Moving to the States as a Citizen

[Jozin 2]

All of my life I've lived as a Canadian citizen, not having a clue about my ability to claim US Citizenship. I met a guy in the States and we were looking into Visa options for me to get there, while trying to figure that out, I posted my very confusing situation (US born mother had me out of wedlock), trying to figure out if I was infact a US Citizen.. Turns out I am.

With that, Im still nervous about the process of moving to the states, whats needed for documentation, reasoning.. if I need to show that I can be supported, or have money. Ive never lived in the states, and when I have previously visited it was as a Canadian citizen not knowing about my US citizenship at birth. Being a good Canadian girl, I still feel foreign, as if I don't belong, as if its not yet my right to live there if I wish.

The situation will be that my boyfriend will come to Canada, pick me up with my belongings, and we will drive back across. I don't own a lot of things, for the most part my stuff can be packed into his car. I did purchase a bed last year and I am debating taking it across, and if I choose to, whats the right way to go about it, I dont want them to tear apart the mattresses.. it could feel suspicious that Im only bringing a mattress and boxspring.

After the process of moving there, there will be a lot more I have to get through, I will only have the passport as proof of my citizenship. Im not fully sure how easy or what I will need when it comes time to renew it. I will need to get my SSN, not sure what else would be needed. I don't currently have a drivers license, but I would like to get one when I move there.

A lot of unknown stuff, and I know this isnt the same situation as a lot of people, but its still quite confusing and some of it makes me nervous.. mostly the part of coming across the boarder with him, saying Im entering the states with the intention to move and live there.

If anyone knows or has had experience with stuff like this, any information would help.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

If you have your US passport, then you have the right to enter the US. It won't be suspicious, and you can tell the border patrol your story, if they ask! Good luck! Lots of new and scary and exciting things happen in a move, but crossing the border shouldn't be one of your worries

[Harsh_77 718]

If you already have a US passport, getting SSN, DL should be very easy for you.

You not need much documentation besides that.

You can easily open a bank account, all you need is a passport.

Same while renewing the passport it should be simple application, they do not distinguish how you got your citizenship.

I am guessing you would continue to maintain dual citizenship so you have 2 passport and both would be valid.

[Jozin 2]

If you have your US passport, then you have the right to enter the US. It won't be suspicious, and you can tell the border patrol your story, if they ask! Good luck! Lots of new and scary and exciting things happen in a move, but crossing the border shouldn't be one of your worries

Yes, it shouldn't be. But having crossed as a Canadian, and the screening they put you through, its intense. I just want to make sure if I need anything that I can start the process of getting it now while I wait for my passport.

[Jozin 2]

If you already have a US passport, getting SSN, DL should be very easy for you.

You not need much documentation besides that.

You can easily open a bank account, all you need is a passport.

Same while renewing the passport it should be simple application, they do not distinguish how you got your citizenship.

I am guessing you would continue to maintain dual citizenship so you have 2 passport and both would be valid.

One thing I read is that I will need to use each to enter their Country. So does that mean I need to keep renewing both passports throughout my life if I want to travel between the two countries? My mom also has the same thing. She has used her Canadian passport to travel to the states, a while ago, but should she really be using a US passport to enter the States and Canadian to return to Canada?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Yes, it shouldn't be. But having crossed as a Canadian, and the screening they put you through, its intense. I just want to make sure if I need anything that I can start the process of getting it now while I wait for my passport.

You don't need anything else. They will just say welcome. It is important to understand that you are a citizen right now. Crossing on your passport doesn't change anything. You will already have been vetted through getting the passport. SSN or DL don't prove you are a citizen.

Edited June 28, 2013 by Harpa Timsah

[ConGau1981 56]

It sounds like you have dual citizenship...that's pretty cool

[Ontarkie 14,280]

One thing I read is that I will need to use each to enter their Country. So does that mean I need to keep renewing both passports throughout my life if I want to travel between the two countries? My mom also has the same thing. She has used her Canadian passport to travel to the states, a while ago, but should she really be using a US passport to enter the States and Canadian to return to Canada?

You don't need to keep renewing your Canadian Passport unless you want too. You can enter Canada with your US Passport, Canada does allow this. But with the US you must enter with your US Passport, this is also for your mother. The US requires all USC to enter with their US Passport.

You may want to pop in the Canada forum, as you will most likely be able to relate with many of us with the shock of moving to different foods etc.

Edited June 28, 2013 by Ontarkie

[Ivy. 113]

You can easily open a bank account, all you need is a passport.

Actually, Bank of America and some others require 2 IDs as far as I know. They did for me (NRA) as my USC husband said they would from prior experience.