# Moving to Canada from the USA

> Relocating to Canada from the United States — cross-border road-freight costs, transit times, CBSA settler customs and immigration routes for Americans.

Canonical: https://www.portunusai.com/moving-from-usa/canada
Direction: USA → Canada
Data last reviewed: 2026-06-15

## Typical moving costs

- 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

## Transit times

- Seattle → Vancouver: 1–3 days
- New York → Toronto: 1–3 days
- Los Angeles → Calgary: 4–6 days

## Customs & import notes

- 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.

## Visa & residency options in Canada

- 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.

## Moving companies serving this route

- International Van Lines — Best overall, Full-service moves (https://www.internationalvanlines.com/)
- Allied International — Families, Storage options (https://www.allied.com/international-moving)
- Crown Relocations — Premium, Corporate relocation (https://www.crownrelo.com/)
- Seven Seas Worldwide — Budget, Small moves & students (https://www.sevenseasworldwide.com/)
- Sirelo (compare multiple movers) — Compare several quotes at once (https://www.sirelo.com/)

## Related resources

- [Moving to the USA hub](https://www.portunusai.com/moving-to-usa)
- [Moving from the USA hub](https://www.portunusai.com/moving-from-usa)
- [Site-wide llms.txt](https://www.portunusai.com/llms.txt)