# Moving to the USA from Canada

> How to move to the United States from Canada — TN, E-2, L-1 and green-card routes, cross-border shipping costs, transit times and customs. Get a moving quote.

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

## Typical moving costs

- Studio: $1,800–$3,000
- 1 bedroom: $2,600–$4,500
- 2 bedrooms: $3,800–$6,500
- 3 bedrooms: $5,500–$9,500
- 20ft container: $3,500–$5,500
- 40ft container: $6,000–$9,000

## Transit times

- Toronto → New York: 1–3 days
- Vancouver → Los Angeles: 3–5 days
- Montreal → Miami: 4–6 days
- Calgary → Chicago: 3–5 days

## Customs & import notes

- Goods clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the border crossing.
- Used personal/household effects owned and used for 1+ year are generally duty-free for someone relocating.
- Prepare a detailed inventory; new items may be dutiable.
- Restricted items (firearms, certain foods/plants, alcohol over limits) need separate clearance.

## U.S. visa options

- TN status (USMCA professionals): Fast, renewable work status for 60+ listed professions — unique to Canadian and Mexican citizens.
- E-2 Treaty Investor visa: For Canadians investing substantial capital in a U.S. business. We help you prepare the full application. (https://www.portunusai.com/e2-visa)
- L-1 intracompany transfer: Move with your current employer to a U.S. office. (https://www.portunusai.com/check-eligibility)
- O-1 extraordinary ability: For those with national/international acclaim in their field. (https://www.portunusai.com/o1-visa)
- EB-2 NIW green card: Self-petition permanent residence in the national interest. (https://www.portunusai.com/eb2-niw-visa)

## 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)