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
Between 2006 and 2015, 86,436 immigrants from the USA became Canadian permanent residents. 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), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
There are other paths for Canada Permanent Residents from the US including Family Sponsorship, Provincial Nominee Program, and Business Immigration.
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
Family Sponsorship
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 the 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 1.866.449.5904 for an assessment to see if you are eligible to move to Canada, or fill out our online assessment form.