Returning to Canada

Returning to Canada Checklist

• Things To Do & Consider

  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. 
  
  Household

  • Arrange for termination/disconnections of home services and utilities
    • e.g., lawn care, pest control, security, internet, phone, etc.
    • Obtain copies of all final bills or payments for your records
  • Inform landlord of move-out date
  • Collect rental deposit
  • Cancel renters insurance
  • Arrange mail forwarding
  • Arrange house cleaning
  • Update inventory list
  • Update or cancel memberships & subscriptions
    • e.g., gym, meal plans, streaming services, etc.

  
  Finances

  • Decide if you will be keeping your U.S. bank account open
    • If so, inquire about requirements (balances, activity, etc.) 
    • If not, transfer activity to another account 
  • Update CRA of your new address 

  
  Healthcare

  • Request medical & dental transcripts
    • At least one month prior to your move date
  • Settle any outstanding balances
  • Consider requesting a 3-6 month supply of medication prior to move
  • See the healthcare section of this webpage for details about records, coverage, and accessing healthcare back in Canada.

  
  Vehicles

  • Request a Driver's Abstract or letter of experience (such as an accident-free certificate) from your insurance provider
    • This documentation is often required when applying for vehicle insurance in Canada and can be much more difficult to obtain after you've returned.
  • Update or cancel vehicle insurance
  • Complete import/export requirements
  • Schedule any servicing needs
  • Arrange shipping of secondary vehicles

  
  Spousal Employment

  • Request references from employer or volunteer organizations
  • Evaluate credential and licensing transfers (if obtained in the U.S.)
  • If required for employment or volunteering in Canada, arrange to have a criminal record check completed while you're still in the U.S.
    • This is typically done through your state’s Bureau of Investigation and may be much more difficult to obtain once you’ve returned to Canada.
  • Explore the many support resources tailored specifically for CAF spouses at cfmws.ca/support-services/employment.
    • From the Military Spousal Employment Network (MSEN) and CareerCOACH+ to entrepreneurial programs and more—there’s something to support every career journey.

  
  Children’s Education

  • Notify your child’s current school about your upcoming move
  • Request all relevant educational documents (e.g., transcripts, report cards, IEPs/504 Plans)
  • Familiarize yourself with available support resources at cfmws.ca/support-services/education
    • Discover education options by Province and connect with transition support, post-secondary guidance, credit transfers, and more. 

  
  Child Care

  • Arrange care for pack/load days
  • Notify daycare and/or sitter of move
  • Connect with a child care subject matter expert who can support you in understanding your childcare options in Canada and answer any related questions at cfmws.ca/support-services/childcare

  
  Pets & Animals

  • Confirm vaccination status
  • Request vet records
  • Arrange care for pack/load days
  • Arrange transportation
    • Driving, flying, shipping

  
  Additional Considerations

  • Considering military housing? Those returning from OUTCAN have been added as Priority 1 for Residential Housing Units.
  • Had a child while posted OUTCAN? Make sure you’ve applied for their Certificate of Canadian Citizenship and obtained a U.S. passport.
  • Got married during your OUTCAN posting? Don’t forget to submit your application for Permanent Residence in Canada.
  • Returning from Hawaii? Be sure to pack your essentials to carry with you—your furniture and effects (F&E) shipment may take 4 to 6 months to arrive.

Navigational Information

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

• 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. 
  • This process can be completed in person at your local post office; cannot be done online.
  • If you encounter any issues at the post office, you can contact USPS customer service at 1-800-275-8777 to request that the form be sent directly to you, and then take it to your local post office.
• Inventory Requirements

  Updating Your Household Goods & Effects (HG&E) Inventory
  It's time to update the personal inventory list you created when you left Canada (not to be confused with the inventory list created by the moving company). This personal inventory is required to clear your shipment through Canada Customs and should reflect everything you own at the time of your return.
  
  To ensure accuracy, be sure to:

  • Add any new items acquired while in the U.S. (Receipts are required for all major purchases)
  • Remove any items that were sold, donated, or discarded while in the U.S.

  
  CBSA Guidance:
  Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) recommends dividing your list into two sections: Goods Accompanying You and Goods to Follow. Only items listed in your original inventory will be eligible for duty- and tax-free importation under your former resident entitlement, even if they arrive at a later date.

  
  Level of Detail Required
  Your inventory should be detailed enough to assist in identifying items in the event of damage or loss during transit—similar to a home insurance claim. High-value items should include photos, model numbers, and appraised or purchase values. Clothing can be listed by category and estimated total value (e.g., “20 men’s shirts – $300”), but high-value items such as formalwear or evening gowns should be listed separately.

• 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

Healthcare

• Coverage for Spouses & Dependants

  CAF members must update their spouse's and dependants' Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) coverage within 60 days of returning to Canada. This involves switching from “Comprehensive Coverage” to “Supplementary Coverage” by completing Form TBS-006491 (available at pshcp.ca/forms-and-documents) and submitting it to your new orderly room during the in-clearance process.

  If the change is not made within the 60-day window, a three-month waiting period will apply before claims can be submitted.

• CAF Members - Medical Records

  As per the CDLS(W) Health Services Team (Bulletin #2303)
  
  CAF members should visit their local MTF or any other healthcare providers to request a copy of their entire U.S. medical record representing your entire posting to the USA; these can either be sent to MS Pela (natalia.pela@forces.gc.ca) for entry into CFHIS or hand delivered to the medical records section at your next unit. 

  • If requesting files from an MTF, fill out FORM DD2870 – Authorization for Disclosure of Medical or Dental Information and deliver to the local treatment facility NLT 30 days before when you want to pick up the file.
  • You will most likely have to place a separate request for your Behavioural Health file
  • Dental records cannot be entered into CFHIS. Obtain them from your US provider and deliver them to your Canadian provider upon your return.

  
  The HS team frequently receives requests from personnel who returned to Canada without completing this step, which affects their future care, release, and VAC plans. Recovering this information after returning can be administratively challenging, so it's strongly advised to include it in your departure checklist.
• Finding a Doctor in Canada
  Accessing healthcare in Canada can present some initial challenges. Common difficulties include securing a family doctor, longer wait times for specialist appointments and emergency services, and navigating prescription coverage or transfers.
  
  To help ease this transition, there are a few key resources available:
  
  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 CAF families with a Canadian-licensed general practitioner virtually and is an effective way to access routine healthcare from anywhere within Canada. You can register for coverage through Military Family Services at cfmws.ca/virtual-healthcare. If you need help with registration, your local Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) is a great point of contact. Keep in mind, however, that some prescriptions may not be eligible for virtual fulfillment. It's a good idea to request a 3 to 6 month supply of any essential medications before your move.
  
  Finally, as you begin navigating the healthcare system, ask about any provincial health portals or centralized waitlists designed for individuals who don’t yet have a family doctor.

Reintegration

• Tips for the Transition

  Reverse culture shock can take many forms—initial excitement about returning home, a sense of disconnection, or even unexpected nostalgia for your life in the U.S. It’s important to remember that everyone's re-entry experience is different, and there’s no “right” way to feel. Continue reading for practical tips and strategies as you reintegrate into life in Canada.

• Locating your MFRC

  To find information specific to your new posting location:

  1. Click “Select Your Community” or “United States Community” in the top right corner of the cfmws.ca homepage.

  2. Choose the city or region you’re being posted to from the list.

  3. Once the page reloads, you’ll see your selected city name appear:

     • On desktop, it will appear in the top left corner of the webpage.

     • On mobile, it will be located in the menu tab on the right.

  4. Click the city name in the menu to access that location’s landing page.
     
     Here, you’ll find everything you need to get familiar with your new area, connect with your MFRC, and explore available resources!

• Support Kids through a Move
  Looking for ways to support your child through a big move? Visit cfmws.ca/us-military-kids-move for helpful tips, comforting statements, and thoughtful questions designed to guide you and your child through every step of the journey.