Anything need to be done before leaving Canada?

[A+N 25]

Hi, I’m wondering if anything in particular needs to be done before leaving Canada and entering the US on a k1 visa. For example:

 

Do we need to advise Canada Revenue Agency of the move or do anything in regards to taxes?

This is a silly question, but what happens to our Canadian citizenship? Is it something we always have, even when we become a green card holder in the states? 
 

What happens if our Canadian passport expires before we get a US green card, let alone US citizenship years later? 

Are we still able to use our MSP healthcare benefits if we are visiting back home in Canada? 
 

Thanks!  

Edited September 14, 2022 by A+N

[Canerican 242]

4 hours ago, A+N said:

Hi, I’m wondering if anything in particular needs to be done before leaving Canada and entering the US on a k1 visa. For example:

 

Do we need to advise Canada Revenue Agency of the move or do anything in regards to taxes?

This is a silly question, but what happens to our Canadian citizenship? Is it something we always have, even when we become a green card holder in the states? 
 

What happens if our Canadian passport expires before we get a US green card, let alone US citizenship years later? 

Are we still able to use our MSP healthcare benefits if we are visiting back home in Canada? 
 

Thanks!  

1. After immigrating to the USA you will do an exit tax return the next year. In the case of HST checks, etc you will need to contact the CRA to let them know you moved so that you do not erroneously get these checks.

 

2. Much like the USA unless you renounce Canadian citizenship you have it for life. July 2019 I became a US citizen so I am now a dual Canadian/United States citizen, hence the name Canerican. Nothing will happen to your Canadian citizenship once you become a green card holder. 
 

3. I would highly suggest that once you get married that you be added to your spouses insurance until you are able to work. 
 

Once you immigrate you are not able to use your provincial insurance anymore. Not even when you visit. This was an area that was a shock to me once I started working and paying for insurance. Coming from Canada where it appears as though we do not pay a premium, etc it took me a bit to realize that, in my opinion, I am getting better quality care paying for my health insurance. 
 

I hope this is a help to you and good luck on your journey. 

[Mike E 11,739]

4 hours ago, A+N said:

 Do we need to advise Canada Revenue Agency of the move or do anything in regards to taxes?

No. You should file with CRA by April 2023 if you had income in Canada. 

4 hours ago, A+N said:

This is a silly question, but what happens to our Canadian citizenship?

Nothing. 

4 hours ago, A+N said:

Is it something we always have, even when we become a green card holder in the states?

Yes. I was a gc holder for over 30 years before I became a U.S. citizen and I remained and still am a Canadian citizen.  The only way you can lose your Canadian citizenship is by paying a fee and formally renouncing it 

4 hours ago, A+N said:

What happens if our Canadian passport expires before we get a US green card

It is a good idea to renew your Canadian passport. The process is by mail now and over the decades has become progressively easier for those of us in the USA. 

4 hours ago, A+N said:

let alone US citizenship years later?

Except at the height of Covid restrictions, Canada permits Canadians with U.S. citizenship to enter and leave Canada on their U.S. passports. However for a time during Covid only Canadian citizens, Canadian PRs, and some visa holders (and certain relatives) could enter Canada.  Having a valid Canadian passport was handy as it let me board the flight to Canada. 
 

Having a second passport is useful. When my U.S. passport is getting renewed, I can enter Canada, and fly from there on my Canadian passport.  

4 hours ago, A+N said:

Are we still able to use our MSP healthcare benefits if we are visiting back home in Canada? 

Note sure that that is, but generally you have to be a resident of a province or territory to maintain coverage in a Canadian government health plan. 
 

I prefer American health care regardless. When traveling to Canada or anywhere else outside the USA, I have travel health insurance. I have an annual travel insurance plan as it is cheaper than buying a plan for each trip. 

[A+N 25]

5 hours ago, Canerican said:

1. After immigrating to the USA you will do an exit tax return the next year. In the case of HST checks, etc you will need to contact the CRA to let them know you moved so that you do not erroneously get these checks.

 

2. Much like the USA unless you renounce Canadian citizenship you have it for life. July 2019 I became a US citizen so I am now a dual Canadian/United States citizen, hence the name Canerican. Nothing will happen to your Canadian citizenship once you become a green card holder. 
 

3. I would highly suggest that once you get married that you be added to your spouses insurance until you are able to work. 
 

Once you immigrate you are not able to use your provincial insurance anymore. Not even when you visit. This was an area that was a shock to me once I started working and paying for insurance. Coming from Canada where it appears as though we do not pay a premium, etc it took me a bit to realize that, in my opinion, I am getting better quality care paying for my health insurance. 
 

I hope this is a help to you and good luck on your journey. 

Thanks! 

5 hours ago, Mike E said:

No. You should file with CRA by April 2023 if you had income in Canada. 

Nothing. 

Yes. I was a gc holder for over 30 years before I became a U.S. citizen and I remained and still am a Canadian citizen.  The only way you can lose your Canadian citizenship is by paying a fee and formally renouncing it 

It is a good idea to renew your Canadian passport. The process is by mail now and over the decades has become progressively easier for those of us in the USA. 

Except at the height of Covid restrictions, Canada permits Canadians with U.S. citizenship to enter and leave Canada on their U.S. passports. However for a time during Covid only Canadian citizens, Canadian PRs, and some visa holders (and certain relatives) could enter Canada.  Having a valid Canadian passport was handy as it let me board the flight to Canada. 
 

Having a second passport is useful. When my U.S. passport is getting renewed, I can enter Canada, and fly from there on my Canadian passport.  

Note sure that that is, but generally you have to be a resident of a province or territory to maintain coverage in a Canadian government health plan. 
 

I prefer American health care regardless. When traveling to Canada or anywhere else outside the USA, I have travel health insurance. I have an annual travel insurance plan as it is cheaper than buying a plan for each trip. 

Thanks!