Moving to San Diego and Orange County from Canada: visas, costs and what to know
Southern California has one of the largest Canadian communities in the US. Here's how Canadians can move to San Diego, Irvine and the rest of Orange County legally, and what to plan for.
Last reviewed: November 2026. General information only, not legal advice.
Why Canadians move to San Diego and Orange County
Orange County and San Diego County, with Los Angeles next door, are home to more Canadian-born residents than almost anywhere else in the US.
- Life sciences and tech. San Diego is a major biotech and wireless hub, and Irvine has a fast-growing tech and medical-device sector.
- Defence, aerospace and the military, with large naval and defence employers around San Diego.
- Universities, including UC San Diego and UC Irvine.
- Climate and lifestyle. Mild weather all year, beaches and outdoor living.
Visa options for Canadians moving to Southern California
Scientists, engineers and tech professionals often qualify for the TN visa. These are the routes Canadians use most.
New to this? Read our complete guide to moving from Canada to the US →
TN visa
For professionals with a US job offer in an eligible profession. Canadians apply at the border or at US preclearance at a Canadian airport, with no petition needed first.
TN visa guide →H-1B visa
For degree-level jobs with a sponsoring US employer. Selected by lottery, and a $100,000 fee applies to many new petitions.
H-1B guide →L-1 company transfer
Move to a US office of the company you already work for, or open a US office for your Canadian business.
L-1 visa guide →O-1 extraordinary ability
For people at the top of their field, including actors, directors, writers, musicians, scientists and founders. There's no lottery and no cap.
O-1 visa guide →E-2 investor visa
Buy or start a business. Canada is a treaty country, and there's no fixed minimum investment, but it must be substantial.
E-2 visa guide →Green cards
Permanent residence through family, a US employer, or investment through the EB-5 program, starting at $800,000.
Green card routes →Practical tips for your move to Southern California
- Taxes: California has one of the highest state income taxes in the US. Get cross-border tax advice before you move.
- Housing: home prices and rents are among the highest in the country. Budget carefully and compare inland areas.
- Driver's licence: once you become a resident, apply for a California licence at the DMV.
- Health insurance: use an employer plan or Covered California.
- Insurance for your home: check wildfire and earthquake coverage before you buy.
Helpful resources for newcomers to San Diego and Orange County
These official sites cover the first practical steps after you arrive.
- Get a Social Security numberApply once you're in the US with permission to work.
- California DMV: driver's licencesApplying for a California licence.
- Covered CaliforniaCalifornia's official health insurance marketplace.
- City of San DiegoOfficial city services.
- County of OrangeOfficial Orange County services.
- Leaving Canada: tax for emigrantsCanada Revenue Agency guide to departure tax and your final return.
These are official government and public websites. VisaPlace is not affiliated with them. Links open in a new tab.
Common questions about moving to San Diego and Orange County
Can a Canadian move to San Diego and Orange County without a visa?
Canadians can visit without a visa, usually for up to 6 months at a time, but visitors can't work or live in the US. To live and work in San Diego and Orange County you need a work visa, an investor visa or a green card.
What's the easiest way for a Canadian to work in San Diego and Orange County?
It depends on your situation. With a job offer in an eligible profession, the TN visa is often the fastest. If you're investing in a business, the E-2 is popular. If your employer has a US office, the L-1 may fit. VisaScore shows which may fit you in about 3 minutes.
Does California have a state income tax?
Yes, and it's one of the highest in the US. Federal tax applies too. Speak to a cross-border tax adviser before you move.
Is San Diego or Orange County better for Canadians?
It depends on your work. San Diego is strong in biotech, wireless tech and defence. Orange County has more corporate, medical-device and tech jobs, and it's closer to Los Angeles. Both are expensive, so compare housing costs too.
Can my family come with me?
Most work and investor visas let your spouse and children under 21 come with you. On the E-2 and L-1, your spouse can also work. TN spouses can live in the US but can't work.
Is the first consultation free?
Yes. Your first consultation with a licensed, independent US immigration lawyer is free, and the lawyer gives you a clear quote before any work begins.
Planning your move to Southern California?
Answer a few questions and see which US visas may fit you, then talk to a licensed immigration lawyer for free.
VisaPlace Immigration works with licensed and experienced immigration lawyers, who are independent and operate separately from VisaPlace Immigration. VisaPlace Immigration does not provide legal advice. The information on this page is general and is not a guarantee of eligibility. Immigration rules change often, and decisions on visas and permanent residence are made by government authorities.