When should I do what before leaving Canada?

Intended move dateA working planning date. Your tax-residency departure date may differ.

Use the windows below as a starting point. Confirm personal deadlines with your advisers.

6–12 months before

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Confirm a viable destination routeCheck immigration and work permission for every household member before committing to a move.
Notes, owner & guide
OwnerPersonal target date
Notes or evidence to gatherRead the related guide
Book a cross-border planning discussionBring your home, family, work and business facts. Agree which specialists and valuations may be needed.
Notes, owner & guide
OwnerPersonal target date
Notes or evidence to gatherRead the related guide
Start an asset and ownership inventoryList property, investments, registered accounts and company interests. Keep cost and ownership records.
Notes, owner & guide
OwnerPersonal target date
Notes or evidence to gatherRead the related guide

Add a date for calendar windows

Map the ties that will remain in CanadaRecord what happens to your home, spouse or partner, dependants and work. Review facts with your adviser.
Notes, owner & guide
OwnerPersonal target date
Notes or evidence to gatherRead the related guide
Sequence documents and appointmentsConfirm required issue dates, translations and apostilles with the receiving authority before ordering.
Notes, owner & guide
OwnerPersonal target date
Notes or evidence to gatherRead the related guide
Agree how work and business will operateConfirm employer permission, payroll, work locations and company management arrangements.
Notes, owner & guide
OwnerPersonal target date
Notes or evidence to gatherRead the related guide

Add a date for calendar windows

Check each bank and investment providerAsk about non-resident service restrictions, address updates and registered-account handling.
Notes, owner & guide
OwnerPersonal target date
Notes or evidence to gatherRead the related guide
Confirm healthcare and insurance transitionsCheck provincial coverage rules and destination cover; record end and start dates and any gap.
Notes, owner & guide
OwnerPersonal target date
Notes or evidence to gatherRead the related guide
Arrange any required departure-date valuationsAsk which assets and forms apply to you. Do not assume every asset is treated the same way.
Notes, owner & guide
OwnerPersonal target date
Notes or evidence to gatherRead the related guide

Add a date for calendar windows

Prepare accurate address and status notificationsMake a list for CRA, relevant payers and financial institutions. Confirm benefit and withholding implications.
Notes, owner & guide
OwnerPersonal target date
Notes or evidence to gatherRead the related guide
Agree a filing and payment calendarList Canadian and destination filings, responsible advisers and actual statutory deadlines separately.
Notes, owner & guide
OwnerPersonal target date
Notes or evidence to gatherRead the related guide
Keep a secure copy of the departure fileInclude leases, household timelines, travel records and adviser questions. Avoid account numbers in this tool.
Notes, owner & guide
OwnerPersonal target date
Notes or evidence to gatherRead the related guide

Add a date for calendar windows

Record actual travel and occupancy datesKeep evidence of when each person moves and the new home becomes available.
Notes, owner & guide
OwnerPersonal target date
Notes or evidence to gatherRead the related guide
Update the plan if circumstances changeTell your adviser about delayed household moves, a retained home or changes in work.
Notes, owner & guide
OwnerPersonal target date
Notes or evidence to gatherRead the related guide

Add a date for calendar windows

Reconcile planned and actual factsCheck the residence analysis and any continuing Canadian-source income obligations.
Notes, owner & guide
OwnerPersonal target date
Notes or evidence to gatherRead the related guide
Complete the agreed filings and retain evidenceReview the departure return, applicable asset disclosures and destination obligations with your advisers.
Notes, owner & guide
OwnerPersonal target date
Notes or evidence to gatherRead the related guide