What does it take to move from Texas to Toronto for 1 year?

Question

I will be moving in several months, & plan on staying for a year to achieve a career designation. Has anyone out there done this &/or have advice for me on all I need to look into & do prior to my move? I need to work so I think I need a temporary resident visa? I can take my pets... I've heard about the taxing of your belongings at customs... I'm not sure how I'm going to move my things over such a great distance!... Can I get around Toronto easily via public transportation or will I need a car?... What other things do I need to know? I'm exploring this with the Institute I'll be attending as well, but I thought I'd ask here too. Thank you!

Answer 1

If you plan to stay longer than 6 months you need a visa. If you are here for school it shouldn't be hard to get. You need to apply for it before you come. If you get desperate you can probably get away with coming for 6 months then going back to the states for a week then coming back up again. A visa is better obviously.

Pets are fine (assuming you mean normal pets like dogs, cats etc weird stuff you'd need to double check) just make sure you have all their papers from the vet.

Customs will not tax your belongings coming into Canada. We don't care what you bring. The concern with customs taxing your belongings is when you return to the States. Not really much of a concern as you are only taxed on stuff you bought in Canada and which exceeds the amount allowed for your length of stay and even then certain types of stuff don't get taxed.

Toronto has an excellent subway system. The also have buses. I love cars and hate public transportation but downtown there is no point driving. The city is much easier to get around on the subway. If we are talking outside the downtown core then it depends on the area.

Not much. Toronto is pretty much like any US city. When you get there you'll need to know where stuff is but you'll learn that. What parts of the city are dangerous. Where shopping is etc. Just like any other city.

Answer 2

Toronto has a great public transport system. You are likely better to rent a car when you do need one or use the occasional taxi.

You can cross the city faster on the public transport than you can drive it.

I have no idea about work visas or bringing your livestock across the border.

Still, people seem to do it all the time, so you should be able to do that..