Moving from the US to Canada
Learn the various pathways of immigration to Canada from the United States, including family-sponsorship and employment.
United States of America
CanadaInterested in Moving to Canada from the US?
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.
American 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.
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.
Moving to Canada from the US
U.S. citizens can visit Canada for up to six months (180 days) without obtaining a visa but they can not live in Canada.
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. .
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!
According to a previous census there are over 350,000 American Canadians living in Canada.
What If I'm Looking to Move to the US from Canada Instead?
There are those who want to come to the United States for permanent residence instead.