How to Move to Canada from the United States
Learn the various pathways of immigration to Canada from the United States, including family-sponsorship and employment.
Interested in Moving to Canada from the USA?
Canada and the United States have a very close relationship that expands further than just a shared border. They conduct a great deal of bilateral trade, as supported by NAFTA, and share common values in fields such as environmental protection, law enforcement, security, and free trade. Every day, about 380,000 people cross the Canadian-American border for travel, family, and business purposes. American immigration to Canada has been constant since the country’s inception through the present.
Are you looking for immigration from Canada to the US? Find out how to move from Canada to the United States.
United States of America
CanadaAmerican Community in Canada
Thousands of US citizens immigrate to Canada each year. The majority of American immigrants in Canada have settled in Ontario, with significant populations also in British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec. Though Canada and the US are unique from one another, their similar cultures and values create the foundation for a successful and easy integration of American immigrants.
How Can I Move from the US to Canada as a Permanent Resident?
The most popular path for United State citizens to become permanent residents of Canada is the Express Entry System.
Express Entry is Canada’s program for skilled workers to become Canada PR. The Express Entry Program has three streams:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
There are other paths for Canada Permanent Residence from the US including:
Moving to Canada Requirements
Each of the paths to Canada permanent residence have different requirements and processes. Click on a specific immigration path for Canada PR to learn about and figure out if you meet requirements for the certain path(s) you may be interested in.
Immigration Process
Migrants from the US to Canada have chosen to move for a variety of reasons, including economic opportunity, the chance to be closer to a family member or partner, or to work or study in Canada. In fact, a large number of American students have chosen to pursue their studies in Canada due to the often lower tuition costs and closeness to home. Individuals may choose to come to Canada permanently or temporarily, depending on their goals and qualifications.
Working in Canada as a US Permanent Resident
I would like to move to Canada to work, what are my options?
Skilled American workers hoping to immigrate to Canada may obtain permanent residence through Express Entry, and the four programs under Express Entry listed above. American applicants will often be well qualified for their language skills and typically high level of skilled work experience and education. Talk to an immigration lawyer to learn more about your eligibility, as well as which option may be best for you.
Here are the options for US citizens to get work permits in Canada:
CUSMA Work Permits
- Easier and faster option for certain job categories.
- No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) needed (shows effort to hire a Canadian first).
- Available for US citizens with a job offer from a Canadian employer or for US companies transferring employees.
Employer-Specific Work Permit
- Requires LMIA (proving Canadian search for worker).
- Specific to one employer, so a new permit is needed to switch jobs.
Spousal Open Work Permit
- For spouses of temporary foreign workers, international students, or permanent resident applicants.
- Allows work for any employer (no need for new permit when switching jobs).
Working Holiday
The Working Holiday program, part of International Experience Canada (IEC), promotes cultural exchange by allowing young people to work and travel in Canada. U.S. citizens aged 18-35 can get a 12-month open work permit if they have been enrolled full-time in post-secondary studies within the past year. Graduating students who aren’t returning to school are also welcome to apply.
Business Immigration in Canada as a US Permanent Resident
Can I move to Canada and start a business?
Canada’s business immigration programs aim to attract foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals who can contribute to the Canadian economy through their capital, business expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Here are the options for US citizens to start a business in Canada:
Start-Up Visa Program
Canada’s Start-up Visa Program offers a distinctive opportunity for immigrant entrepreneurs to build their businesses in the country. Recognized for its innovative approach, this program not only grants permanent residency but also provides support to help entrepreneurs establish themselves in Canada.
Provincial Business and Entrepreneur Programs
Family Sponsorship to Canada from the US
I have a spouse or common-law partner living in Canada, can he or she sponsor me?
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner, including same-sex partners, to become permanent residents of Canada. Both the sponsor and the sponsored individual must meet all eligibility requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the application to be approved.
To be eligible, the relationship between the sponsor and sponsored person must fall under one of three categories: Spouse, Common-Law Partner, or Conjugal Partner. The typical processing time for spousal sponsorship applications is approximately 12 months from the date of submission.
What is NAFTA?
NAFTA is an agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico that allows their citizens to work across borders.
Learn more about NAFTA and how Americans can work in Canada.
What is USMCA?
The Agreement between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada is a free trade agreement between Canada, Mexico, and the United States that has been ratified by each country. Rather than a wholly new agreement, it has been characterized as “NAFTA 2.0.
News Articles on USMCA (NAFTA) Programs
Useful Resources for Americans in Canada
The Consulate General and Embassy of Canada have a number of locations throughout the USA that provide helpful visa application and immigration information for Americans interested in moving to Canada.
The Cost of Moving to Canada from the United States
Many people ask “how much does it cost to immigrate to Canada from the US?” and the answer has several parts.
First, it depends on which program the applicant is applying through. The financial requirements for Express Entry are much different than Family Sponsorship or a Business Visa.
Second, each program has their own set of application fees.
Third, lawyer fees for helping you with your immigration documents.
To learn more about immigration costs, book a consultation with our immigration consultatns to discuss exactly what your estimated cost would be.
Moving to Canada from the US
Can I live in Canada if I am a US citizen?
US citizens can visit Canada for up to six months (180 days) without obtaining a visa but they can not live in Canada.
Is it better to live in Canada or the US?
Canadians receive better social benefits such as healthcare, paid maternity leave and greater subsidization of their post-secondary schools. The United States is generally cheaper to live in but they do not provide universal benefits that Canada does. Both countries generally have around the same annual income.
What makes life different in Canada than the US?
The major difference is the diversity of culture. Canada's migrant rate is significantly higher than the United States. This offers a vast range of cultures throughout Canada!
How many Americans live in Canada?
According to a previous census there are over 350,000 American Canadians living in Canada.
Can Americans move to Canada?
Yes! There are several ways for Americans to move to Canada. Book a consultation with us so that we can discover the best route for you.
Can I just move to Canada?
As a United States citizen, you can obtain Canadian citizenship just as any other foreign national but you need to become a Permanent Resident first.
Can I Bring My Family in the US to Canada?
If you are applying under Express Entry you can declare your immediate family dependents. It truly depends on the program you apply and the proof of funds you have.
Am I Eligible to Move to Canada?
Your first step to see if you're eligible for Canadian immigration from the US is to speak with an immigration consultant.
If you're intersted in the Express Entry program you can discover your CRS score with our free CRS calculator.
If you're not sure if you're ready to immigrate or not you can take our questionnaire to find out your eligibility.
Resources for Settling in Canada from the US
Even though the US and Canada are friendly neighbors, we always recommend creating a plan for settling into your new country. This plan can include a residence, schools/work, banking, healthcare, and more. Thankfully, Canada welcomes their new immigrants with open arms and provides many newcomer services for free to help make your transition here easier.
Learn more about how to create a plan for settling in Canada.
What If I'm Looking to Move to the USA from Canada Instead?
There are those who want to come to the United States for permanent residence instead.
Call Us Today
The first step towards moving to Canada is to get an assessment of your specific situation. Call us today at +1.416.410.7484 for an assessment to see if you are eligible to move to Canada, or fill out our online assessment form.