Part B—You have received your posting instructions
If you are selected for an OUTCAN posting, the CAF will send you a posting message. This message will include information on starting the posting process for you and your family. Once you receive your posting message you can begin planning your relocation and children’s education.
ABCs of military postings outside of Canada (OUTCAN)
Is this your first visit ?
This is not official policy or instructions. If this is your first visit, review the considerations before proceeding through this section.
Have you been posted within Canada? Review our ABCs of military postings in Canada.
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Relocation policies
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Prohibited-unaccompanied postings
The CAF orderly rooms process prohibited moves. Learn about these moves by referring to CBI Chapter 208 - Relocation Benefits and by contacting your orderly room staff.
A prohibited move is a move to a place of duty to which the CAF considers it desirable, or in the public interest, to prohibit the move of dependents, or HG&E, or both.
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Accompanied postings
Accompanied moves administered under the CAF Relocation Directive (CAFRD) require planning. Here are some key planning steps to consider.
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Step 1: Posting instruction
Your posting message will include important information about your new place of duty, change of strength (COS) date, and relocation benefits. Contact your gaining Unit Records Support (URS) as soon as possible after the reception of your posting message.
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Step 2: Authorization
SIRVA is the service provider that manages all accompanied moves.
The Director Relocation Business Management (DRBM) approves your eligibility for a move of dependents as well as shipment of your HG&E. They will advise SIRVA about your eligibility. This approval process can take up to five days after you receive your posting message.
If you still cannot register in the SIRVA system after one week, contact your local CAFRD relocation coordinator (available only on the Defence Network).
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Step 3: Member registration
Register with SIRVA as soon as possible.
Complete Step 4 before you log out of the system.
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Step 4: Completion of preliminary relocation assessment
Complete the preliminary relocation assessment on the SIRVA website. When you submit this assessment, SIRVA will email you a registration confirmation within two business days. From this point on, your SIRVA agent will communicate directly with you.
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Step 5: Consult the CAF relocation website for more information
As soon as possible, consult:
- the CAFRD
- the Relocation Assistance Document (RAD), and
- the “Relocation management” tab of the “Benefits – Generic” page (available only on the Defence Network).
Prepare for your first meeting with SIRVA
- Draft your questions in advance.
- Start thinking about possible moving dates. Do you or your family members have commitments or events that you need to consider before you relocate? Examples could include an upcoming childbirth or adoption, a scheduled surgery, or a child’s graduation. Discuss the possibility of a reporting date change with your chain of command, if necessary.
- Make an inventory of your belongings. Are there things such as a pool table, for example, that you cannot or do not wish to move to your new home?
- Consider items that you may have to disassemble yourself such as a children’s play structure.
- Remember to ask about dangerous goods that a moving company can refuse to move.
Related link
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Step 6: Schedule and attend a planning session
SIRVA is not the authority for benefit eligibility. When in doubt, contact your contact your local CAFRD relocation coordinator (available only on the Defence Network) or base orderly room.
SIRVA agents operate according to Canadian time zones. If you are OUTCAN, you may need to speak with the agents outside of your standard work hours. Plan for this using the SIRVA secure website.
While agent availability is limited, the scheduling tool is available 24/7. When you first register you are provided a five-day scheduling priority status. If you miss this five-day window of opportunity, you will no longer be considered a priority.
During your 30-minute planning session, SIRVA will inform you about the relocation process, how to navigate the SIRVA web site, and answer your questions. Note the answers you are provided. Your SIRVA service provider can also provide information sessions about subjects such as your House Hunting Trip (HHT), transportation to your new location, and your claim finalization.
Learn about taxable benefits and their potential impact on your income taxes by visiting the Canada Revenue Agency website.
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Step 7: Begin Planning your Move
Complete your Movement of HG&E form (DND 4443) andsubmit it to your local Base Traffic Furniture and Effects section. Your SIRVA agent can help you complete this form.
In certain circumstances, Service Couples can split their HG&E when they are posted to two different places of duty. If you are in this situation, your Relocation Coordinator can guide you and liaise with the Director Compensation and Benefits Administration (CAFRD Chapter 10, Service Couples) for more information.
Once you have completed Step 6, you can pursue your next posting actions. This may include an HHT, selling your current principal residence, leasing a principal residence at your new posting, and planning your move.
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Current housing in Canada
Leaving your current principal residence
- If you are a tenant, review your lease to confirm your responsibilities when you move from the property.
- If you are renting outside the base or wing, check your lease to find a lease-breaking penalty clause and refer to the CAFRD Chapter 7, Article 7.03, Rent or lease liability.
- If you live in a military residential housing unit (RHU), review the "Moving-out" section of the Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) Occupant's Handbook.
Selling a house
The CAFRD implemented many changes to requirements for selling a residence.
Related link
If you decide to keep your current home
You must get an appraisal report from a Realtor/Broker®. Within 15 business days of receiving your appraisal report, you must decide to keep or sell your home at your current location. If you keep your house, you may be eligible for a Real Estate Incentive of 80 per cent of the real estate commission or up to a maximum of $12,000.
Remember that once you have made your decision, you cannot change your mind.
This incentive is not payable for moves under CAFRD Section 11.2, Unaccompanied Moves or under CAFRD Chapter 14, Moves to Intended Place of Residence (IPR).
If you decide to sell your home
If you are selling your home, ask your SIRVA agent about the home appraisal process, its timelines, and benefits.
Ask your current financial institution about how to avoid mortgage-breaking penalties and the possibility of waiving penalties based on your military posting. You may be eligible to have fees reimbursed if certain conditions are met.
If you are having difficulties selling your house
Discuss the possibility of an Imposed Restriction with your chain of command. This is a temporary measure which allows you to proceed to your new place of duty while your family stays in your current residence. Your chain of command must support your request, and your career manager is the approving authority. For more information on Imposed Restriction, consult page 17 of A Family Guide to the Military Experience.
If you are having difficulties selling your house, you should note the following:
- CAFRD Chapter 8, Article 8.2.05, Marketing incentives allows a member to use marketing incentives to attract potential buyers when certain conditions are met. Your realtor must recommend these incentives, and your SIRVA agent must support them.
- CAFRD Chapter 8, Article 8.2.07, Temporary Dual Residence Assistance (TDRA) may apply if your home remains unsold and is marketed actively while you are travelling to your new place of duty.
- CAFRD Chapter 8, Article 8.2.13, Home Equity Assistance (HEA) may apply if you anticipate losing money when you sell your house. The HEA benefit may reimburse up to 80 per cent or a maximum of $30,000 of your loss (subject to Canada Revenue Agency taxation regulations). Discuss this benefit with your service provider before selling your home.
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Housing OUTCAN
Planning your House Hunting Trip (HHT)/Destination Inspection Trip (DIT)
Be aware of the difference between a House Hunting Trip (HHT) and a Destination Inspection Trip (DIT). Confirm with your SIRVA agent which of these two options applies to your situation. An HHT is for members who haven't secured accommodation at their new duty location, while a DIT is for those who have secured accommodation or are assigned accommodation (such as Attachés and Military Police Security Service).
Your house hunting trip will be busy. Reach out to your gaining URS Staff in advance to facilitate a positive HHT and understand your rent ceiling entitlements. Be prepared to face complications on location. For example, consider:
- the requirement for leases to be translated and reviewed by the support unit prior to signature,
- the requirement to make local banking arrangements to secure housing,
- the confirmation of foreign education and childcare options relative to your housing as based on your catchment areas,
- childcare arrangements, and
- commuting assistance limitations.
Choosing the right accommodation or hotel while travelling to your posting
While travelling to your new posting, choose accommodation listed in the Accommodation and Car Rental Directory (ACRD). This accommodation must not charge a rate that exceeds the city rate limit.
When planning a DIT or HHT, you can now use alternative accommodation booking services such as Uber and Airbnb during your relocation (under certain conditions). Follow the rates established in the ACRD. For more information, consult your SIRVA relocation service provider and review the CANFORGEN 047/19.
To avoid accommodation costs at your personal expense, be sure to do the following:
- Verify the city rate limits for your destination.
- Confirm that the accommodation rate offered falls within the applicable limit.
- Confirm that you will not be charged more for your accommodation than what is listed in the ACRD, even if this rate is less than the city rate.
- If your accommodation refuses to offer a rate in accordance with the rates published in the ACRD, your CAFRD Coordinator must contact the Accommodation and Car Rental Contract Management Section by e-mail.
Keep your original receipts for all your relocation expenses. You will need them to finalize your claims. You must keep these original receipts for a period of seven years for verification purposes.
Finally, take note of the following:
- The costs of rental cars and hotels both inside and outside Canada tend to exceed government rates during APS. If you cannot remain within your entitlement, you must demonstrate that you had no other options.
- You can receive advances for certain expenses such as non-negotiable expenses. This helps ensure that you do not pay out of pocket throughout the relocation process. Be aware of the limitations of your benefits so that you are not over-advanced.
- You may not ship a vehicle outside of Canada if you do not own it outright. Discuss your options with your financial institution.
- Under limited circumstances, you may be entitled to a posting loan according to the MSFI Section 20 – Posting Loan.
- If you cannot prove that you spent all allowance or benefits as intended, the approving authority will recover the unconfirmed portion.
Keep proof of your original expenditures and subsequent reimbursements for a seven-year period for tax and audit purposes.
Selecting housing
You and your family will have one of two housing options: Crown accommodation or privately leased accommodation in the private market.
- Crown accommodations—Crown-held accommodations are leased by the Government of Canada or provided by the host government. Use of this housing is based on its location, its availability, and your job duties. Crown housing may be available if you work at an Embassy or High Commission in a capacity such as a Defence Attaché. In most locations, there is limited choice or housing is assigned in advance. If you are required to use Crown Accommodations, you must still pay a predetermined monthly share for your rent and utilities, unless you have been formally granted a waiver.
- Leased accommodations in the private market—Most commonly, you will use privately leased accommodations where you secure your own accommodation. In this circumstance, you are responsible for location, lease negotiation, and interacting with lessors once you know the rent ceiling limit. This limit is the maximum amount you can pay for accommodationand is one limitation to selecting an approved leased accommodation.
Rent and utility allowance benefits help offset your OUTCAN housing costs
The rent and utility shares are the portion of the rent you will pay. These are based on your pay level and the number of people in your household when a lease is signed. You must pay a rent share for the occupied or rented accommodation, with the balance being paid by the Crown, up to the rent ceiling amount. The only exceptions to this are if you are entitled to a waiver or if you have chosen to opt out of all shelter benefits. A rent ceiling is the maximum amount for which you can rent an accommodation at your location. This ceiling determines your rent subsidy. The Director Compensation and Benefits Administration establishes the rates annually based on data provided by external consultants and other government departments such as Statistics Canada.
When selecting rental accommodations, there may be differences in comparison with what you expect in Canada. For example, rental units may come without wardrobe or cupboards.
Related link
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Health
While in Canada, your dependents are covered by a provincial or territorial health care program.
While residing OUTCAN, your dependents must be registered for comprehensive coverage with the Public Service Health Care Plan. Since 1 July 2023, MSH International has administered the plan. Your URS will assist with the application required to amend your coverage from INCAN to OUTCAN.
Guidance on submitting your Health and Dental claims while OUTCAN is available based on your posting location:
- US CFMWS | OUTCAN | Healthcare in the U.S. | CFMWS
- Europe under “Health Services” Locations | CFMWS
- Rest of the World CFMWS | MFRC | OUTCAN Rest of World | CFMWS
To submit out-of-province or out-of-country claims, you must:
- complete positive enrollment with Canada Life, and
- consent to the release of your personal information.
MSH International Contact Centre
- North America: 1-833-774-2700 (toll-free)
- International: 1-365-337-7427 (collect)
This Centre operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The process for submitting OUTCAN medical or dental care claims is different than the process while in Canada. Learn about your health care coverage and how to update it at Public Service Health Care Plan Directive and the Public Service Health Care Plan. In specific circumstances, your dependents may be entitled to health care expenses exceeding what is available under the insurance plan. The entitlement is set out in Part 8 of the MFSIs, with reference to articles 38 to 42 of the National Joint Council (NJC) FSDs. Before incurring any expenses not covered by insurant, contact your URS for more information.
Note: The NJC is made up of representatives of the Treasury Board (as the employer of the core public service) and bargaining agents (unions). FSDs set the benefits and conditions for public servants deployed outside of Canada. MFSIs broadly mirror the FSDs and apply to CAF members deployed outside of Canada.
You may need to initially pay out-of-pocket in case of an emergency.You may also wish to get your credit card limit raised or have an additional credit card for emergency medical care. Advances and reimbursements can take time.
For information related to dental care coverage and services, consult the Canada Life website.
Additional health care information
For members posted to the US
All key information is available at the CFMWS Health Care in the US web page. It contains step-by-step guidance and YouTube videos on different topics such as claims processes, coverage while travelling, what to do in case of an emergency, information for dependents, frequently asked questions.
For members posted to Europe
If you and your family are posted to Europe, you will have access to local health care services regardless of your posting location. These services may differ from what you are accustomed to in Canada. All families also have access to in-person (where applicable) or virtual support provided by a CAF Medical Officer at the Canadian Medical Clinic in Geilenkirchen (GK), Germany.
All CAF members must seek guidance from Health Services in GK before contacting a local health care provider. While your dependents do not have the same requirement, they can still ask for advice on accessing local services.
Visit Medical services in Europe for contact information and links to resources. Information is also available on the Defence Network at CFSU Europe/Canadian Forces Health Services Europe.
Access information about Health and Dental information and claims under “Health Services” Locations | CFMWS
For members posted elsewhere in the world
For other countries around the world, the availability and level of health care varies significantly. Consult with MSH International for any health care questions.
The CFMWS Medical and dental page (Global/Rest of world) has more information on the claims process.
Health emergency
Many locations do not have emergency services equivalent to Canada’s 9-1-1 emergency line. Local services can vary and may not always be available in either of Canada’s official languages. As a result, you should confirm with your gaining unit URS how to prepare in case you need emergency health services.
Helpful information
Get more information on resources specific to your community on the CFMWS website. Follow these steps:
- Select your community.
- Select OUTCAN.
- Select the continent.
- Locate the guide to relocating under support services.
The Family Information Line can also provide resources for military members and their families. They can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-866-4546 (International 00-800-771-17722), https://cfmws.ca/support-services/family-information-line.
Find information about countries around the world on the Government of Canada website.
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Military life events
Our Military life events—Important Documents web page provides a list of key documents that you should review regularly. This includes changes that occur as the result of a new posting.
While living OUTCAN—perhaps without the support of your extended family or friends— situations may occur that prevent you and all legal guardians from providing care to dependents accompanying you at the posting location.
To address these situations, you must complete a Family Care Plan in consultation with any other legal guardian. This helps ensure consensus if such a Plan must be pursued.
Moving after separation or divorce?
Since 1 March 2021, if you are separated or divorced and have children, you must inform your former spouse if you are moving, even if you are moving without the children. Consult the Information for families page of the Department of Justice Canada website. This page offers three user-friendly forms you can complete for giving notice about relocations and for objecting to a child’s relocation:
- a Notice of Relocation Form,
- an Objection to Relocation Form, and
- a Notice of change in place of residence: Person with Contact.
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Children’s education allowances and benefits
When you are posted outside Canada, your dependent children’s education should continue as it would in Canada. Educational allowances reimburse you for eligible expenses related to ensuring your children have compatible education.
Refer to Part A—Screening—Children’s education for more information on the OUTCAN education options available to you and your children.
Benefits and allowances
Educational allowances for military dependents are based on the terms and conditions that the National Joint Council has set in the Foreign Services Directives (FSD). The FSDs are the products of interdepartmental discussion and research and allowances may change on an annual basis. Note the provisions in the following FSDs:
- FSD 2 – Definitions
- FSD 30 – Post Transportation and Related expenses
- FSD 34 – Education Allowances
- FSD 35 – Educational Travel
- FSD 51 – Family Reunion
Working Group A is an interdepartmental committee chaired by the Treasury Board Secretariat. It provides policy direction to Working Group B (WG B) and collaborates with the National Joint Council to review the FSDs on a regular basis. WG B is an interdepartmental subcommittee of Working Group A that provides recommendations on specific interpretations and applications on the provision of FSD, including that of children’s education outside Canada.
Forms
Start the process of completing your educational allowance forms by consulting the Children Education Management website or the Defence Forms Catalogue. Both are only available on the Defence Network.
Funds advancement
You can claim school fees as well as some other educational allowances in advance. Contact your Educationadministrator to get an advance form.
Once you have completed and signed the advance form, submit it and your education allowance claim form to your Education administrator. Once approved, the local cashier pays the advance to your bank account within a period of five to ten business days.
After paying the expense, you must reconcile your advance within 30 days or be subject to recovery action. To reconcile, you must submit all receipts and other required documents to your Education Clerk.
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Submitting a claim for Education Allowances and Benefits
Step 1: Form submission
The claim process starts when you submit an Education Allowances and Benefits claim and supporting documents to your Education Clerk.
The Education Clerk will coordinate CEM approval when necessary.
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Your file is approved.
If your file is approved—and does not require WG B approval—go to Step 2.
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Your file requires WG B approval.
Some education allowances require WG B approval. This can occur if you have a special or exceptional request not cited in FSD 34 or is outside of the policy framework. You must receive that approval before submitting your claim.
The CAF authorities interpret the intent and limitations of the policy considering the evidence presented. However, they do not have the ability to determine and regulate the FSD. That authority resides with the Treasury Board. Therefore, CAF authorities do not have the authority to make exceptions to the policy.
- Preparation of file. Contact your Educationadministrator at your gaining URS They will guide you to the appropriate documents and templates that WG B requires. Prepare your file and ensure all the relevant information and documents to support your request are presented in a clear and comprehensive manner. The Education Clerk will also forward your submission to CEM for the next WG B monthly meeting.
- CEM review. CEM reviews your submission. They may request further documentation from you which they require one week before the ESC meets (the next stage in review). Not meeting this timeline can result in delays.
- ESC review: CEM sends your submission to the Educational Sub Committee (ESC) and coordinates any requests for further documentation. The ESC consults on how to interpret and apply FSD 34. Members exchange information, discuss and resolve specific concerns, review situations on a case-by-case basis, and re-examine the intent and meaning of FSD 34 on a regular basis. This helps the ESC ensure consistent interdepartmental interpretation and application of the FSD.
- WG review. ESC completes its review and forwards your submission and the ESC recommendations to WG B. WG B will consider at its next monthly meeting. WG B will notify you if it requires more information to decide on your submission. CEM will hold your file while you gather the necessary information or documentation. Once your submission is complete, the WG B decision will occur at a future meeting.
- WG B decision. WG B reviews the file anonymously and makes decisions based on policy. In urgent cases, the case may be submitted to Working Group B for secretarial review (meaning that the WG B reviews the document electronically). If WG B is unable to arrive at a decision, then Working Group A may clarify the intent of the Foreign Service Directive.
WG B communicates its decisions through a record of decision, which will be sent to the support unit, who will then provide the answer to you.
Step 2: Approving authority’s decision and claim finalization
- If your claim is approved, submit receipts and documentation to the approving authority. Keep your original and documentation as well as the subsequent reimbursement for a seven-year period for tax purposes. You must prove that you spent all the education allowance as intended. Otherwise, the approving authority will seek to recover the unconfirmed portion.
- If your claim is denied, refer to the recourse section.
Education allowance levels of approval
The education allowance you claim determines the level of approval required and the time it will take for the approval process. Plan accordingly.
Always submit the forms and supporting documents to your Education clerk, who ensures all required supporting documents are submitted with your claim. If an additional level of approval is required, your Education Clerk will ensure your claim goes to the appropriate approval authority. These authorities, along with their corresponding fields of responsibility, are as follows:
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Commanding Officer of your Unit Record Support (URS) approval
Family Reunion Travel
School Transportation that is part of school fees
Schools on the Post Ceiling list
Education travel
Shipment of personal effects
Fifty hours of second language tutoring based on three price quotes
Escort travel
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Children Education Management approval
Family Reunion Travel when a child is not in school and when the CEM has pre-approved this trip as required
Family Reunion Travel involving a third location
Post-secondary shelter assistance
School Transportation when not provided by the school as described in FSD 30.7
Boarding and lodging
Secondary education (Grades 9 to 12), be it away from post or in Canada
Distance Learning
All other benefits under the FSDs that require the Deputy Head’s authority
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Working Group B review and approval
Schools that are not on the Post Ceiling list
Roman Catholic School registration
Tutoring prior to posting
Tutoring for a subject other than language during the first year of a post
Tutoring upon return to Canada
Relocation during an academic year
Special Education Allowances
Field trips
Reimbursement timelines
Reimbursement timelines depend on the type of claim and the level of approval required.
CEM tries to process claims within seven days of receiving all required documents. For claims approved by your local URS, contact your Education Clerk about processing timelines.
Recourse
If you are dissatisfied with a decision, and you can demonstrate your request was not processed fairly, you may file a grievance.
The CAF redress of grievance process can only provide redress for issues within the authority of the CAF to provide. That authority does not include changing Directives or interpretation by the Treasury Board or other government agencies. For example, the CAF has no authority over the FSDs or their interpretation by the National Joint Council or its committees. (The National Joint Council grievance process is not available to CAF members.)
Consult with a Conflict and Complaint Management Services (CCMS) Centre agent for grievance support and guidance. Be aware that the grievance process is time sensitive and may not correspond with the timeframe of your relocation. You will find more information by consulting our Complaint mechanism and oversight page.
Every situation is unique. Contact our office if exceptional reasons, like time sensitivity, health, security, or financial concerns for you or your family, prevent you from addressing your concerns through regular channels. Where these compelling reasons exist, our office can ensure the appropriate parties are made aware of your circumstances and making informed decisions.
Before making your claim
Review the FAQs on the Children’s Education Management page (available only on the Defence Network).
Tuition fees
Review the List of Compatible Schools (available only on the Defence Network).
Tutoring
Your children may require tutoring to address impacts on education due to your OUTCAN posting, Tutoring expenses may be reimbursed when foreign service is the key contributing factor to these academic issues.
Two examples of tutoring expenses that may be reimbursed are:
- private tutoring in subjects where the educational levels achieved by your child are below that of the class, form, or grade because of your foreign service; and
- private tutoring or courses for subjects which your child’s school does not provide, and which are required upon return to Canada for secondary graduation.
Following your return to Canada from an OUTCAN posting, private tutoring expenses may be reimbursable for one school year if the academic deficiency is attributable to your foreign service. (This does not apply to children who were homeschooled during the OUTCAN posting.)
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Tutoring prior to posting (WG B approval requirement)
- Form 10TPP
- Letter from school explaining:
- reasons for tutoring such as curriculum or language
- tutoring subject
- estimated tutoring frequency and duration
- Three quotes of local tutors per subject
- Posting message
- Tutor receipts
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Tutoring in French or English as a second official language
- Form 10
- Three quotes of local language tutors
- Tutor receipts
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Tutoring during the first year of a posting for subjects other than language (WG B approval requirement)
- Form 12
- Letter from school explaining:
- reasons for tutoring such as curriculum or language
- tutoring subject
- recommended number of tutoring hours required to address learning gaps as identified by the school
- Three quotes of local tutors per subject
- Report card from the previous school year prior to posting within Canada or location outside of Canada when cross-posted
- Latest report card at new school
- Tutor receipts
School transportation expenses
Expenses for your children’s transportation to and from school may be reimbursed if the school does not provide such transportationor it is not included in school fees. You must choose transportation that is the most economical and practical way of transporting your children.
Eligible expenses generally include one return trip each school day between your residence and the school. If a dependent student drives a private motor vehicle to school, the parking costs are reimbursed.
At the end of each school year, you must provide a copy of your children’s school attendance record and school calendar to your Education Clerk. Transportation expenses for any days during which the child did not attend school for reasons such as sickness are not eligible for reimbursement.
Additional documents that may be required when you apply for transportation expenses include:
- Form 25
- Letter from the school stating it does not provide student transportation
- Annual school calendar showing the total number of school days
- Student attendance record
- Google map showing the distance in kilometres from the student’s residence to the school
Family reunion travel
Your child may not be living with you while you are posted OUTCAN for many reasons:
- Your child is attending a boarding, residential, or post-secondary school in Canada or at an OUTCAN location separate from your post.
- Your child is not attending school.
- Your child is not with you due to a custody agreement.
In all these cases, you and your family may be eligible for Family Reunion Travel (FRT) expenses.
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Dependent student education level
- Elementary and secondary school (FSD 51.4)
- Travel: Cost of the dependent student’s return travel from study location to post
- Maximum allowance: Actual cost of airline ticket
- FRT frequency: Three return trips per school year.
- Post-secondary school (FSD 51.5 or FSD 51.6)
- Travel: Cost of the dependent student’s return travel from study location and back to post
- Maximum allowance: Up to the cost of a return trip between Headquarters City and post
- FRT frequency
- Two return trips per school year for students aged 21 years or younger
- One return trip per school year for students aged 22 or 23 years
- Elementary and secondary school (FSD 51.4)
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Family Reunion Travel types
- Regular
- Travel: The dependent student travel to post
- Maximum allowance: Refer to dependent student education level above.
- Notes: FSD 51.4, FSD 51.5, or FSD 51.6
- Reverse (FSD 51.11.1)
- Travel: Parent’s return travel from post to the student/child’s location or the Headquarters City
- Maximum allowance: Up to the cost that would have been incurred for the trip to post by all eligible dependents/children under the applicable provisions of FSD 51.11.1
- Notes: Such travel shall liquidate one travel entitlement for each eligible dependents, regardless of their locations or the frequency of travel entitlement (FSD 51.11.6)
- 3rd location (FSD 51.11.3)
- Travel: Family meets on a routing to or from post
- Maximum allowance: The allowance authorized under section 51.11 shall not exceed the allowance that would have been payable pursuant to sections 51.2, 51.4, 51.5, 51.6, 51.7, 51.8, 51.9 or 51.10, as applicable
- Notes: CEM approval is required
- Visiting under a custody agreement (FSD 51.10)
- Travel
- Child’s return travel from post to Canada
- Parent’s return travel from Canada to post
- Child’s return travel from Canada to post
- Maximum allowance: Cost of travel minus the member’s share
- Notes:
- Custody agreement required
- Up to two trips per 12-month period (1 September to 31 August)
- Cannot exceed frequency as per FSDs 51.4 to FSD 51.7
- No entitlement for escorted travel unless the child is under 13 years of age or has special needs such as a mental or physical disability
- Travel
- Child not in school (FSD 51.7)
- Travel: Cost of the return travel from the child’s location and post
- Maximum allowance: Up to the cost of a return trip between Headquarters City and post
- Notes:
- Two return trips per year for children up to and including the 12-month period (1 September to 31 August) of their 18th birthday
- One return trip per year for children over 18 up to and including 12-month period (1 September to 31 August) of their 21st birthday
- Regular
Education and escort travel
Education travel
If you receive an education allowance for your child, you may also be eligible for education travel. Education travel is an allowance normally provided at the beginning of your post. This allowance is intended to finance the travel of a dependent student to an approved educational institution elsewhere.
This entitlement applies only when FSD 51 does not apply. The ticket must be a one-way ticket. A child’s education away from the posting may be for reasons such as attending a boarding or residential school or attending a post-secondary institution.
To request Education Travel, you must complete the Education Travel Form.
Escort travel
If you receive an education allowance for your child, you may also be eligible for escort travel. Escort travel reimburses the cost of return travel for one parent to accompany a child from an OUTCAN posting location to the child’s school at the beginning of the first secondary school year that the child is being educated away from the post. It could also be used for parental accompaniment when a dependent starts post-secondary education in Canada after the completion of secondary schooling outside of Canada.
To request Escort Travel, you must complete an Escort Travel Form. Learn more by reading the FSD 35.
Related link
Relocation during an academic year
If you relocate from one post or place of duty to another during a school year, you may be eligible for an education allowance for your child.
Examples of eligible expenses include the following:
- Actual admissible education expenses, including board and lodging expenses, for the balance of the school year if your child remains at the old place of duty. WG B approval is required.
- Actual admissible education expenses that have been approved and that will continue for the balance of the school year if your child is being educated away from your post.
- Actual admissible education expenses that have been authorized for the balance of the school year if your child moves to another educational institution.
You must complete the Education Allowance Relocation during academic year (Form # 13REL).
Resources
URS Education Administrator
During your posting outside Canada, you will need to stay in touch with your Education administrator (or Office) This section works at your corresponding gaining Unit Record Support (URS) (available only on the Defence Network). The following may also be useful:
- Military Foreign Service Section (MFSS) - Dependent Education Clerk
- Fax: 613-995-1273
- Telephone: 613-994-4609
- E-mail: P-OTG.MFSSDepEduc@intern.mil.ca
- Canadian Defence Liaison Staff Washington (CDLS(W)) - CEM Clerk
- Canadian Forces Support Unit Colorado Springs - CFSU(CS) OUTCAN Ops Clerks
- P-COS.Claims@intern.mil.ca
- 719-556-9875
- 719-556-8204
- Canadian Forces Support Unit Europe (CFSU(E))
- Children’s Education Management Officer (E): +49-(0)2451-717164
- Children’s Education School Coordinator (E): +49-(0)2451-717213
- Children’s Education Allowances Coordinator (E): +49-(0)2451-717212
Children’s Education Management – Ottawa
CEM - Ottawa supports the educational needs of CAF families in a variety of situations both inside and outside Canada. You can contact this office by e-mail or online (available only on the Defence Network).
Military Family Services (MFS) Education Team
Military Family Services has created an Education Team to support and equip CAF families to navigate their children’s unique educational pathways. Military children must continually adapt to interruptions and changes to their education. Differences in the curriculum, testing, credit transfers, graduation requirements, special education supports, and language of instruction among provinces and school districts are a few of the challenges that military families face when moving to a new school.
Coaching by certified guidance counsellors is available across Canada or upon return to Canada from OUTCAN to help your family with the transition to a new educational curriculum.
As the MFS Education Team website continues to grow, you will find educational tools and helpful resources developed with the mobile military lifestyle in mind as well as information about any upcoming Education Support Seminars.
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Travelling with an animal
Pets
You must decide what works best for you and your family, while remaining aware of the limitations of the relocation policy.
If you choose to ship your pet to the host country or back to Canada, you need to know what travel, quarantine, and permit requirements may apply. In addition, you must determine if your animal requires an international health certificate or proof of vaccination.
Pet shipping services may be expensive, costing thousands of dollars. Reimbursement for pet shipment is limited and is exclusively payable from custom funding with the exception of service dogs. Review the definitions of Basic Commercial Animal Care under Articles 3.4.02, 6.07 and 9.2.06 – Pet Expenses of the CAFRD for more information.
Related link
Service dogs and emotional support animals
Travelling internationally with service animals differs from travelling within Canada. If you are travelling abroad or returning to Canada as part of a military relocation, learn about the costs covered by the CAF for the accompanying service dog by consulting the CAFRD. Given their different purpose and training requirements, emotional support animals do not hold the same certifications or status as service dogs. Emotional support animals’ relocation costs are payable from custom funding whereas Service dogs’ expenses are payable from your core benefits.