Moving from United States to Canada is a container sea-freight corridor with a typical door-to-door transit of 1–3 weeks. A two-bedroom household of roughly 18–22 m³ usually lands between $4,000 and $7,500 on a full-service basis, based on published corridor benchmarks we track for this route.
On arrival, Canada applies Settler's effects (CBSA Forms B4/BSF186 goods lists) under Canadian national customs framework. Import VAT in Canada is 5%, and relief is what keeps your household goods out of that charge. Shipments normally arrive through Surface crossings (Buffalo, Detroit, Blaine) or Vancouver.
This page covers what actually changes on the United States → Canada route: what you will pay, how long the shipment is at sea, the paperwork Canada customs expects from a departure in United States, and what to do about pets, a vehicle and somewhere to live when you land.
Departures from United States normally load at New York / New Jersey, Savannah, Houston. Household goods leaving the US move under an ocean carrier booking filed with US Customs at least 24 hours before loading. Personal effects shipments are normally filed by your forwarder; you sign a power of attorney authorising them to act. Video or in-home surveys are widely available across the continental US; crews are typically scheduled 2–4 weeks ahead.
| Home size | Estimated volume | Typical method | Door-to-door range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Few Items | 3–5 m³ | LCL groupage (shared container) | $2,000–$4,000 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | 8–12 m³ | LCL groupage (shared container) | $2,000–$4,000 |
| 2-Bedroom Home | 18–22 m³ | 20-foot container (sole-use FCL) | $4,000–$7,500 |
| 3-Bedroom Home | 28–32 m³ | 20-foot container (sole-use FCL) | $4,000–$7,500 |
| 4+ Bedroom Home | 45–60 m³ | 40-foot high-cube container (FCL) | $8,000–$14,000 |
Ranges are anchored to published benchmark pricing we track on this corridor. This is an estimated relocation cost for planning purposes, not a binding quote. Final pricing is confirmed by a vetted international moving partner after a survey.
Booking & packing lead time
4–6 weeks in peak season (May–September), 2–3 weeks off-peak
Port-to-port sailing
1–3 weeks
Clearance & delivery
1–3 weeks typical clearance window in Canada
Shipments from United States are treated as an import from outside Canada's customs territory. The requirements below apply, and the supporting evidence customs will ask for — proof of address, residence history, ownership records — must be documents issued in United States.
Settler's effects (CBSA Forms B4/BSF186 goods lists) — Canadian national customs framework
The Canada Border Services Agency allows settlers and returning residents to import personal and household effects duty- and tax-free when they are declared on an arrival goods list, including goods to follow.
Conditions
Documents from United States
Rules vary by destination and may also depend on your country of origin, immigration status and circumstances. This guide is educational and is not legal, tax or customs advice.
Open the full customs guideCanada is the simplest border in our network: goods enter duty-free on CBSA Form BSF186 with a complete itemised list, and most moves arrive within a week by truck or rail.
Find furnished temporary housing through our AltoVita partnership.
MyExpatGo helps connect you with temporary housing options. Availability is subject to AltoVita and provider inventory — MyExpatGo does not guarantee or book accommodation.
Canada is a standard-complexity pet destination, regulated by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Allow 2–4 weeks of preparation before departure from United States. Quarantine: 0 days.
Canada pet import requirementsVehicles must clear the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) programme, pass a federal inspection and meet Transport Canada admissibility before provincial plating. A vehicle registered in United States may need conformity, lighting or emissions work before it can be road-legal in Canada.
Vehicle import guide
Nobel Relocation
Family-run, FAIM-certified US mover with East Coast hubs in Miami, Atlanta and Maryland.
Asian Tigers
Asia's leading relocation group with 14 country offices across the region's primary commercial centres.
ELL Worldwide Movers
UAE-based international removals specialist serving the GCC and worldwide destinations.
Elite Shipping India
India-based global relocation specialist offering fine art and pet relocation services.
Globe Moving
India's longest-established international mover, with a door-to-door network spanning 180+ countries.
Partners do not pay to be part of the matched network. How we vet partners.
Tell us what you are shipping and we will match you with vetted movers who run this corridor. Free, no obligation, and partners never pay for placement.
