How to Move to the US from Canada
Every realistic route for Canadians, what changed in 2026, and how to pick the one that fits you and your family.
- Professionals with a US job offer: the TN visa is often the fastest route, sometimes approved at the border the same day.
- Starting or buying a business: the E-2 investor visa. Canadians qualify, with no lottery and no yearly cap.
- Transferring with your company: the L-1 visa.
- Married to a US citizen: a family green card.
- Planning to stay for good? Map your green card path from day one.
Does this sound like you?
- You’ve looked up what people in your line of work earn in the US.
- You’ve watched friends or colleagues move south and wondered how they did it.
- You’ve thought about it for years, but don’t know where to start.
You’re in the right place. Start by finding the route that fits you below.
Which Route Fits You?
Pick the line that sounds most like you. Most Canadians fit at least one, and many fit more than one.
No US job offer yet? See how Canadians move to the US without one
Why Canadians Are Moving to the US
More jobs, higher pay and, in many cities, more affordable homes than Toronto or Vancouver.
Sources: Statistics Canada, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, CREA, National Association of Realtors (Sept 2026)
US Visa and Green Card Options for Canadians
The main routes, side by side. Each one has different rules for your job, your family and your path to a green card.
TN Visa
Best for Canadian professionals with a US job offer in an approved profession, such as engineers, accountants, scientists, IT professionals and many health care roles.
- How long
- Up to 3 years, renewable
- Lottery or cap
- None
- Where you apply
- Often at the border or pre-clearance
- Family
- Spouse and kids can come; spouse can't work
Watch out: the TN is not a green card visa. If you want to stay for good, plan the switch carefully so your TN is not put at risk.
L-1 Visa
Best for managers, executives and specialized staff transferring to a US branch, parent or affiliate of their employer. Also used by business owners opening a US office.
- Requirement
- 1 year with the company in the last 3
- How long
- Up to 7 years (managers) or 5 (specialized)
- Family
- Spouse can work
- Green card
- Strong path for managers and executives
E-2 Investor Visa
One of the most popular routes for Canadian entrepreneurs.
- Canadians qualify. Canada is a treaty country.
- Start or buy a business. No fixed minimum. The investment must be substantial for the business.
- Bring your family. Your spouse can work and your kids can go to school.
- Renewable as long as the business is operating.
H-1B Visa
For professional jobs that need a degree, including roles that are not on the TN list.
- Lottery or cap
- Yes, yearly lottery for most employers
- How long
- 3 years, extendable to 6
- Green card
- Allowed to pursue one
- Family
- Spouse can work only in limited cases
2026 update: a $100,000 payment on certain new H-1B petitions has been blocked by federal courts, but the government is appealing. Many Canadians can avoid the H-1B entirely with a TN, L-1, O-1 or E-2.
O-1 Visa
For people with extraordinary ability or achievement in business, science, the arts, education, athletics, film or TV.
- Lottery or cap
- None
- How long
- Up to 3 years, extendable
- Proof
- Awards, press, high salary, key roles
- Green card
- Can lead to EB-1
Green Cards
Permanent residence. Most Canadians get there through family, a job, or investment.
- Family
- Spouse, parent or adult child who is a US citizen
- Employment
- EB-1, EB-2 (including the National Interest Waiver) and EB-3
- Investment
- EB-5: $800,000 in targeted areas, $1,050,000 elsewhere
- Engaged?
- K-1 fiance visa
Note: people born in Canada generally can't enter the Diversity Visa lottery. There are narrow exceptions, for example through a spouse's country of birth.
What Changed for Canadians in 2026
US immigration is stricter than it was a few years ago. These are the changes Canadians ask us about most.
Registration for longer stays
Canadians staying in the US for 30 days or more may have to register with the US government. It often applies to people who drive across the border, because they usually don't get an arrival record (I-94).
The TN visa is still open
The July 2026 review of the USMCA trade agreement left it in force, and TN rules haven't changed. The agreement now faces yearly reviews, so it's worth watching.
H-1B fee is on hold
Courts have blocked the $100,000 payment on certain new H-1B petitions. The government is appealing, so it could come back.
More scrutiny
Expect closer review of applications and more questions at the border. Small errors or unclear answers now cause more delays and refusals.
Current as of October 2026. Rules change often. Ask us about your situation.
How to Move to the US from Canada, Step by Step
- Get assessedLook at your job, education, savings, family and goals.
- Pick your routeChoose the visa that fits now and the green card path for later.
- Build your applicationGather documents, letters and evidence that meet today's standards.
- Apply or enterFile with USCIS, a consulate, or apply at the border, depending on the visa.
- Settle in and stay compliantRegistration, taxes, renewals and your next step toward a green card.
What Works, and What Doesn't
After 30+ years of helping Canadians, we've seen what gets approved, what gets refused, and why.
Common mistakes
- Working, or lining up work, while in the US as a visitor
- A vague TN job title or offer letter that doesn't match the approved profession
- Assuming a TN or E-2 leads straight to a green card
- Entering the H-1B lottery when a TN, L-1 or E-2 would work
- Skipping the registration rule on long stays
- Relying on old information or a friend's experience
What works
- Matching the visa to your goals and your family's needs
- Planning your green card path from day one
- Documents that answer the officer's questions before they're asked
- Preparing for the border interview, not just the paperwork
- Keeping records of every entry, renewal and status change
Already refused or turned back? See Denied Entry to the US or Stopped at the US Border.
Settling in the US as a Canadian
The visa is only part of the move. Plan for these early.
Social Security number
You'll need one for work, banking and taxes. Apply once you have work authorization.
Credit history
Your Canadian credit score usually doesn't transfer. Start building US credit right away.
Driver's licence
Most states require you to get a local licence within a set time after you move.
Health insurance
Your provincial coverage ends once you're no longer a resident. Line up US coverage before you go.
Taxes on both sides
Leaving Canada can trigger a departure tax, and accounts like TFSAs are treated differently in the US. Speak with a cross-border tax advisor.
Your status
Track your expiry dates, renewals and travel. Gaps in status can cause problems later.
Popular US Cities for Canadians
Canadians Moving to the US Is Our Specialty
VisaPlace Immigration has spent 30+ years helping Canadians move to the US. We know what works, we keep it cost-effective, and we work with the best in the business.
Moving from Canada to the US: Common Questions
Can a Canadian just move to the US?
Not without the right status. Canadians can visit without a visa, usually for up to six months, but you can't work or live in the US as a visitor. To move, you need a work visa, an investor visa or a green card.
What is the easiest way for a Canadian to move to the US?
It depends on your situation. Professionals with a US job offer often qualify for a TN visa, which can be approved at the border the same day. Business owners often look at the E-2 visa. If you're married to a US citizen, a family green card is usually the most direct route.
Is the TN visa going away?
No. As of October 2026, the USMCA trade agreement is still in force and the TN rules haven't changed. The agreement now goes through yearly reviews, so we watch it closely for our clients.
Can I enter the green card lottery as a Canadian?
Generally no. People born in Canada can't enter the Diversity Visa lottery. There are narrow exceptions, for example if your spouse was born in an eligible country.
Do I lose my Canadian citizenship if I become a US citizen?
No. Canada allows dual citizenship, so you can keep your Canadian citizenship if you become a US citizen.
Can my spouse work in the US?
It depends on your visa. Spouses of E-2 and L-1 visa holders can work. Spouses of TN visa holders can't. Spouses of H-1B workers can work only in limited cases.
Do Canadians have to register with the US government?
If you stay in the US for 30 days or more, you may have to register. It often applies to people who drive across the border, because they usually don't receive an I-94 arrival record.
How long does it take to move to the US from Canada?
A TN visa can be approved at the border the same day. L-1 and E-2 visas usually take weeks to a few months. Green cards usually take a year or more.
Do I need help to apply?
You can apply on your own, but mistakes are costly: delays, refusals, or problems at the border that stay on your record. A free assessment shows you which routes fit and what to watch out for. Get your free assessment.
This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. VisaPlace Immigration does not provide legal advice. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed immigration lawyer. Looking to move the other way? See Canadian immigration.