Moving back to Canada with US-born child

[lilgronk]

Good morning!

I am planning on moving back to Ontario in early July with my daughter, who is a US citizen.

I’d appreciate any advice on how to make my re-entry as smooth as possible, especially regarding documentation and forms.

For instance, I’m sure I will need my divorce/separation agreement which states that I have full physical custody and the right to move back to Canada with my child.

But should it be notarized or should I obtain a separate letter from my ex-husband that he has given permission?

Also, I have filed for proof of Canadian citizenship for my daughter but am still waiting for it to arrive.

Can she move with me if it doesn’t arrive? (She has a US passport).

And if I do receive her proof of citizenship, should we travel to DC to get her a Canadian passport or will the proof of citizenship suffice for now?

Will I need her immunization records?

I will have a UHaul will all my belongings- how detailed does my list need to be?

I already have a Canadian bank account, do I need to show them my US bank accounts?

As per my separation agreement, I will need to return to US for two weeks in August for daughter to have visitation with her father- will this be an issue?

Thank you in advance for any advice!

[SettlementOrgMod]

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

Regarding your question,

For instance, I’m sure I will need my divorce/separation agreement which states that I have full physical custody and the right to move back to Canada with my child.

But should it be notarized or should I obtain a separate letter from my ex-husband that he has given permission?

You can find some information on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. Here is an excerpt,

[/quote]
I am travelling with my minor child without my spouse. What documents must I present?

You must present the following documents:

• A copy of the child’s birth certificate- A letter of authorization signed by the parent who is not travelling, containing their address and telephone number, in English or French if possible, and- A photocopy of the non-accompanying parent’s signed passport or national identity card

If the parents are separated or divorced, and share custody of the child, the parent travelling with the child should carry copies of the legal custody documents.

If the parents are separated or divorced and one of them has sole custody of the child, the letter of authorization may be signed by that parent only and they should bring a copy of the custody papers.
[/quote]

and

Minor children entering Canada as a visitor

The documents a minor child needs to enter Canada depend on whether the child is travelling alone or with someone.

The parent should present:

• the child’s passport- a copy of the child’s birth certificate, and- a letter of authorization, in English or French if possible, which is signed by the parent who is not travelling with them and lists:

-the address and telephone number of the parent who is not travelling, and
-a photocopy of that parent’s signed passport or national identity card.

Regarding your other question,

Also, I have filed for proof of Canadian citizenship for my daughter but am still waiting for it to arrive. Can she move with me if it doesn’t arrive? (She has a US passport).

You may be able to find some helpful information on the Government of Canada website in the Border Travel section.

Here is an excerpt,

Minor children 15 and under travelling by land or by sea may enter Canada with a valid passport or their U.S. or Canadian birth certificate.

We strongly recommend that children travelling across the border carry a consent letter proving they have permission to travel from every person with the legal right to make major decisions on their behalf, if that person is not accompanying the children on the trip.

Regarding your additional questions,

I will have a UHaul will all my belongings- how detailed does my list need to be?

I already have a Canadian bank account, do I need to show them my US bank accounts?

As per my separation agreement, I will need to return to US for two weeks in August for daughter to have visitation with her father- will this be an issue?

We suggest that you may want to contact the Border Information Service directly for some information specific to your situation and specific to these issues.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org