Moving to Dallas from Canada: visas, jobs and what to know
Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing job markets in the US, with no state income tax and big corporate employers. Here's how Canadians can move to Dallas legally.
Last reviewed: November 2026. General information only, not legal advice.
Why Canadians move to Dallas
The Dallas-Fort Worth area is one of the largest metro areas in the US and home to many corporate headquarters.
- Corporate headquarters and finance, plus tech, telecom, logistics and healthcare.
- No state income tax. Texas doesn't charge personal income tax, so you pay federal tax only.
- Lower housing costs than most large coastal cities.
- A major airport hub with direct flights to Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal.
Visa options for Canadians moving to Dallas
Many professionals moving with a company use the L-1, and many with a job offer use the TN. 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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 Dallas
- Driver's licence: you can drive on your Canadian licence for up to 90 days after moving. Texas lets you swap it without a test.
- Property taxes are high, even though there's no state income tax.
- Health insurance: use an employer plan or HealthCare.gov.
- A car is usually needed. The region is very spread out.
- Social Security number: apply once you arrive with permission to work.
Helpful resources for newcomers to Dallas
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.
- Texas DPS: moving to TexasHow to get a Texas driver licence as a new resident.
- HealthCare.govThe federal health insurance marketplace, which links to state options.
- Dallas ISDThe city's public school district.
- City of DallasOfficial city 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 Dallas
Can a Canadian move to Dallas 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 Dallas you need a work visa, an investor visa or a green card.
What's the easiest way for a Canadian to work in Dallas?
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 Texas have a state income tax?
No. Texas doesn't charge state personal income tax, so you pay federal tax only. Property taxes are higher than in many states, and leaving Canada can have tax consequences, so get cross-border advice.
Can I swap my Canadian driver's licence in Texas?
Yes. Texas lets new residents surrender a Canadian licence for a Texas one without taking the knowledge or driving tests. You can drive on your valid licence for up to 90 days after you move.
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 Dallas?
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.