Queries after Moved from Michigan to Windsor as a New Immigrant

[canadapr1982]

Hello Harirajmohan Sir and other Members,

I moved from Michigan to Windsor in last year October 2020.I have few questions which I doubt and this is the right platform to discuss since I am new to Windsor:

1. In order to file taxes for both USA and Canada (since moved in Oct 2020) so technically file taxes for both countries. Do you guys know any CPA who will help to file taxes for both countries? What is the best option, Can I file separate tax for US and separate for Canada or else find a good CPA who files taxes for both Countries in one shot?? What you guys suggest?

2. I changed health insurance from USA to Canada (OHIP).Since OHIP not covered any dental, so do u guys take any other insurance for dental?? Is OHIP covered specialist like gastroenterologist ?? What basically cover under OHIP? Do you guys keep US health insurance or else there is no need to keep US health insurance after moving in Canada?

3. Right now I am paying rent around $2000 in South Windsor so I am thinking to buy house.But when I check real estate, the prices in Windsor are $600k to $700k for good house. What you guys suggest which area is good nearby Windsor since Windsor is very expensive to buy any house.??Do you guys know any good real estate agent or else from where I have to start to search for house?? I don't have kid so school district doesn't matter for me at this moment. I am looking area which is near by border as well as other groceries store etc are also nearby. Do you guys any suggestion??Is home loan is easily pass for new immigrants since I don't have so much strong history in Canada as I moved here only 3 months ago.

4. For the last 3 months, I used AVR and went USA once in a month but when I try to check I-94 history, it is not available for me. It says no traveler's record found? Don't know, what happened. I entered all my details. Before that It was shown but suddenly disappeared.

5. What address you guys mentioned on US payroll since moved from USA to Canada?? I am not supposed to give Canadian address on US payroll...Correct?? So, I am confused what address I have give to my employer like any friend address etc?? But at the time of H1B extension, again I have to give some US address since I don't have any physical address in US now and I am commuting from Windsor to Detroit??

6. Do I need to change US driver license to Canadian driver license immediately or else there is no need to change license?

7. Do you guys know any good physician/dental/gastroenterologist doctor in Windsor??

Please help me out for these queries since I am new. Any help really appreciated.

 

[canadapr1982]

Hello Harirajmohan Sir and other Members,

I moved from Michigan to Windsor in last year October 2020.I have few questions which I doubt and this is the right platform to discuss since I am new to Windsor:

1. In order to file taxes for both USA and Canada (since moved in Oct 2020) so technically file taxes for both countries. Do you guys know any CPA who will help to file taxes for both countries? What is the best option, Can I file separate tax for US and separate for Canada or else find a good CPA who files taxes for both Countries in one shot?? What you guys suggest?

2. I changed health insurance from USA to Canada (OHIP).Since OHIP not covered any dental, so do u guys take any other insurance for dental?? Is OHIP covered specialist like gastroenterologist ?? What basically cover under OHIP? Do you guys keep US health insurance or else there is no need to keep US health insurance after moving in Canada?

3. Right now I am paying rent around $2000 in South Windsor so I am thinking to buy house.But when I check real estate, the prices in Windsor are $600k to $700k for good house. What you guys suggest which area is good nearby Windsor since Windsor is very expensive to buy any house.??Do you guys know any good real estate agent or else from where I have to start to search for house?? I don't have kid so school district doesn't matter for me at this moment. I am looking area which is near by border as well as other groceries store etc are also nearby. Do you guys any suggestion??Is home loan is easily pass for new immigrants since I don't have so much strong history in Canada as I moved here only 3 months ago.

4. For the last 3 months, I used AVR and went USA once in a month but when I try to check I-94 history, it is not available for me. It says no traveler's record found? Don't know, what happened. I entered all my details. Before that It was shown but suddenly disappeared.

5. What address you guys mentioned on US payroll since moved from USA to Canada?? I am not supposed to give Canadian address on US payroll...Correct?? So, I am confused what address I have give to my employer like any friend address etc?? But at the time of H1B extension, again I have to give some US address since I don't have any physical address in US now and I am commuting from Windsor to Detroit??

6. Do I need to change US driver license to Canadian driver license immediately or else there is no need to change license?

7. Do you guys know any good physician/dental/gastroenterologist doctor in Windsor??

Please help me out for these queries since I am new. Any help really appreciated.

Any suggestions please

 

[becausewhynot]

that's a great post. I'd like to know answers to these as well.

 

[We rise by lifting others]

Hello Harirajmohan Sir and other Members,

I moved from Michigan to Windsor in last year October 2020.I have few questions which I doubt and this is the right platform to discuss since I am new to Windsor:

1. In order to file taxes for both USA and Canada (since moved in Oct 2020) so technically file taxes for both countries. Do you guys know any CPA who will help to file taxes for both countries? What is the best option, Can I file separate tax for US and separate for Canada or else find a good CPA who files taxes for both Countries in one shot?? What you guys suggest?

2. I changed health insurance from USA to Canada (OHIP).Since OHIP not covered any dental, so do u guys take any other insurance for dental?? Is OHIP covered specialist like gastroenterologist ?? What basically cover under OHIP? Do you guys keep US health insurance or else there is no need to keep US health insurance after moving in Canada?

3. Right now I am paying rent around $2000 in South Windsor so I am thinking to buy house.But when I check real estate, the prices in Windsor are $600k to $700k for good house. What you guys suggest which area is good nearby Windsor since Windsor is very expensive to buy any house.??Do you guys know any good real estate agent or else from where I have to start to search for house?? I don't have kid so school district doesn't matter for me at this moment. I am looking area which is near by border as well as other groceries store etc are also nearby. Do you guys any suggestion??Is home loan is easily pass for new immigrants since I don't have so much strong history in Canada as I moved here only 3 months ago.

4. For the last 3 months, I used AVR and went USA once in a month but when I try to check I-94 history, it is not available for me. It says no traveler's record found? Don't know, what happened. I entered all my details. Before that It was shown but suddenly disappeared.

5. What address you guys mentioned on US payroll since moved from USA to Canada?? I am not supposed to give Canadian address on US payroll...Correct?? So, I am confused what address I have give to my employer like any friend address etc?? But at the time of H1B extension, again I have to give some US address since I don't have any physical address in US now and I am commuting from Windsor to Detroit??

6. Do I need to change US driver license to Canadian driver license immediately or else there is no need to change license?

7. Do you guys know any good physician/dental/gastroenterologist doctor in Windsor??

Please help me out for these queries since I am new. Any help really appreciated.

Dear CanadaPr1982,

1. Please consider the "Number 1 Tax Depot". I have filed my taxes through the state service and there service is great with reasonable price. The Canada side taxes are resident and can be filed online. The US side taxes will be non resident depending when you did you move out from USA. The USA taxes can be mailed. Number 1 tax depot provides the US taxes documents to be mailed along with the envelope and you just have to drop by the USPS.

2. OHIP does covers dental and eye but may not be everything. Check this link https://www.ontario.ca/page/what-ohip-covers. For dental cleaning etc, you need private insurance.

3. Kindly look into other areas as well which might not be as close but it only adds from 5 to 20 minutes extra such as Tecumseh, Essex and belle river.

4. I think it is normal. It happened with me too. Please maintain your personal record to report at the time of applying the citizenship. Canada has the entry/exit program in which all the travel history is saved by the CBSA.

5. No Idea

6 Its a good idea to change the drivers license anyway irrespective of province rules. The DL is your ID proof of residence in canada. It will be used everwhere from home byuing , citizenship application, registering Canadian car or importing your existing USA car in the canada. The canadian comutters faces extra scrutiny if they have the USA car plate. THe USA car plate signifies that your primary residence is in the USA.

7. The usual process is call the doctor from the list provided here https://www.wechu.org/your-health/find-doctor. Ask them if they are taking new patients.

 

[canprofus]

Dear CanadaPr1982,

1. Please consider the "Number 1 Tax Depot". I have filed my taxes through the state service and there service is great with reasonable price. The Canada side taxes are resident and can be filed online. The US side taxes will be non resident depending when you did you move out from USA. The USA taxes can be mailed. Number 1 tax depot provides the US taxes documents to be mailed along with the envelope and you just have to drop by the USPS.

2. OHIP does covers dental and eye but may not be everything. Check this link https://www.ontario.ca/page/what-ohip-covers. For dental cleaning etc, you need private insurance.

3. Kindly look into other areas as well which might not be as close but it only adds from 5 to 20 minutes extra such as Tecumseh, Essex and belle river.

4. I think it is normal. It happened with me too. Please maintain your personal record to report at the time of applying the citizenship. Canada has the entry/exit program in which all the travel history is saved by the CBSA.

5. No Idea

6 Its a good idea to change the drivers license anyway irrespective of province rules. The DL is your ID proof of residence in canada. It will be used everwhere from home byuing , citizenship application, registering Canadian car or importing your existing USA car in the canada. The canadian comutters faces extra scrutiny if they have the USA car plate. THe USA car plate signifies that your primary residence is in the USA.

7. The usual process is call the doctor from the list provided here https://www.wechu.org/your-health/find-doctor. Ask them if they are taking new patients.

Very help and insightful. Thank you.

If someone moved to Canada in November, how would the tax filing work? Should we calculate what we earned in just November and December looking at our bank deposits or pay statements, and then show that as income or can we just show whatever is in W2?

Also, do we need to wait until US returns are accepted to file Canadian returns?

 

[We rise by lifting others]

Very help and insightful. Thank you.

If someone moved to Canada in November, how would the tax filing work? Should we calculate what we earned in just November and December looking at our bank deposits or pay statements, and then show that as income or can we just show whatever is in W2?

Also, do we need to wait until US returns are accepted to file Canadian returns?

Dear Canprofus,

Yes, irrespective of the moving time of year. The landing date is entered during the first time tax filing. The income earned outside of the Canada for that year is counted towards tax deductions and benefits. In case of USA income, W2 is considered for tax filing and any income earned in Canada or outside of Canada.

No, there is no need to wait. Both can be filed together as the CRA would only want to know the income earned in the filing year and the tax deducted by the IRS.

for more information click here https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/international-non-residents/individuals-leaving-entering-canada-non-residents/newcomers-canada-immigrants.html.

Thanks and regards

 

[canuck78]

Dear CanadaPr1982,

1. Please consider the "Number 1 Tax Depot". I have filed my taxes through the state service and there service is great with reasonable price. The Canada side taxes are resident and can be filed online. The US side taxes will be non resident depending when you did you move out from USA. The USA taxes can be mailed. Number 1 tax depot provides the US taxes documents to be mailed along with the envelope and you just have to drop by the USPS.

2. OHIP does covers dental and eye but may not be everything. Check this link https://www.ontario.ca/page/what-ohip-covers. For dental cleaning etc, you need private insurance.

3. Kindly look into other areas as well which might not be as close but it only adds from 5 to 20 minutes extra such as Tecumseh, Essex and belle river.

4. I think it is normal. It happened with me too. Please maintain your personal record to report at the time of applying the citizenship. Canada has the entry/exit program in which all the travel history is saved by the CBSA.

5. No Idea

6 Its a good idea to change the drivers license anyway irrespective of province rules. The DL is your ID proof of residence in canada. It will be used everwhere from home byuing , citizenship application, registering Canadian car or importing your existing USA car in the canada. The canadian comutters faces extra scrutiny if they have the USA car plate. THe USA car plate signifies that your primary residence is in the USA.

7. The usual process is call the doctor from the list provided here https://www.wechu.org/your-health/find-doctor. Ask them if they are taking new patients.

You must see a GP in Canada in order to get referred to a specialist. A GP will determine if you need a gastroenterologist. For basic GI issues GPs will treat you. If the GP is not able to treat they will eventually refer you to a GI specialist. The waits can be quite long for gastroenterologist. You also don’t have prescription coverage so that is something to consider. You can look into private dental insurance but they provide very little coverage. Many skip the private insurance and pay out of pocket since you end up paying monthly and still get no coverage. Unless you have an employer health benefit plan you end up paying for most of the expenses, There are many people who go without medication and dental care due to cost In Canada.

 

[red_rom]

Hello Harirajmohan Sir and other Members,

I moved from Michigan to Windsor in last year October 2020.I have few questions which I doubt and this is the right platform to discuss since I am new to Windsor:

1. In order to file taxes for both USA and Canada (since moved in Oct 2020) so technically file taxes for both countries. Do you guys know any CPA who will help to file taxes for both countries? What is the best option, Can I file separate tax for US and separate for Canada or else find a good CPA who files taxes for both Countries in one shot?? What you guys suggest?

2. I changed health insurance from USA to Canada (OHIP).Since OHIP not covered any dental, so do u guys take any other insurance for dental?? Is OHIP covered specialist like gastroenterologist ?? What basically cover under OHIP? Do you guys keep US health insurance or else there is no need to keep US health insurance after moving in Canada?

3. Right now I am paying rent around $2000 in South Windsor so I am thinking to buy house.But when I check real estate, the prices in Windsor are $600k to $700k for good house. What you guys suggest which area is good nearby Windsor since Windsor is very expensive to buy any house.??Do you guys know any good real estate agent or else from where I have to start to search for house?? I don't have kid so school district doesn't matter for me at this moment. I am looking area which is near by border as well as other groceries store etc are also nearby. Do you guys any suggestion??Is home loan is easily pass for new immigrants since I don't have so much strong history in Canada as I moved here only 3 months ago.

4. For the last 3 months, I used AVR and went USA once in a month but when I try to check I-94 history, it is not available for me. It says no traveler's record found? Don't know, what happened. I entered all my details. Before that It was shown but suddenly disappeared.

5. What address you guys mentioned on US payroll since moved from USA to Canada?? I am not supposed to give Canadian address on US payroll...Correct?? So, I am confused what address I have give to my employer like any friend address etc?? But at the time of H1B extension, again I have to give some US address since I don't have any physical address in US now and I am commuting from Windsor to Detroit??

6. Do I need to change US driver license to Canadian driver license immediately or else there is no need to change license?

7. Do you guys know any good physician/dental/gastroenterologist doctor in Windsor??

Please help me out for these queries since I am new. Any help really appreciated.

@canadapr1982 @becausewhynot

I am not sure if this is a late reply, but anyway I will give my two cents here, based on my experience:

Let me give pointed answers here -

1. Choose only one CPA and negotiate, usually they take ~500$ in GTA for one filing. I would suggest get it done with one for $700. You should be able to find someone in Windsor, if not DM me I have a contact I can share.

2. Your employer insurance might cover Dental, my employer insurance covers dental visits and selected diagnosis & procedures. If you don't have one, I would recommend get one. Your selected family physician would refer you to a OB-GYN and it is covered, again post your consult with the OB-GYN depending on the procedure / drug coverage varies.

3. Let me break my reply here
> You should get a decent freehold home in Windsor based on your budget of $700K, check the below link, I have sorted for Windsor

https://www.realtor.ca/map#ZoomLevel=11&Center=42.294234,-83.002905&LatitudeMax=42.39573&LongitudeMax=-82.67869&LatitudeMin=42.19257&LongitudeMin=-83.32712&Sort=6-D&PGeoIds=g30_dpsbxd9c&GeoName=Windsor, ON&PropertyTypeGroupID=1&PropertySearchTypeId=1&TransactionTypeId=2&PriceMax=750000&BuildingTypeId=1&Currency=CAD

> Keep in mind these things when you plan to buy a home -
> Household income - For a $700K home, based on current rates you would need around $100K salary assuming 20% down
> EMI - I did a quick math, for the above Household income criteria, your per month mortgage payment would be just under $2000
> Credit History - Your US credit history would be considered by few lenders, assuming you have a 700+ score
> Debts & Liabilities - Your stress test from the bank should be around <42% GDS

> If you need any contacts for Real Estate Agents or a Mortgage Agent in Windsor, DM me I could give you the contacts of my colleagues

5. Just check with your CPA, he/she would help you out

7. Search your GP or Specialist here - https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/?search=general

Hope it helps.

 

[canuck78]

@canadapr1982 @becausewhynot

I am not sure if this is a late reply, but anyway I will give my two cents here, based on my experience:

Let me give pointed answers here -

1. Choose only one CPA and negotiate, usually they take ~500$ in GTA for one filing. I would suggest get it done with one for $700. You should be able to find someone in Windsor, if not DM me I have a contact I can share.

2. Your employer insurance might cover Dental, my employer insurance covers dental visits and selected diagnosis & procedures. If you don't have one, I would recommend get one. Your selected family physician would refer you to a OB-GYN and it is covered, again post your consult with the OB-GYN depending on the procedure / drug coverage varies.

3. Let me break my reply here
> You should get a decent freehold home in Windsor based on your budget of $700K, check the below link, I have sorted for Windsor

https://www.realtor.ca/map#ZoomLevel=11&Center=42.294234,-83.002905&LatitudeMax=42.39573&LongitudeMax=-82.67869&LatitudeMin=42.19257&LongitudeMin=-83.32712&Sort=6-D&PGeoIds=g30_dpsbxd9c&GeoName=Windsor, ON&PropertyTypeGroupID=1&PropertySearchTypeId=1&TransactionTypeId=2&PriceMax=750000&BuildingTypeId=1&Currency=CAD

> Keep in mind these things when you plan to buy a home -
> Household income - For a $700K home, based on current rates you would need around $100K salary assuming 20% down
> EMI - I did a quick math, for the above Household income criteria, your per month mortgage payment would be just under $2000
> Credit History - Your US credit history would be considered by few lenders, assuming you have a 700+ score
> Debts & Liabilities - Your stress test from the bank should be around <42% GDS

> If you need any contacts for Real Estate Agents or a Mortgage Agent in Windsor, DM me I could give you the contacts of my colleagues

5. Just check with your CPA, he/she would help you out

7. Search your GP or Specialist here - https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/?search=general

Hope it helps.

Buying private health insurance plans in Canada provides minimal coverage. It is often cheaper to pay out of pocket.

 

[Nick1233]

Buying private health insurance plans in Canada provides minimal coverage. It is often cheaper to pay out of pocket.

What about Dental coverage? Any recommendations?

 

[canuck78]

What about Dental coverage? Any recommendations?

When I previously researched you would end up paying monthly but deductibles were very high and minimal services were covered. Insurance companies are not stupid and would end up losing money on most policies unless monthly fees were very high. Dental care is very expensive in Canada. I ended up paying out of pocket. One of the reasons why a good percentage of Canadians don't go to the dentist, it's unaffordable.