Moving to Houston on L-1A and I have many questions

Hi all,

New to forum.

Here is my situation

I have a L1-A visa and I am being relocated to Houston from Red Deer Alberta. I am married with 2 kids and a pet. We plan to drive to Houston in three weeks.

Now the fun stuff. Here are my questions;

1) What is the process to bring my wife and kids with me?
2) I own ATV's, an SUV and a holiday Trailer, what would be the process and cost too bring these items across the border?
3) Because I am on a L1-A visa do I need to cut ties in Canada such as bank accounts, credit cards etc.
4) What issues will I have with owning a home in Red Deer and renting it out?
5) My kids have a pet Faret, what do we need to do to bring the faret with us?
6) How do we establish credit fast in the US?
7) Is there any relocation specialist I can speak with or hire?
The company is giving me $25,000.00 for relocation.
a) Is 25k enough?
b) What are all my costs going to be?
9) Does anyone have a moving company to recommend?

Thank you in advance to anyone who can help answer some or all of the questions above. I am sure if I look hard enough I would be able to find some answers but I have only 3 weeks until I leave and I am struggling to find info fast enough.

Cheers,
Kelly

I can help with a few of your questions:

5) My kids have a pet Faret, what do we need to do to bring the faret with us?

You may need to check with the laws in the city you're moving to. Some cities don't allow "exotic" pets, and include ferrets in that list.

If they are allowed as pets, you'll need a certificate of health from your vetrinarian, and rabies shots and whatnot. Check with your local vet in Canada before you leave.

6) How do we establish credit fast in the US?

If you have an American Express credit card in Canada, you can switch it to a US dollar account after you move. Instant credit in the US. Also, some people have had luck with RBC credit cards, because the bank operates in both countries.

a) Is 25k enough?

It only cost me about $2300 US to move my belongings, I'm guessing $25k is plenty!

b) What are all my costs going to be?

Moving van is probably the biggest expense, and/or finding somewhere to put all your stuff once it gets there.

9) Does anyone have a moving company to recommend?

I used Allied Van Lines. They were the most knowledgeable about the customs process and documentation needed. If any moving company tells you they don't need customs documents, run away. Fast.

Thanks Reba.

I have a lot of work to do in a very short time and the help is very appreciated.

Regards,
Kelly J.

Your wife and kids get L-2 derivative status from your L-1 status, apply at the POE.

Any household effects including vehicles you have possessed for at least a year enter the US duty-free (lot of people slip up on this one, there is NO DUTY for your car). Even if you've had them for less than a year, if they were made in N America, they're exempt under NAFTA.

The simplest way to establish credit is either with a secured credit card (i.e. you have a related bank account) or you transfer your Canadian credit card down there (e.g. Amex).

Allied were pretty good removers when I moved. $25k is easily enough to move from Red Deer to Houston.