Moving accross the border with Uhaul

Hello.

My family and I are planning on moving the end of this month to California. We have our I-20's all ready for the border. I will be going to school in the USA.

I have no clue on what to expect at the border for getting our stuff across. We will be taking a uhaul down along with our minivan.

Is there anything I need to arrange in advance? What will happen at the border? What can I do to make this easy?

Thanks in advance.

You'll need all your paperwork (I-20, proof of SEVIS fee payment, etc).

CBP claims that you need to make an itemized list of everything you are taking with you. You don't have to pay duty on personal effects. I moved down with my U-Haul when I came in on an F-1 and they didn't even inspect the truck let alone ask for an itemized list of my things, but I suppose it doesn't hurt to have just in case.

They rarely inspect personal contents, but yea, it's still a good idea to have an inventory list of your stuff. Just basics like #1 box shoes, #2 box underwear, #3 box toiletries, #4 box 180 CDs etc etc etc...

You need your I-20, your passport (or NEXUS card) and the SEVIS fee payment receipt and a packing list for the personal effects.

Importing a vehicle is covered in various threads on here. E.g.: Bringing a Canadian Car over to the USA

CBP never seem to be that bothered about personal effects unless the dog picks up a scent.

Thanks Steve.

Do I need to import my car if I am only going to the States (California) for school? Can I keep the Canadian registration/insurance?

Depends on State law, some States have an exemption for students but even if the State does, it doesn't always extend to foreign students in foreign-registered vehicles. I think we had this thread before and the answer was that you do have to register it in California if you're there for more than 90 days or something like that.

In any event it's usually a good idea if you're going to be there for years for obvious reasons, renewing your DL and tags is easier, selling the car is easier, getting insurance is easier, etc.

California does have some wacky laws though, check with the DMV.