Prepare & Move

While posted OUTCAN to the US you'll fall under one of two Chains of Command - CANELEMNORAD or CDLS (Washington), both of which have their own Welcome Documents that will provide you with all of the details you'll need for your OUTCAN posting. If you've yet to receive one, contact your support unit to request or click the links provided below:

CANELEMNORAD
Canadian Element NORAD
“Welcome to the USA Handbook”

CDLS (Washington)
Canadian Defense Liaison Staff (Washington)
“Welcome to the United States”

Things to do or consider BEFORE your HHT:

• Connect with your locations MFS US Team Member
• Review the HHT sections of your Welcome Book
  • CANELEMNORAD – Pages 32-38
  • CDLS(W) – Pages 16-28
• Begin your research! 
  • Zillow, Trulia, Rentals.com
  • Ask for advice/insight
• Open a US bank account 
• Investigate children’s education if applicable

Things to do or consider DURING your HHT: 

• Connect with your Support Unit
• Secure suitable accommodations
  • Covers the expected duration of your posting
  • Within rent ceiling and sqft entitlement
  • Meets residential needs 
  • Lease includes Military Clause, Death Clause, and Insolvency Clause
• Coordinate services with local utility providers 
• Address automobile and property insurance
  • State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, US Geico
• Contact the local school district if applicable 

Things to do or consider AFTER your HHT - if not before:

• Organize your finances
  • It is recommended that you sit down with your financial advisor (SISIP Financial) to discuss how you'll manage your investments while posted OUTCAN.
• Begin your household inventory

Opening a US Bank account should be one of your top priorities as you prepare for your move. This can be done before your HHT through cross-border banking or can be one of the first tasks once you've arrived for your HHT. Some institutions known to offer cross-border banking include RBC, CIBC, BMO, and TD.

Note that there is a difference between a currency account and a banking account. You will require a banking account. This account is what will be used to deposit things like your rent and utility allotments.

Lastly, it is highly recommended that you maintain a checking account with a Canadian institution during your posting. If a Canadian address is required to maintain or set up any financial accounts, the following address is available to CAF members and families for financial documents.

• CANELEMNORAD
  SN, RANK, INITIALS, NAME
  CFSU(CS) – (SPECIFY DET LOCATION)
  PO BOX 5233 STN FORCES 
  BELLEVILLE, ON K8N 5W6
  
  CDLS (Washington)
  SN, RANK, INITIALS, NAME
  CDLS (WASHINGTON)
  PO BOX 5277 STN FORCES 
  BELLEVILLE, ON K8N 5W6
  
  PO Box Not Accepted?
  SN, RANK, INITIALS, NAME
  CDLS(W) or CFSU(CS)
  15 WESTWIN AVE, BLDG 348
  QUINTE WEST, ON K8V 5P8

All CAF members and their family members accompanying them to post will need an official passport (for most, this will be a Green Passport) which must be used to enter and exit the US. This is because your Visa and your I-94 documents are incorporated into the official passport. These documents are what allow you to be in the US for the duration of your stay. There are a few different types of passports depending on your posting to the US, please see your CANELEMNORAD or CDLS(W) Welcome Document for further clarification.

It is also highly recommended to check the expiry date on your unofficial "blue passport" before moving as it is easier to renew from within Canada. 

When considering a posting to the U.S., it's important to factor in various financial considerations that can impact your personal finances. Key elements to keep in mind include:

• Canadian Investments: If you have investments in Canada, such as retirement savings, stocks, or real estate, you may need to manage these assets while living abroad. It's crucial to consider whether you need to adjust your investment strategy before you leave Canada.

• Cost of Living & Exchange Fluctuations: The cost of living can vary significantly depending on the state or region you're posted to. Urban areas may have a higher cost for daily expenses, while rural locations may offer more affordable living but fewer amenities. Additionally, since CAF members are paid in Canadian dollars, changes in the exchange rate between CAD and USD can affect your income and expenses. 

These financial factors can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life and long-term financial planning, so it's important to carefully assess them before and during your posting. Before your move, be sure to connect with SISIP Financial or a financial advisor to discuss all of these considerations and ensure you're fully prepared.

When preparing for your move, one of the things you'll need to complete is your household inventory. You'll want to include things like serial numbers, price, and pictures, especially on your higher-ticket items or collectibles. A few good inventory apps you might consider downloading to help with this task are sortly, memento or nest egg. We would recommend beginning this process as soon as you receive your posting message as it can be a long and grueling task. 

Note: You do not need to be as specific as “12 blue socks and 10 white socks”, but it is recommended that any high-value items be itemized with serial numbers, model numbers, dates purchased, purchase price, etc.

It is also highly recommended that you maintain this list throughout your posting, as you will need it again when you're posted back to Canada. 

CAF members and families should note that accessing and paying for healthcare will not be as simple as they have experienced in Canada. The medical system in the US is very different than in Canada so spend some time getting to know how to maneuver through it. Please visit the Healthcare in the US information webpage to aid in the navigation process. 

Closer to your move date you will need to change your Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) to Comprehensive Coverage. This is done by both the CAF member notifying the Orderly Room and the member/family updating the Positive Enrollment form with Canada Life. Let your gaining Unit OR action the Supplemental to Comprehensive coverage switch after arrival (Not the losing Unit OR). 

Note: Be very careful when taking specific advice from friends, acquaintances, or Facebook threads because every situation is different, and the solution may not be the same in your case or your area. Your best bet is to seek advice from the staff at US OUTCAN Health Services Team who are dedicated to this issue. Their information can also be found on our Healthcare in the US webpage. 

Employment Insurance (EI)

CAF spouses moving to the US with their CAF member may be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits depending on their personal employment situation.

It is important to apply for benefits as soon as you stop working. You can apply for benefits even if you have not yet received your Record of Employment (ROE) and before receiving your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Social Security Number (SSN) in the US. If you delay filing your claim for benefits for more than four weeks after your last day of work, you may lose benefits. Note: Spouses will not receive their benefits until they get their EAD however the calculation for eligible hours worked begins the moment the application is initiated.

For more information, visit our Employment Insurance webpage under Navigational Resources. 
 

Employment Authorization (EAD)

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.

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. 

Some documents you'll want to be mindful of requesting earlier rather than later will include:

• Driver’s Abstract
• Auto Insurance history and/or Letter of Experience
• Health records (medical, dental, vaccinations, etc.)
• Children’s education transcripts

Note: Consider having important documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, driver's license, etc.) translated from French to English before crossing the border. Check out the translation services offered via Military One Source! 

Driver's Abstract and Auto Insurance:

It is important to obtain a copy of your Driver’s Abstract (driving history) before you leave Canada. Go to either your vehicle/license registry office or your local police station and ask for a driver’s abstract. The cost may vary based on province, but this may also be reimbursable through BGRS (IRP) (see Relocation Directive 9.4.03 PMV including motorcycle and driver’s licenses). Keep your receipt! Ensure you do this at least two weeks before your move, as it may take some time to receive the information. 

You should also contact your current insurance company to request a copy of your insurance history as this information may be required to obtain a better insurance rate at your new location.

The border will require proof of vaccinations and wellness when moving a pet or pets to the US. To verify the exact requirements, visit the US Department of Agriculture website. Also, be sure to check specific details for your type of pet, as some pets may require an Importation License or not be allowed in the state. Requirements vary by state and city. To avoid problems, take the time to verify the requirements for moving your pet. Do your homework early to avoid any surprises!

If you are planning to fly your pet to your new location, make sure you check with the airlines for any restrictions. Some airlines will not transport animals in the summer due to the heat in the cargo hold and on the ramp.

Remember to check if your hotel accepts pets! Check out this site to help find Pet Friendly Hotels – PetsWelcome.com.

 

Additional Resources: 

• Pet-Friendly Travel - www.bringfido.com | www.petswelcome.com 
• Animal Licensing - www.petdata.com 
• Local Vet - www.localvet.com

Have questions about crossing the border?
Reach out to border Information Services at 1-800-461-9999 or visit www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/

It is highly recommended that you check to make sure that your border crossing can accommodate all of your requirements.

Pro Tip: Some gas stations will ask for a "Zip Code" at the pump. If you are paying with a Canadian card, use the numbers in your Postal Code followed by "00". (Example: Your Postal Code is R2Y 1W8, you would enter "21800").