Moving to the US

I'm moving next year (May) to the US, however I still have a years contract with Telus. A friend of mine mentioned that it might be possible to switch my phone over to and american company (verizon I believe is what he said).

Is this true? Can I move over to an american company from Telus to their "sister" company if it even exists??

Highly doubt this knowing mobile companies, but I would think it depends on the phone? not sure