Screening for a US Posting

Additional Considerations

A more in-depth look at some areas of concern

• Common Law Relationships
  Per US law, common-law relationships are not recognized by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for aliens residing in the US. If you are not legally married, a cohabitating partner may live in the US on a B-2 visa for up to six months, as long as the intended stay has a time limitation and is not indefinite in nature.
  
  Non-military dependants may have difficulty obtaining a US Visa therefore Common-Law partners may be refused entry into the US. Domestic partners who plan to stay in the US for more than six months should ask USCIS for a one-year stay on their initial application. If needed, requests can be made thereafter for extensions of stay, in increments of up to six months, for the duration of the principal aliens' non-immigrant status in the US USCIS regulations allow a max initial admission in B status of only one year, and most often USCIS grants B visitors an initial admission of six months. If entry is granted to the US, non-mil partners will not be granted access to US military bases or facilities including but not limited to medical services, Commissary, Base Exchange, recreation facilities, etc. 
• Language Barriers

  English is distinctly the predominant language in the US. Some of our MFS US Team Members are bilingual, so if you prefer to communicate in French, let us know and we will hook you up! Francophone families moving to the US should be aware that depending on location, access to activities, resources, and program services in French may be limited or nonexistent. Preparation for this possibility is important.

  All families should be particularly diligent if they have children who have been in French or French immersion schools in Canada or if they intend to eventually enter the French school system. If this is the case, it is essential that you are familiar with the Children’s Education Management (CEM) policies and benefits and reach out to one of our counsellors if you have any questions. We strive to provide some services in French, but also recommend accessing our Rosetta Stone licenses or tutoring (if applicable), for learning English to assist with your integration into the community. We can help you get started before you move. Contact your MFS US Team Member for more information. 

• Cultural and Lifestyle Shock

  A foreign posting is by its very definition a foreign living experience and at the risk of stating the obvious – includes a foreign culture. Culture shock, of varying degrees, is inevitable. It is easy to think, “It’s the US, we are the same – just have some trees separating us!”, but that kind of thinking may lead to frustration and unmet expectations. There are cultural differences. Depending on the location, aspects of these cultural differences can be found in schools, churches, military installations, and in the general community. Adjusting to the difference in politics, gun laws, and the security threat level for military families could all be things you may encounter.

  Remember, you are going to be a guest in the US and respecting the cultural differences you encounter will enhance your experience. It is also expected of you, as you are representing Canada.

• Driving

  Many of our CAF members and families in the US are in cities much larger than anywhere they have lived in Canada. To put things into perspective, the state of California has a larger population than Canada. This means freeways, merging lanes, traffic, and time spent commuting, which may contribute to varying levels of stress.

  Couples or families with one car may want to consider whether this will be practical at their new post, especially with the lack of public transportation in some communities and the distance to some bases. Families with teenagers will also want to prepare for the difference in age requirements for getting a learner’s permit and/or driver’s license. Not understanding each state’s driving and license laws may result in delays.

  Ensure your Canadian license is valid long enough to ensure you are legally allowed to drive while you transition to your new state license.

• Geography

  CAF members and families are posted to 37 different states across the US and Thule, Greenland, but only 11 of these locations have MFS(US) Team Members on site. As you can imagine, every state has its nuances as well as every city within a state. Things that people need to think about can range from what elevation they may be living at (Colorado is over 6,000 feet in elevation – this may affect some people as they acclimate) to only having 5.5 hours of sunlight in the winter (Alaska can have up 18 hours of darkness in the winter months).

  Other things you may want to consider ahead of time can include:

  • critters or animals in the local area, specifically scorpions, spiders, snakes, or alligators,
  • the cost and time commitment to get back to Canada or for family to get to you,
  • island fever (isolation on an island) or living in an isolated community, and
  • climate events such as hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, or high levels of snowfall or rain.
• Social and Family Support System Changes

  CAF members and families move, it is part of the lifestyle. However, moving outside of Canada is an entirely new experience that needs to be considered. Not only are you leaving behind your social and family support systems, but also the institutionalized support systems you know well (medical, dental, etc.).

  Having everyone consider this new reality is important to ensure a successful transition to both a new country as well as the new support systems they will be building. Things will be different from what you are used to. You need to expect that. But the MFS(US) Team is made up of military spouses and dependants living in similar situations, so we understand the new adventure you are embarking on and are here to help!

• Children's Education
  Please be aware that French Language Training is very limited in the US, and may not be comparable to Canadian standards. During your screening Children’s Education Management (CEM) will address specific at-post schooling considerations; however, it is important to note that not all schools or school boards will address Individual Education Plans (IEPs) the same. 
  
  Visit our Children's Education webpage for information regarding assistance, allowances, and guidance for educational matters Pre-K through Grade 12.
• Juvenile Curfew Laws

  In many states there may be a curfew for minors. Juvenile Curfew Laws are typically enacted at the state and local level and prohibit people of a certain age (usually under 18) from being in public or business establishments during certain hours. Each state will enforce these laws differently, so this may be something to keep in mind for your family. Check out your state and city rules on curfews.