Is there an "Idiot's guide to moving to the US"?

usagisisa
New Member



Joined: 01 Nov 2007
Posts: 5

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 12:50 pm

 

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Hi guys!
I'm a newbie, looking for info on moving to the US. I have secured a job, and the company has an immigration lawyer assembling my TN visa package for my entry into the US next week. I'm just looking for a checklist/guide for all the other mundane things that need to be done, and suggestions on how to do them in an easy manner. Things like:
[*]do I need a new drivers license & plates for my car?
[*]how do I get an SSN?
[*]what do I need to get a bank account?
[*]what are the best banks?
[*]what do I have to tell the Canadian government?

That sort of stuff. Is there an everyday checklist/guide out there?

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Allyssa
Super Member



Joined: 20 May 2007
Posts: 149
Location: Canada

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 3:40 pm

 

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I don't know about an "idiot's guide", but this site likely has a ton of those answers in the topics that have been posted and replied to. Do a little digging in the US Forum and see what you find.
(The get rich selling us the summary!)

Allyssa

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TNVisaExpert
Moderator


Canadians helping Canadians

Joined: 02 Apr 2007
Posts: 147
Location: San Diego, California

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 3:46 pm

 

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Hi

Yes, you'll find a lot of information about this in the forums. Unfortunately you'll have to search a little.

Nevertheless, we are attempting to put together this type of information on our website to ease the relocation process. Take a look, there may be some information that will help you:
http://www.tnvisaexpert.com/

Look at the bottom of the webpage in the "Easy Relocation" section

Good Luck!
_________________
TN Visa Expert
Helping Canadians live and work in the U.S. successfully.
Complete TN Visa information and A Step by Step TN Visa Application Kit to obtain your TN Visa.
www.TNVisaExpert.com

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MarieR19
CanuckAbroad Regular



Joined: 18 Oct 2007
Posts: 37

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 4:20 pm

 

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I only wish there was an idiot's guide, because trust me I've felt like an idiot at every new discovery of what I had to do!

[*]do I need a new drivers license & plates for my car?
With your passport that includes your visa you can get a US driver's license, but you must get your SSN before.

[*]how do I get an SSN?
Find in the phone book the local IRS, you simply show up there, with your passport, and other official proof of identity and fill in the form. You'll get your SSN card in about a week. This is surprisingly the easiest of all the steps you have to do.

[*]what do I need to get a bank account?
Nothing much really, but I recommend you wait until you get your SSN, not that you need it, but they prefer it. Once again, show up and apply.
[*]what are the best banks?
It depends on where you are. But banks in the US are not like in Canada. There are not national networks. but some are. I have Wells Fargo, which I love since I travel all over the States non stop, and it is very convenient with branches in most States. Wa-Mu is also fantastic, very low rates, free credit cards, etc.

[*]what do I have to tell the Canadian government?
Let them know of your departure date. If you live in Ontario, you get health insurance for 5 years! That's a great bonus.

Good luck!

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Allyssa
Super Member



Joined: 20 May 2007
Posts: 149
Location: Canada

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 2:56 pm

 

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I only wish there was an idiot's guide, because trust me I've felt like an idiot at every new discovery of what I had to do!

I think we all feel like idiots when we move to a new country. Perhaps the degree of difference between your home and host culture makes the biggest impact on this, but when I moved overseas I felt like an idiot on every front. Couldn't speak either official language, didn't know where to get important documents, didn't even know how to dial an emergency number or how to cook a meal (many differences in available ingredients).
My advice: do the best homework you can now before you go (which it sounds like you are trying to do) and then give yourself a lot of grace once you get there!

Allyssa

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exsailor66
New Member



Joined: 13 Jul 2007
Posts: 6
Location: Savannah, GA

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 5:28 pm

 

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I am still waiting for my SSN and Green Card, but banking was no problem because I opened an account with RBC Centura (the US arm of Royal Bank of Canada).

I have been an RBC client for many years in Canada, and have an account there to receive my pension deposits. It is extremely easy to transfer funds electronically from one to the other. It is especially good right now because the $Can has grown so much that I got a virtual 20% raise because of it.

You don't need a Canadian RBC account, but it is very convenient.

Good luck.

Mike

P.S. Our insurance premiums went up by $1K/yr because I don't have a Georgia drivers license. The Catch 22 here is that I have to wait until Homeland Security approves me for the SSN.

I have only the Employment Authorization card so far. It is the one thing I don't need because I don't intend to work here. I have my own health insurance, and am bringing my Canadian Pension Dollars here to spend, without being a burden on the system.

I want to pay my taxes here, but must wait like everyone else? You'd think they would rubber stamp me and put a gold star on my APP, especially considering that I am retired from The Canadian Navy, so my life is an open book for 30 years and had a NATO Top Secret Security clearance while in the Navy.

I guess I must seem like an odd duck, coming to the US to escape free medical care?
_________________
.and in the end,.

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Reba
Moderator


Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1495
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 7:24 am

 

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Homeland Security doesn't approve SSNs. The Social Security Administration does.

Without an EAD, you can't even volunteer at a local church, so be glad you have at least that!

Everyone who is applying to immigrate to the US is supposed to be treated the same. Suspicious. Doesn't matter if you were in the Canadian Navy or the former King of Denmark.
_________________
READ ME FIRST!! Immigration Information for Canadians who want to move to the US for any reason.

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flames9
Senior Member



Joined: 08 Mar 2007
Posts: 114
Location: Falls Church VA

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 7:59 am

 

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I was in the Cdn Army, navy and Air force, doesn't mean a thing,one goes through the same process, as it should be. Security clearances don't mean a thing either. Even if One still had a "valid" Cdn security Clearance, it would not follow you to a USA gov't position! Some USA govt positions won't allow the USA spouse to marry a foreigner, no matter what! The fun and games

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