Can Canadians Retire in the United States?
Retiring to the United States is a dream of many, but it is not as if you can just pack up and move to the United States because it’s time to retire. Even if you are a Canadian citizen, moving from Canada to the USA requires the proper channels in order to do so.
Whether you want to move to the United States temporarily or permanently, there are different methods of doing so and different restrictions on what you can do.
Ways of Retiring in the United States for Canadians
Canadians who want to retire in the United States have two options: they can move to the United States temporarily, or permanently. For those who wish to spend some time in the United States but not move there permanently, there is the option of spending six months per year at a maximum in the United States as a visitor. Many Canadians own property in the United States and will spend their winters in the United States.
The maximum amount of time you can visit the United States for is six months, which is the same amount of time that you can remain out of Canada per year without compromising your ties to Canada.
Moving to the United States Permanently
The other option for Canadians is that they move to the United States permanently, which means they must apply for permanent residency in the United States through regular immigration channels.
This means that you can apply for permanent residence through methods such as family or spousal sponsorship, having an employer sponsor you or by having dual citizenship.
The E-2 and E-B5 Option
Another option for Canadians is investing in a new or existing United States business. In doing so, applicants could obtain an E-2 visa or an E-B5 visa. For the E-B5 visa, a significant investment must be made but the visa leads to permanent residency for the investor.
The E-2 visa, on the other hand, only lasts for five years but it can also be renewed.
Are You a Canadian Interested in Retiring in the United States?
Whatever the case, before you begin planning your retirement in the United States please speak with a licensed immigration lawyer and other service professionals, such as tax attorneys, to help you determine your best move and explore your options.
VisaPlace.com was founded over 15 years ago by Michael Niren, “To provide clients with affordable, effective and expeditious immigration solutions.” All of Niren & Associates’ cases are handled by independent, licensed and award winning Canadian and U.S. lawyers who adhere to the highest standards of client service. If you have immigration questions, we may have the answers you seek. Contact us to book a consultation.
33 thoughts on “Can Canadians Retire in the United States?”
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I am a Canadian, am a widow and have spent the last 9 years wintering in Texas. 3 winters ago I met a wonderful American farmer and we want to be together. He still works the farm and is 77 years old. I am 74 years old. If we marry in the US, and then approach the authorities to let them know that we have married, how difficult would it be to get through all the formalities for me to stay in th US.
Hello Ms. Sardiwalla,
Thank you for contacting us at VisaPlace! We would be happy to take a closer look at your case to determine the best pathway for you to immigrate to the US to be with your spouse. The difficulty of this process varies on a case to case basis. Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions, plus it will increase the chance of getting a visa approved. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.
The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.
Hi D.F.,
Thank you for contacting us at VisaPlace! I highly recommend you get the advice and assistance of an immigration lawyer before marrying in the US. Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions, plus it will increase the chance of getting a visa approved. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.
The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.
Question My elderly mother 80 years old lives in Canada by herself . If I bring her here to live in the United States (New York) with me will she lose her medical and pension benefits
Hi Tanya,
Thank you for contacting us at VisaPlace! We would have to take a closer look at your case to determine that. Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions, plus it will increase the chance of getting a visa approved. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.
The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.
Can a Canadian Military Officer stationed in the US retire in the US and become a permanent resident?
Hi Don Nicholas,
Thank you for contacting us at VisaPlace! There may be a chance as a Canadian Military Officer that you can retire in the US. Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions, plus it will increase the chance of getting a visa approved. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.
The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.
Goodd evening,
I have a question. I am currently married to a U.S. citizen now for 2 years. I am a Canadian citizen living in canada while my husband is living in the United States. I would to move their but keep my job in canada is that possible? What steps do I need to take next? We are planning to start our family in a couple of months.
Thank you
Hi Kathryn,
Thank you for your inquiry, I’m glad you contacted us! Congratulations on deciding to start a family! We have helped thousands of clients in similar situations as yours and we would love to help you and your husband. I do need to take a closer look at your case. Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions plus it will also increase the chance of approval of the visa you are inquiring. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about you and your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.
The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.
I am a Canadian retiree. 76 years young….. I am on OAC andCPP… Because of my lung condition I go south and stay with friends in Texas for 6 months during the winter …then come back to Canada.I am A Canadian Citizen . born in Brazil.Came here as a child of 9 with parents and sibs…I do not know what my options are to apply for permanent residency in The USA …. My friends are willing to sponsor me .I will not be a burden on society other than having COPD the rest of my health isgreat…no diseases or any other major problems…I need to know if I do move will I lose my Oac or my Cpp? For now I enjoy my 6 months there and here…. please let me know wehat I need to do to check this all out. So I can tell my friends… Thank you for your time…
Hi Ericka,
Thank you for contacting us! I would love to help you immigrate to the United States with a sponsor. We have helped thousands of clients in your similar situation and we may be able to help you! Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions plus it will also increase the chance of approval of the visa you are inquiring. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about you and your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.
The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.
My grandfather was born in the U.K. and served in the army during the Boer War. He then moved to Quebec and served in the Canadian military during the First World war. My father was born in Canada but resided in Rhode Island and had a green car when his father served in the U.S. military during 2nd World.
I was born in Canada and am a 76 year old retired woman. I would like to sell my home in Canada and buy a permanent home to reside in Florida for 12 months. Would this be difficult to proceed and what would be the result or downfall considering my health coverage in Canada.
Many thanks,
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you for your inquiry, I’m glad you contacted us! We have helped thousands of clients in your similar situation. I do need to take a closer look at your case in order to give the best legal advice. Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions plus it will also increase the chance of approval of the visa you are inquiring about. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about you and your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.
The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.
Hi, I am 67 years old & immigrated with my wife to Canada 11 years ago. We are Canadian citizens.
I am a phycician. My contract expired & I cannot obtain a licence to practice medicine anymore.
We want to move to US sponcered by our daughter
& love in Ireland as we are not financially secure. Own a house in Canada – don’t want to give up CC. Selling home will leave us with no debt but then CC will be compromised!
Leon
Hello Leon. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you after we get more details about your situation. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-416-410-7484 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
Regards, Muga
Hello, we are a newly retired couple in our late 50s. We want to immigrate to the USA from Canada permanently. We own a home free and clear in the USA, we pay taxes in the USA, and also have two vehicles registered in our name in the USA. We are financially secure and only wish to contribute to the US economy, not take anything from it. What do we need to do to complete the immigration process? If we enter legally, is it difficult in our particular circumstances.
Hello Kathy. As Canadian citizens you may stay in the U.S. for up to 6 months in the calendar year; you are not eligible to work during that stay. If you wish to stay longer you will need to obtain legal immigration status. Investing in a business, or having a job offer from a U.S. employer are some of the ways that you can obtain status. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you and your spouse. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-416-410-7484 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
Regards, Muga
My husband is retired and I will retire in 4 years. We would like to retire to the U.S. on a permanent basis and would even consider a dual citizenship. We have no intention of working in the U.S. nor would we be investing in nor starting up a business. Is this possible?
Hello Susan. As Canadians, you may stay in the US for up to six months in a calendar year. If you were to want to stay longer you would have to be employed, or have a business that you have invested in. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals if you want to know more about the restrictions and options for you and your husband. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-855-886-8472 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
Regards, Muga
Hello I have a question in regards to retirement in the United States. I am a United States citizen and I’ve been living in Canada for the last 16 years with my common-law partner. When we retire can we move to United States to live permanently. Can I sponsor him as his spouse thank you
Hello Rich. The US requires that you and your partner are married in order for your to sponsor them for US citizenship. A common-law relationship is not sufficient. Without sponsoring your partner, he will only be able to stay in the US for up to 6 months in one calendar year. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you and your partner. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-855-886-8472 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
Regards, Muga
I’m curious as to what constitutes a substantial business investment… what kinds of business ventures? We have invested in race horses in Virginia (specific horses and specific percentage ownership)… would such investments qualify? Our family has long roots in the USA but my line hasn’t resided in the USA for well over 100 years – I’d like to return to the land of my ancestors for my retirement.
Hello Earl. Each investment is looked upon individually to evaluate how substantial it is. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-855-886-8472 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
Regards, Muga
Hello, I am Canadian wanting to retire in us . I am only 50 and am on permenant disability.My father Canadian lives in us and has been in us for more than 30 years married to us citizen. I may wish to invest in business in us or buy permenant residence. Not sure what is best for my situation which is best method to at least give me best opportunity. Need help understanding options… Wish I had applied befor I turned 18 as laws have changed so much. He is the only family I have left and wish to spend whatever time we have left together
Hello Joelle. Thank you for writing to us. There are many factors that need to be looked at to determine the best path for you to take. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you after looking at the details of your situation. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-855-886-8472 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
Regards, Muga
26 years ago my Cdn military husband was transferred to a USA military base, where I suffered a permanent sciatic nerve injury during surgery at that base hospital. Because of the adverse effect of cold Cdn winters, we have spent winters in Florida, at our own home, for 21 years. With age, my condition is worse and we would like to spend more or permanent time in the USA. Is there a way we can get permission to do so?
Hello. You are limited to a maximum of 6 months in the US during a year, unless you have a work visa or you are making an investment in a US business.
Regards, Vahe
My family and I were transferred to the USA three years ago from Canada for my job and we are working on getting our green card for the family. We plan on retiring in Canada in about 15 years from now. From an income perspective, would we receive social security from the US and CPP/old age from Canada? What about if we have 401K…how would that be taxed?
Hello Tony, You will need to find a Canadian – US tax specialist in order to answer your tax questions. We exclusively deal with immigration matters.
Regards, Vahe
March 30/16
Hi: I have similar circumstances, would be interesting to know the sitation
Regards,
Hello. Acquiring permanent residency in the US is not easy. The most common solution is to go for 6 months at a time. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-855-886-8472 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
Regards, Vahe
We need an easier way to do this. While we are financially secure in retirement as we have saved, in our name/accounts/control in both tax deferred and cash, we can afford to move to the USA and lower taxes will more than offset added health care, lower cost of living as a bonus, there is no category for us. Investor visa is bad as I don’t invest more than 5% or 10% for low risk, which excludes us. Can show a $60k+ USD year income without a job for eternity, so no social risk. Even want to pay US taxes and enjoy nice weather in January. But I need to consider also if Costa Rica or Panama will take us in for the taxes of it. Tired of Canadian winters and high costs of living.
Hello Dave,
Thank you for your input on this topic. We would be happy to help you assess what options are best for you. I have submitted your contact information and question to my team and someone will contact you soon to go over some possibilities.
Best Regards,
Sarah Jane