Returning to Canada

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Note: If you are crossing the border over a weekend or US holiday, make sure to verify that your border crossing is open and clearing paperwork on both sides.

• Returning to Canada Checklist

  A list highlighting all of the important things (big and small) to do and consider when returning to Canada.
  Click here for the printable version > Returning to Canada Checklist. 

• Change of Address
  The following information has been collected from the official USPS Change of Address FAQ webpage.
  
  Change of Address (COA) is a request to tell the United States Postal Service (USPS) to reroute your mail (including letters and packages) for ALL/OR SELECTED individuals at the specified address.
  
  How do I FIle a COA for an International Address?

  • If you are moving to an International address outside of the United States, you will need to fill out the same Change of Address (COA) form PS Form 3575 that is filed for a domestic move at your Local Post Office and complete identity proofing. 
  • If you forget to submit a COA prior to moving to an International address, you will need to notify everyone of your new address or authorize a designee to submit a Change of Address form, PS Form 3575 on your behalf. An authorization letter will be required. 
  • If you are filing a Change of Address from another country to the United States, you will need to contact the foreign country's postal administration. 
• Inventory Requirements
  If you made an inventory list when you left Canada, find it and update that list; it is much easier to add to it than to start fresh. This list is more important for when you return to Canada and should be more detailed than the Shippers Inventory List that is created by the moving company. The high value items should be detailed with photos, model number, value, etc. Clothes can be grouped with a general value with evening gowns separated if they are high valued items. Most recommend using an excel spreadsheet or one of the many apps available. Canadian Customs uses a form called Personal Effects Accounting Document, this must be included with your paperwork. It lists your house inventory along with your vehicles and trailers. They do not want to see the drivers “sticker list” as this doesn’t list the actual content (see the form here).
• Medical Records
  Heading back to Canada this APS? Some things to remember with respect to medical records. 
  
  CAF Members: Please visit your MTF and request a copy of your entire US medical record (you will most likely have to place a separate request for your Behavioural Health file) representing your entire posting to the USA; these can either be sent to MS Pela ([email protected]) for entry into CFHIS or hand delivered to the medical records section at your next unit. 
  
  Dependants: Should request their medical records as above and retain them for delivery to the nex care-providers in Canada. 
  
  Dental Records: All OUTCAN Pers - The HS team has no ability to enter dental records into CFHIS (Dental Officers use a different electronic record to maintain your dental files). Dental records should be requested from your US dental providers for delivery to your Canadian dental providers upon return to Canada. 
  
  IMPORTANT** The HS team regularly recieves requests from personnel who have returned to Canada who neglected to do this and it is impacting future care/Release/VAC plans. It can be administratively challenging to recover this information once you have returned to Canada, so it is highly recommended that you to add this to your list of departure administration. 
  
  - Your US OUTCAN HS Team (Bulletin #2303)
• Importing a Vehicle

  There is a step by step process you will need to be familiar with before importing your car to Canada. This information can be found at the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) - Importing Vehicles to Canada.
  
  There are different requirements for vehicles purchased in Canada verses in the US. As of 2014, the US side implemented a new system to export your vehicles and it is through the Automated Export System (AES). This is a process that may take several days, so plan ahead. Your moving company may be able to assist you with this process as you do need a Social Security Number.
  
  Additional Resources:

  • US Custom & Border Protection
  • RIV - US Export Requirements
  • Importing a vehicle from the United States
  • Environment Canada Vehicle Emission Requirements
• Importing or Travelling with Pets
  To import a dog or cat into Canada you will need to ensure that all vaccines (especially rabies) are current, up to date and have a copy of said records. To ensure you meet all the required criteria to enter the country with your pet(s), consult the Canadian Food Inspection Agency webpage and scroll to the bottom to fill out the online form that will inform you of the steps you need to take and the paperwork you will require at the border.
  
  In addition, there may be restrictions in regards to specific animals and breeds depending on the Province or Territory you are moving to and more research may be required. We also recommend checking the website for information on importing specific dog foods.
  
  How will you be crossing the border?

  • Driving? Ask hotels what their pet policy is in advance to avoid any additional fees. Checkout Bring Fido, a pet friendly travel resource and directory. 
  • Flying? Contact the airline in advance to discuss pet air travel and if there are any restrictions. Some airlines will not transport dogs in the summer due to the heat in the cargo hold and on the tarmac.
• Bringing Plants into Canada

  Importing plants can require a lot of paperwork and often times, will not be approved. Our suggestion would be to pass them along to a friend, fellow Canadian community member, or donate them to a local business, school or library.
  
  If you would like to try and bring them into Canada you will have to determine whether or not they qualify. If they do, you will then have to file the proper paperwork (i.e., Import Permits and/or Phytosanitary Certificate).

  • Start by reviewing the D-08-04: Plant Protection Import Requirements for Plants and Plant Parts for Planting
  • Consult Appendix 7: Houseplants for Personal Use which offers information about eligible and non-eligible houseplants for personal use
  • If you have further questions, contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s National Import Service Centre
• Finding a Doctor in Canada
  Military Family Doctor Network:
  Finding a doctor is always one of the first things you want to do for your family. Military Family Services (MFS) has partnered with Calian and Maple to help provide CAF military dependents with healthcare across Canada. Visit Military Family Doctor Network - Primacy Management Inc. to see where these partners are located.
  
  Maple Virtual Health:
  Maple connects dependents with online doctors, virtual health and prescriptions in Canada. You can register to receive coverage from Military Family Services. If you need assistance, please reach out to the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) in your location.
• Locating your MFRC
  1. Visit www.cfmws.ca (if you're reading this, you're already here!)
  2. Click "Select Your Community" or "United States Community" in the top right corner of the webpage. 
  3. Find and click on the city you are being posted to. 
  4. Once the webpage has reloaded, you will now see the name of your new city listed in the menu. On a desktop, it will be in the top left corner of the webpage. On a mobile device, it will be in the menu tab to the right of the webpage. 
  5. Click on the city name in the menu and you will be taken to the location's landing page. Here you will find all of the information you will need to learn about your new location, connect with the MFRC, and more! 
• Healthcare Coverage
  While you are posted OUTCAN your PSHCP coverage is called “Comprehensive Coverage”. This was changed using the form the Orderly room gave you upon being posted out. When you and your family are returning to Canada this coverage must be amended.
  
  The IN Canada coverage is called “Supplementary Coverage”. You are required to change your coverage within 60 days of your return, and it is completed with your new Orderly Room when clearing in. The same form will be used as when you left Canada as it is an “Amendment” to your coverage. If the change is not completed in the first 60 days of your return you will have a 3-month waiting period before you can submit any claims to the insurance company.
  
  Note: This is only relevant if you have dependents covered under PSHCP
  
  Please find a link below to the PSHCP form (TBS-006491) that you need to fill out and bring to your new orderly room in order to do your in-clearances. Your PSHCP amended application will need to be given to your OR upon return to Canada and will need to be received by them within 60 days of your return, otherwise a three-month waiting period will be applied. https://www.pshcp.ca/forms-and-documents