Moving from Canada to the USA: How to Negotiate a Relocation Package

Photo by Alicia Christin Gerald / Unsplash

I’ve relocated from Canada to the US twice with two different multinational employers, and here’s everything I’ve learned about negotiating relocation packages when you're making the move across the border.

First Things First: Relocation Packages Are Optional

Yep...relocation packages are not guaranteed. They’re usually offered to support your transition, but you’re not technically entitled to a single dollar. That said, most decent employers will offer something, especially if they’re the ones initiating the transfer.

The scope of your relocation package often depends on a few key factors:

Company health and budget
Your role and seniority
The destination city (some locations are more expensive than others)
Whether the company is asking you to move, or you initiated the transfer

What I’ve Seen (From Personal and Peer Experience)

Here’s a general idea of what different tiers of relocation packages might look like:

✅ The Basics:

$5,000 USD lump sum
Important: Ensure taxes are grossed up, so you take home the full $5K

✅ The Standard:

$10,000 USD net
Taxes covered by employer

✅ Premium:

$20,000+ USD net
All taxes paid, may include support for other relocation costs

✅ Executive / All-In:

$20K+ USD
All expenses paid: movers, housing, flights, fees, etc.

What to Negotiate in Your Relocation Package

Even if your company has a “standard” package, most offers have some wiggle room especially if they’re asking you to move. Here are key items to consider negotiating:

1. Tax Gross-Up on Lump Sum

If you’re offered a cash amount, ask that it be net of taxes. You want the full amount in-hand and not a surprise tax bill.

2. Temporary Housing & Car Rental

Request 2 to 6 weeks of temporary housing and a rental car, to give you time to settle in and find a permanent place.

No housing offered? Ask for 1–2 scouting trips for you and your significant other to find a home before the move.

3. Flights Home

Request 1–2 round-trip flights per year to visit family in Canada. This is a great quality-of-life perk that some companies will cover.

4. Cross-Border Accounting Support

Ask for 1–3 years of cross-border tax filing support. This is especially helpful if you’re keeping assets in Canada.

5. Selling Your Primary Residence

If you sell your home in Canada, ask your employer to cover realtor commissions and closing costs. This is a big cost and often negotiable.

6. Visa and Immigration Costs

Request full coverage of:

Initial visa processing fees
Legal fees
First renewal costs

7. Car Import Fees

There are real costs to importing a Canadian car into the US—ask that these be reimbursed (import taxes, registration, compliance upgrades), especially if you're not receiving other transportation perks.

The Bigger Picture: Relocation Is Expensive

Relocating from Canada to the USA is more than just packing up and moving it can be costly and emotionally taxing, especially in the first year. From car imports and real estate to legal and accounting fees, the financial impact adds up quickly.

If your company is asking you to move, you’re in a better position to negotiate. If you initiated the move, you may have less leverage but it’s still worth asking for support.

Bottom line: You’re uprooting your life. You deserve a package that reflects that.

And remember:
If you don’t ask, you don’t receive.

✅ Relocation Negotiation Checklist: Moving from Canada to the USA

Use this checklist when discussing your relocation offer:

Lump sum of at least $10K–$20K
Tax gross-up for any cash payments
Temporary housing (2–6 weeks) and car rental
1–2 pre-move house-hunting trips
1–2 round-trip flights per year to visit family
Cross-border accounting support (1–3 years)
Realtor commissions if selling your home
Visa/legal fees (initial and first renewal)
US CBP fees at the border (if applicable)
Car import costs covered or reimbursed