Canadian Citizen, in US with ARC (green card) for many years

[Stevet]

My wife and I are considering moving back to Ontario where I was born. Can someone direct me to appropriate forum/topics that talk about the right process to go through, please? I am a Canadian Citizen, US permanent resident (green card holder for many years). My wife is US Citizen. We are interested in details about relocating, retiring, establishing residency in Canada. Thanks for any/all help; we are not sure where to start.

[agnelson]

I'll take on one topic for now:

Since your spouse is US citizen, it would be wise for you to get US citizenship befor you leave as well. You've earned it, and the notion that getting US citizenship will unbearably tie you to the IRS is a misconception. First, your spouse is a USC, so she will always file in US, and you will likely join her. Second, much of your pension is US-sourced as well, so you will be filing whwn you get that money every year too. Third, your long-term status as GC might make you taxable in US
for the next 10 years anyways, so why try to fight it. Fourth, no one living in canada and not working in US, pays more taxes to IRS after they have settled up their Cdn tax bill.

Once you leave US, your GC won't last very long, and if the 2 of you should decide to go back to US, going as a 2 citizens will be so much easier than as one citizen and one visitor. And while it will be easy to get another GC if she wants to move back, it still takes time/money and effort, so why not put in that effort now and get citizenship. If you have underage kids, then this choice to become USC becomes a necessity.

[Reba]

for information and forums regarding marriage based immigration to Canada see http://roadtocanada.com There's lots of info and help there, and you can find the forms and download them from the Canadian Immigration website for free.

[Steven]

It's a good idea to become a US citizen before you do this unless you are a high earner (read the instructions for Form 2555 for more information). That way, you can move back if you want to with minimal hassle at a future date, and any bureaucratic dealings you have with the US over social security or whatever are simpler.

You need to sponsor your spouse for LPR status in Canada, it's relatively straightforward albeit long-winded, takes about 6-8 months if you don't make any mistakes on the paperwork. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/ ... spouse.asp

The other form you will need is CBSA form B4 and B4A to declare your personal effects. There is usually NO DUTY or GST/HST on personal effects. There can be PST in rare instances. The only major exceptions to that rule are for things like booze and tobacco, cars valued over $10,000 are subject to duty and GST on the amount over that value for returning residents, which your spouse will not be.

If you've got any firearms the simplest method is to get a PAL and register them before entry.