚠️ Thinking About Moving Back to Canada? This video covers the logistics, but where most people run into bigger problems is on the financial side:
• Taxes when leaving the U.S.
• What happens to your retirement accounts (401k, IRA, RRSP)
• CPP, OAS, and Social Security coordination
👉 If you’re serious about getting this right, you can schedule a call here: https://retiremitten.com/schedule-a-meeting/
(We work specifically with Canadians who have lived and worked in both countries.)
Summary
Quick recap
Bryan Haggard, a certified financial planner and chartered financial analyst, created a video addressing the practical steps Canadians must take when returning to Canada from the United States. The video focused on key considerations for both dual citizens and green card holders, including declaring Canadian residency, healthcare coverage, housing arrangements, moving goods across the border, and updating important documents like driver’s licenses and bank accounts. Bryan highlighted three common mistakes people make during the move: overlooking healthcare gaps, failing to prepare proper inventories for border crossing, and underestimating car import costs to Canada. He also mentioned that while the video covered logistical aspects, more significant challenges often arise on the financial side, including tax implications and retirement account management, and recommended that viewers consult cross-border financial advisors for those concerns.
Summary
Canadian Return Process Guidelines
Bryan discussed the key steps Canadian residents should take before and after returning to Canada from the United States, highlighting common mistakes that can cause delays and unnecessary stress. He explained that the video would focus on practical aspects of the return process, particularly for green card holders giving up their status and dual citizens returning to Canada. Bryan noted that while his firm typically handles financial aspects like RSP management and exit taxes, this video would address more practical considerations.
Canadian Residency Declaration Process
Bryan explained the process for declaring Canadian residency, particularly for dual citizens and green card holders returning to Canada. For dual citizens, declaring residency involves updating addresses and filing tax returns, while green card holders have the option to either surrender their card at the border or mail it in later using Form I-407. Most clients choose to mail in their green card after establishing residency in Canada to allow time for adjustment and potential tax benefits.
Healthcare Considerations for Canadian Relocation
Bryan discussed the importance of healthcare considerations when moving to Canada, emphasizing the need to apply for provincial health insurance promptly after becoming a resident. He noted that while some provinces, such as Ontario, allow immediate access to health insurance, most have waiting periods of 2-3 months, suggesting the need for temporary insurance options or maintaining U.S. Medicare coverage during this time. Bryan also highlighted the potential delay in being assigned a doctor in Canada, sharing an example of a client who waited 400 days for an X-ray, and recommended completing necessary medical procedures in the U.S. before moving to Canada.
Canada Return Planning Considerations
Bryan discussed key considerations for individuals planning to return to Canada, including resolving medical issues and arranging housing. He highlighted the challenges of owning property in both the U.S. and Canada simultaneously and suggested options such as using a home equity line of credit or securing a mortgage through a Canadian bank like RBC, though credit history transfer can be an obstacle for those away from Canada for an extended period.
U.S.-Canada Relocation Options Discussion
Bryan discussed options for moving goods from the U.S. to Canada, including renting a van or hiring professional movers like Allied Van Lines or Atlas Van Lines. He emphasized the importance of creating a detailed inventory of all items being moved, including their fair market value, as required by Canada Border Service agencies to facilitate duty-free movement. Bryan also addressed the complexities and costs of importing a car, suggesting that families might consider selling one vehicle in the U.S. and purchasing another in Canada to avoid import issues and associated expenses.
Canada Relocation Steps and Requirements
Bryan discussed key steps for individuals moving back to Canada, including updating documents, such as obtaining a Canadian driver’s license and reactivating a Social Insurance Number if it is dormant. He advised updating addresses across bank accounts and insurance to establish Canadian residency. Bryan also recommended establishing a Canadian bank account before moving back, either through a pre-existing account or a cross-border account with banks like TD or RBC, and suggested that maintaining a U.S. bank account could be beneficial, especially for managing U.S. retirement accounts.
Common Mistakes in Canada Returns
Bryan discussed common mistakes people make when returning to Canada, highlighting three key areas: healthcare gaps, border documentation issues, and car import expenses. He emphasized the importance of preparing proper documentation lists and checking vehicle import requirements and associated taxes. Bryan also mentioned financial considerations around taxes and retirement accounts, encouraging viewers to consult with cross-border financial advisors for guidance on these matters.