Arrive & Thrive
Arriving at Post
Tools & information to assist you upon arrival
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Your Local Base
Familiarize yourself with your nearest/new base or military installation!
Military OneSource
Here you can search by the name of the base or by the specific program you are looking for. US bases have a wealth of resources from childcare to employment assistance to programs and services. As Canadians, we are entitled to use most of the services on base with our dependant ID card. If for some reason you are told you are not eligible, please let your Location Provider know so they can try to rectify the situation.
My Base Guide
My Base Guide is your guide to your new city and base. It has fantastic information on not only base programs and services but also what is happening locally, including school information.
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Your New City
Finding your way through your new city can be overwhelming in some locations, but here are some great resources to learn about your city before you head out and explore!
MFS US Resources
Your first step should be connecting with your Location Provider if you haven't already. They may be able to provide you with information that will connect you with your new community and answer any questions you might have while on this new adventure. You should also check out our location pages as they include area-specific information and tips.
City Data
This website has information on weather, population, school profiles, and city guides with information on restaurants, festivals, and events. This site even has Canadian cities for when you move back!
211 - Essential Community Services
211 is a website designed to help find Emergency Resources in your local city. This is not fully developed in the US or Canada yet so information may be limited. It lists confidential services and programs that you can reach out to in times of need. Such services may include Mental Health resources, Disaster Assistance, and Crisis & Emergency.
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Healthcare Coverage
For more information regarding any of the following information, please visit our Healthcare in the US webpage.
A few quick notes about coverage in the US:
TRICARE (Members & Dependants)- TRICARE = Primary Insurance while posted OUTCAN in the US
- When registering with DEERS, be sure to be categorized as a “NATO Affiliate – Active Duty (R72). Not “Foreign Military” or some host unit category
- Entitled to benefits under RHCA if in DC, MD, CA, HI, TX, VA, WA
- It is recommended that you register with Patient Admin at the local primary Military Treatment Facility (MTF) ASAP
- If you have access to a Military Treatment Facility (MTF), you can receive direct care at no cost
- Entitled CAF members WILL seek all care through MTF if available
- Entitled dependants may access off-base resources without a referral
- If it is an emergency – GET CARE – Contact 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273)
- Notify CFMLO or SOHA if admitted
- CAF may utilize civilian resources only with:
- Preauthorization from CFMLO
- Approved TRICARE referral
- To access care before DEERS Registration
- Temporary base access pass > Report to Patient Admin > Temp Patient ID#
- Dependants may use civilian providers after COS and claim at a future date
PSCHP (Dependants Only)- Secondary Insurance
- To supplement or use in place of TRICARE
- No direct billing
- Review Benefits: Comprehensive Coverage (pshcp.ca)
- Let your gaining Unit OR action Supplemental to Comprehensive coverage switch after arrival (Not the losing Unit OR)
- Once the switch is confirmed on Canada Life profile:
- Complete registration with MFS International (pshcp-msh.ca)
- Submit OUTCAN Claim Form through portal or [email protected]
- Dental Care
- On the economy – shop around
- Claimed directly through Canada Life profile
- Medical claims under FSDs/MFSIs:
- R70, Excess Dental, Dependant Immunizations
- Advances available for major expenses
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Employment Authorization
Please visit our Employment in the US webpage to find all the necessary information you'll need to understand and succeed at your new post.
Note: Even if you are working remotely for a Canadian company, you will still require an EAD, the only exception to this rule is if your employer is the Government of Canada.
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Social Security Numbers
This number functions similarly to the Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN). It's used by employers to report your taxes to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and by lenders when you apply for credit. You can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as part of the EAD application process.
Dependents who have not obtained work authorization and do not plan to work can visit a local United States Social Security Administration Office and request a denial letter (SSA-L676), which states that the individual is not eligible for a Social Security Number. You can then present this letter to banks, vendors and other agencies that insist on a Social Security Number. This letter does not affect an individual’s ability to request a Social Security Number in the future. -
Children's Education + Enrollment
Check out our School Processing Checklist - A tool for incoming and outgoing families to aid in the transition between locations and schools. More information can also be found on our Child & Youth Education webpage.
Documents that are needed to register kids at a school in the US:- the most recent report card,
- birth certificate,
- baptismal certificate if attending a catholic school,
- immunization records*, and
- dental records.
Most US Family Readiness Centers in the US also have a School Liaison Officer who can assist with local requirements and information. Contact your MFS US Team Member for more information.
Everyone arriving in the US who will be attending a school, daycare, preschool etc. must possess an up-to-date immunization record to register. Each state in the US has its requirements for school-age children attending school and/or daycares. For vaccines, the issue is not the type, but the timeline in which they are given. Much like in Canada, where each province has a timeline, the US has theirs. This is usually enforced within the first six months of school, so you may need to address this as soon as you get to your new city. Check out the CDC SchoolVaxView website to see what is required in your state.
Thriving at Post
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Community Involvement
When community members actively participate in community life, everyone benefits, including volunteers and fellow Canadian families. Reach out to your Location Provider to discover how you can contribute locally or virtually, or explore volunteer opportunities in your host community through Volunteer Match. Volunteering offers a fantastic opportunity to meet locals, bond over shared interests, and become an integral part of the community.
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PSP OUTCAN
PSP OUTCAN offers the following services:
- FORCE Testing
- Individual Fitness Training Programs
- Monthly Wellness Challenges
- In-Person Wellness Workshops during annual FORCE Test Evaluations
- National Sports for CAF Members
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Disaster Preparedness
Are you aware of the hazards associated with your OUTCAN location? Many hazards occur across Canada every day and you may already be familiar with some of the basics. But depending on where you're posted, they may occur more frequently or vary in severity.
Visit our Disaster Preparedness page for more information about your state and how you can best prepare. -
Follow Us!
The CFMWS US Facebook Page is where all live updates and national content will be delivered first! This is where you'll find resource promotions, friendly reminders, and details about upcoming programs. Not on Facebook? Sign up for our monthly newsletter!
