Posted on Monday, August 31 2026
When you receive a government relocation order, it’s important to ask the right questions right away so you know where, and when to begin planning. From timeline considerations to per diem compliance and security clearances, there’s a number of boxes that need to be checked before you relocate.
This guide outlines what government employees need to know before relocating for work, from timelines and entitlements to logistics, so they can prepare well before the move is in motion.
As soon as government employees receive their relocation order, the countdown begins. Timelines vary by department, which is why following the governing body’s instructions is crucial for keeping the right process on track.
What Happens After You’ve Received a Relocation Order
Regardless of sector, the top priority of your relocation order is to confirm all details immediately, including:
· Reporting location and date
· Length of relocation order
· The type of assignment (i.e. temporary, permanent, classified)
· Which relocation directive governs your move (i.e. NJC, RCMP IRP, CFIRP)
· Notify your supervisor or HR of any personal barriers that could impact the relocation
Once the governing directive had been confirmed, employees can register with the department’s dedicated relocation coordinator or contracted provider.
To illustrate, RCMP and the Canadian Armed Forces must register with SIRVA relocations within 21 days of receiving their relocation instruction.
Notice Periods in Canada
Notice periods for Canadian government employees vary by directive and circumstance.
· 30+ days is the standard. The National Joint Council (NJC) Relocation Directive, which governs most federal public service relocations, specifies that departments need to provide at least 30 days notice for relocations, but typically falls between 30 and 90 days depending on priority of role.
· Under 30 days is short notice. This generally requires authority sign-off given the administrative burden of a ‘last-minute’ relocation.
· Temporary duty assignments are often shorter and less predictable, since they're tied to operational needs rather than a planned posting cycle.
A Brief Timeline of What to Expect
Timelines can vary, but this overview outlines what to expect in the weeks ahead.
· Week 1: Confirm order details and applicable directive (NJC, CFIRP, or RCMP IRP), notify your supervisor/HR, register with your relocation service provider.
· Week 2: Book travel, coordinate a house-hunting trip if needed, arrange temporary housing and begin entitlement paperwork.
· Final Week: Confirm all logistics, submit outstanding documentation, prepare for your reporting date.
What to plan before moving to a new city offers a deeper dive into relocation timelines, including tips and additional resources to help make your next move easier.
Packing up your entire life and moving to the other side of the country (or to an entirely new country) comes with it's fair share of price tags. Per diems and relocation entitlements are put in place to cover the reasonable costs of moving and living away from home.
What Per Diem Generally Covers
Most government per diem policies can be broken out into four distinct categories:
· Meal allowances: This can be a fixed or per-meal rate and tends to be reviewed on a quarterly basis.
· Accommodation allowances: Rates for temporary accommodation (i.e. corporate housing)
· Incidental expenses: Small daily allowance to cover minor expenses (i.e. tips, laundry, transit)
· Extended-stay adjustments: Many government directives reduce allowances over time. For example, under the NJC framework, meal and incidental allowances are reduced to 75% on the 31st day on location when furnished and fully equipped accommodation is acquired.
Other core coverages and allowances can may also be applicable include:
· House hunting trip for employee (and dependent)
· Transportation costs for the entire family
· Real estate and legal fees
· Transportation and/or storage of household goods
Every governing body sets its own rates and rules, so don't rely on general figures for budgeting or compliance. Instead, confirm which directive applies to your position, check up to date rates (e.g. NJC's Travel Directive), and verify caps and documentation with your relocation coordinator or HR representative.
Dates: locked in. City: confirmed. Now, it’s time to start ironing out the details.
When it comes to housing, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. You have options, and factors like your lifestyle preferences, family size, and length of stay will play a major role in deciding which type of accommodation best suits your posting.
Accommodation Options for Government Relocation Orders
The length of relocation will heavily determine which housing option is best suited to the relocation order.
· Hotels and short-term housing cover the basic must-haves in a convenient, central location, typically suited to stays ranging from a few nights to a couple of weeks.
· Corporate housing offers all the comforts of home for stays of 30+ nights, including a full kitchen and all the amenities of everyday life. It's fundamentally designed for those who need a reputable home to live in but can't commit long-term just yet.
· Buying a home or signing a lease is always an option, but it's a significant commitment, which is exactly why experiencing a destination firsthand before committing can make all the difference.
Depending on the government branch, employees may need to book temporary housing through a pre-approved provider list. Professionally managed companies like Premiere Suites are often included because they have been vetted through industry recognition.
Getting to Know the New Location Before You Arrive
Weeks of research doesn’t come close to experiencing somewhere in person. A relocation to Toronto, for example, sounds straightforward on paper, but the city is made up of dozens of neighbourhoods that feel completely different from one another. It’s hard to know which area will be right fit without giving it a test drive.
Some considerations to keep in mind include:
· Commute to work and children's school
· Seasonal comfort, and whether you'd be happy with it long-term
· Proximity to things your family enjoys back home, like hiking, parks, or recreational facilities
· Neighbourhood fit and everyday amenities
· Privacy and security
While government relocations technically fall under the work umbrella, it’s still your personal life and your family that experience the real change.
Ensuring every work element is in order can be stressful, but it’s just as important to stay tuned into how your family is feeling. Make sure to give as much attention, if not more, to the personal side of the move:
· Communicating with Family/Dependents Early: Loop in your family as soon as your order is confirmed. Giving everyone time to process the move, ask questions, and plan around it makes the transition easier for the whole household, especially on shorter timelines.
· Schools, Childcare, and Pets: If you have children, start looking into schools or childcare options in your new location early, as enrolment can take time. Pet owners should also confirm what's needed for travel and whether accommodation options along the way are pet friendly.
· Managing Your Current Home or Lease: Decide early whether you'll sublet, store your belongings, or manage your current home remotely. If you're renting, check your lease terms for early termination clauses; if you own, weigh whether to rent it out or keep it vacant during your posting.
Even with a solid plan in place, a few recurring mistakes tend to cause the most stress during a government relocation.
· Waiting too long to book travel or housing: Availability and pricing get worse the closer you get to your reporting date
· Misunderstanding per diem limits: Assuming a flat rate instead of confirming the actual caps for your directive and location
· Underestimating temporary housing needs: Booking short-term when the posting ends up extending, or vice versa
· Poor documentation: Missing receipts or approvals needed for reimbursement
· Not confirming return or extension terms: Assuming the original timeline is fixed when it may change
· Leaving family logistics to the last minute: Schools, childcare, or lease terms sorted too late
· Skipping local research: Arriving without a sense of the neighbourhood, commute, or day-to-day fit
This comes back to understanding your relocation timeline, entitlements, and options early in the process. Don’t let assumptions fill in the gaps – ask questions and keep the people around you in the loop.
How does government employee relocation work in Canada?
Government relocations in Canada are governed by different directives depending on the employer, most commonly the National Joint Council (NJC) Relocation Directive for federal public service employees, CFIRP for the Canadian Armed Forces, and the RCMP's IRP. Each outlines timelines, entitlements, and the approval process employees need to follow once a relocation order is issued.
What should I do after receiving a relocation order?
Confirm the key details right away, including your reporting date, length of assignment, and which directive governs your move. From there, notify your supervisor or HR of any personal considerations and register with your department's relocation coordinator or contracted provider, since many entitlement timelines start from that registration date.
How much notice do government employees typically receive before relocating?
Notice periods vary by directive and role, but 30 or more days is standard, often falling between 30 and 90 days depending on the priority of the position.
What expenses are covered during a government relocation?
Coverage varies by directive, but per diem generally includes meal and incidental allowances, accommodation costs, house-hunting trips, transportation for the employee and family, and in some cases real estate, legal, and household goods transportation or storage fees. Always confirm exact entitlements and caps with your relocation coordinator or current directive, since rates and coverage differ by employer.