Moving to Canada from the USA
Most U.S.→Canada moves go by road across the world's longest land border — faster and cheaper than overseas shipping. This guide covers cross-border moving costs, transit times, CBSA customs for settlers, and the main immigration routes.
Estimate your move cost
An instant, route-specific range for Canada. Adjust the details for a closer figure, then get matched with movers for exact quotes.
Estimated shipping cost
$4,500 – $6,700
Indicative only — based on typical 2 bedrooms moves. Get real quotes below.
Visa & residency options in Canada
Canada sets its own immigration rules. The routes below are informational — consult IRCC or a Canadian immigration consultant for advice.
Express Entry
Points-based federal economic immigration.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Province-specific economic streams.
Work permit (LMIA or USMCA)
Employer- or treaty-based work authorisation.
Family sponsorship
To join a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
These are Canada immigration routes — consult a local immigration lawyer for advice. Portunus specializes in U.S. visas, not Canada ones.
Typical moving costs
Indicative ranges by home size for moving to canada from the usa. Reviewed 2026-06-15.
Studio
$1,900–$3,000
1 bedroom
$2,900–$4,500
2 bedrooms
$3,900–$6,250
3 bedrooms
$5,750–$9,000
20ft container
$3,230–$4,940
40ft container
$5,525–$8,450
What drives the cost
- Volume of goods
- Dedicated vs shared truck
- Distance & access at both ends
- Packing service vs self-pack
- Season
Transit times
Shipping methods
- Road freight, dedicated truck (fastest for full moves)
- Road freight, shared / consolidated load (cheaper, longer windows)
- Air or sea (rarely needed for a land-border move)
Moving companies for this route
Compare what each mover offers, then request quotes to see exact pricing for your move.
| Mover | Best for | Door-to-door | Packing | Storage | Vehicles | Pets | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Van Lines | Best overall, Full-service moves | Get quote | |||||
| Allied International | Families, Storage options | Get quote | |||||
| Crown Relocations | Premium, Corporate relocation | Get quote | |||||
| Seven Seas Worldwide | Budget, Small moves & students | Get quote | |||||
| Sirelo (compare multiple movers) | Compare several quotes at once | Get quote |
Movers serving the Canada route. Links go to each company's own quote page; we may be compensated for referrals. We don't publish third-party star ratings — request quotes to compare directly.
Customs & import rules
- Goods clear the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the crossing.
- Settler's effects owned and used before arrival are generally duty-free (list on Form BSF186).
- Prepare a detailed inventory; goods to follow are listed on Form BSF186A.
- Restricted items (firearms, certain foods/plants) need separate clearance.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move to Canada from the USA?
A cross-border road move runs roughly $1,900–$9,000 depending on volume and service. The estimator above gives a route-specific range.
How long does shipping from the USA to Canada take?
Cross-border road moves are typically 1–6 days in transit depending on distance, plus customs clearance at the border. Plan 1–3 weeks door-to-door.
Do I pay import duty moving household goods to Canada?
Settler's effects you owned and used before arriving are generally duty-free — list them on Form BSF186 with a detailed inventory.
Can Americans move to Canada?
Yes — common routes include Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, work permits (LMIA/USMCA) and family sponsorship. These are Canadian routes; consult IRCC.
Estimates and timelines are indicative; mover and route details last reviewed 2026-06-15. We may be compensated when you request a quote through links on this page.