Along with the completed inventory of personal belongings and household items, individuals must make sure they have all the required cross-border documentation completed well enough ahead of time. The following list is a selection of required forms that will need to be filled out properly and in full detail, depending on each individual’s particular residency classification. In order to permit the proper clearances of all personal and household items through U.S. Customs, the completed documentation will need to be made available:
For Non-U.S. Residents:
Completed Customs Form #3299 http://forms.cbp.gov/pdf/CBP_Form_3299.pdf
Work/Study Visa and Letter of Offer of Employment
Valid Passport www.passportcanada.gc.ca
For Part-time U.S. Residents:
Completed Customs Form #3299 http://forms.cbp.gov/pdf/CBP_Form_3299.pdf
Proof of Property Ownership or Lease in the U.S.
Valid Passport www.passportcanada.gc.ca
For Returning US Residents:
Completed  Customs Form #3299 http://forms.cbp.gov/pdf/CBP_Form_3299.pdf
Valid Passport www.passportcanada.gc.ca

 

Download 3299 HERE:

 

U.S. customs officials require the individual that is shipping their belongings to be present in order to provide the proper clearance for delivery to their new residence or destination before the transport vehicle makes its border crossing. If the individual is not present at that specific time, and a problem arises, their shipment will be placed 'in bond’ at the U.S. Customs office nearest to their new residence. All individuals are required to be available in person to clear their own belongings at the time they arrive at the border. It is also important to remember that unless the individual is a returning U.S. citizen, they must enter the United States prior to their shipment being allowed across the border. Individuals entering the U.S. on a work/study visa must complete the immigration procedure prior to their shipment being cleared for cross-border travel.

In order to make sure that the U.S. Customs officials will not deny the individual’s shipment to cross the border, all forms of documentation must be completed correctly, and personal identification is made available for examination. If the shipment is denied entry, there will undoubtedly be additional charges incurred for border delays, along with the added expense of returning the shipment to its point of origin and additional storage costs until the situation is rectified.

Here are a few important contact numbers and internet web links for accessing further information regarding the necessary documentation or specific regulations required for moving from Canada to the United States:

Canada Border Services Agency (506) 636-5064 or (204) 983-3500 www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Customs - Motor Vehicles 1-888-848-8240  http://www.customs.treas.gov/xp/cgov/export/export_docs/motor_vehicle.xml
Citizenship and Immigration Canada 1-888-242-2100, (416) 973-4444, (604) 666-2171  www.cic.gc.ca
Customs Contact Information - U.S. Customs Office, Washington, DC (202) 354-1000 www.cbp.gov
Immigration and Visa Information - US Citizenship and Immigration Service.  1-800-375-5283 (within USA), 785-330- 048 www.uscis.gov