Moving from Alberta to Texas: Everything You Need to Know

By Travis P March 23, 2022 (Updated March 30, 2022) 6 min. read

Are you a Canadian resident of Alberta thinking about relocating to Texas? You’re not alone. Texas is the United States’ second-most populous state, and it’s simple to understand why. Every year, a large number of visitors visit due to the pleasant weather, diversified population, and melting pot of cultures. Not to mention that Texas’ thriving economy attracts people from all over the world with excellent work possibilities.

Visas for Canadians Moving to Texas

Work Visa

The first thing you must determine is why you are relocating to the United States. This will decide the immigration procedure you must follow. If you’re moving to the United States to work or live permanently, you’ll have three major options. Most of the time, your company will sponsor you for a visa that allows you to live and work in the nation. Acquiring the necessary immigration employment permit necessitates approval for one of the three visas listed below:

Business and Investment Visa

If you are going to the United States to establish a business or invest, you will need to get a Business Visa or an Investor Green Card. There are several sorts of business and investment visas, both temporary and permanent.

Family Sponsorship

Canadians can get a green card as a permanent resident by marrying a US citizen or being an immediate relative of a US citizen. The procedures you must take to apply for a family sponsorship Green Card will vary depending on your situation.

Moving from Alberta to Texas Checklist

Contact an Immigration Lawyer

You should always consult with an immigration lawyer when you’re crossing borders to ensure your trip doesn’t hit any bumps with border security.

Find a Place to Live

Finding a place to reside should be one of your first priorities. Also, be sure you register with the appropriate authorities, which includes the Canadian Embassy. You should also register a bank account so that you can manage your funds and pay your taxes, which in Texas are fairly substantial. The procedure of creating a bank account is pretty simple and uncomplicated. You may be required to provide:

Finances and Texas Bank Account(s)

Immigrant financial access is critical when relocating to a new nation. You may rely on these financial services as an immigrant to send payments, cash checks, and pay your expenses. The first thing you need to do is create a bank account with both a USD and a CAD account. While the documentation necessary varies greatly depending on the bank, you will normally need two things:

Healthcare

Obtaining health insurance as soon as you arrive in the United States should be one of your first priorities. You must live in the United States and be a citizen or national to participate in a coverage program (or be lawfully present). In addition, you cannot be imprisoned.

Healthcare services are offered by private enterprises in the United States. Unless there is an unusual instance (disability, unemployment, living near or below the poverty line), the government has little to no role to play in this. Citizens must take responsibility for their own well-being.

Residents of the United States can choose/facilitate from a variety of healthcare programs. This includes the following:

As a Canadian immigrant, we strongly advise you to obtain insurance as soon as possible. As a new immigrant, you may want to look into New Immigrants Health Insurance. Companies such as Sirius International, Seven Corners, and Lloyd’s Of London will be among them. You can also choose a Short Term Health Insurance policy, which will give temporary coverage while you travel to and settle in the United States.

Drivers License

To register for a driver’s license throughout most states in the United States, you must provide your Social Security Number. We recommend that you bring all of your identification documents, including your passport, foreign driver’s license, birth certificate, and proof of your lawful immigration status.

Reasons Why Canadians Are Moving to Texas

Cost of Living

Even though it is not the cheapest state to live in, the cost of living in Texas is quite low when compared to other states. Texas is about 9% less expensive than Canada.

No State Income Tax

Texas, unlike most other US states, does not collect a state income tax. It generates revenue from sales and uses tax, property, and corporate income taxes. In Houston, the projected monthly cost for a family of four is roughly $USD 2,916.02 without rent and around $USD 823.92 for a single person without rent.

Strong Job Market

Texas’ thriving economy makes it simple to find work, with firms like Tesla and Black & Decker creating over 1,000 new positions every day. Many of these positions pay more than the national average, and the state’s unemployment rate remains lower than the national average. You can find work in a wide range of industries, including the following:

Weather

The year-round warmth of Texas is a key lure for folks who are tired of lengthy, chilly winters. While certain parts of Texas suffer hot, humid summers, plentiful air conditioning helps to alleviate the pain, and the temperate temperature the rest of the year allows you to enjoy the outdoors in any month.

Great Education

In Texas, there is no shortage of educational possibilities. According to U.S. News & World Report, the University of Texas—Austin and Texas A&M University are two of the largest public colleges in the country. Both colleges have around 40,000 undergraduate students. Texas also has a number of prestigious midsize colleges and private universities.

Fewer Government Regulations

Texas, like Florida, has very minimal rules and regulations when it comes to health and safety (like Coronavirus). This is a very drastic change from what those living in Alberta face as far as government rules and regulations go. Texas is known for its model of relatively less government spending, no personal income tax, less tax burden, and less labor market regulation.

Unique Culture

There is no other location like Texas. The warmth of its people, the liveliness of its art scenes, the uniqueness of its cowboy culture, and the depth of its variety make it a one-of-a-kind location to live and work.

Diversity

The diversity of Texas contributes significantly to its lively, bustling culture. Houston alone has 145 languages spoken, while the state as a whole is the second most diverse in the US. Individuals who opt to relocate to the state are drawn to the state’s richness and inclusivity as a result of its variety.

Immigration Lawyer for Canadians Moving to Texas

We have helped many individuals and families move from Alberta to Texas – and we can help you too!

All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

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Ljiljana Pavkov

I have nothing but praise! The entire team was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and kind, especially Mansi Sanghiv. She patiently explained everything I needed to know and resolved all of my concerns. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the entire process. I am extremely satisfied with the service and experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for quality, dedication, and trust.

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Lisanne Cholette

Mansi has been helping me navigate through a new chapter in my life. It has been a huge comfort to be able to lean on her knowledge and expertise and I would highly recommend her to anyone!

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BERLITA COLLADO

I am so very thankful to the VISAPACE team for making it all come true and possible from my Open Work Permit to my Permanent Residence, you make it all happen .Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart , Thank you for being part of my achievements. Now I am now a Permanent Residence through the effort, power and knowledge of VISAPLACE LEGAL TEAM.
Sending you my best appreciation and thank you.

Berlie Collado

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Shahrzad Sh

“I truly want to thank Mansi. Her patience and thoughtful advices made a big difference for me. Her recommendations were not only helpful but also gave me clearer insight. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for her support.”

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kevin geoffrey

Visa place helped me with my daughter’s sponsorship 3 years ago. Last week I contacted them for some clarification on a different matter. It was about an issue which technically was a problem of CIC’s software glitch and had nothing to do with Visa Place.
Yet Reena Sandu was assigned for my case. she helped me with enthusiasm and showed no hesitation despite me being an ex-client from 3 years ago.
I was very happy that even after 3 years of finishing business, Visa Place were respectful of their clients. Special thanks again to Reena for her enthusiasm and support.

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Nessie Leigh Ilarde

Thank you very much for helping me get my new visa! I appreciate Ms. Felicita and her colleagues for guiding us through the process making sure that everything is precise. Highly recommend your firm. Thanks again 🙂

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parker ellis

Mansi Sanghvi has been nothing for of remarkable for me. I have been dealing with a visa, immigration issues , and any time I have to call her, she has been there to answer any questions. Has answers to every question and is there to HELP YOU. Truly could not recommend her more.