Moving from Ottawa to the US
Whether you have a US job offer, want to buy a business, or are joining family, we connect people in Ottawa and eastern Ontario with licensed, independent US immigration lawyers. Your first consultation is free.
Last reviewed: November 2026. General information only, not legal advice.
US visa options for people in Ottawa
Ottawa's tech workers, public servants and researchers often move to Washington, New York and the US tech hubs. These are the routes Canadians use most.
New to this? Read our complete guide to moving from Canada to the US →
Need a lawyer? US immigration lawyers for Canadians · TN visa lawyers
TN visa
For professionals with a US job offer in an eligible profession, such as engineers, accountants, scientists and computer systems analysts. Apply at US preclearance at Ottawa International (YOW) or at the land border, with no petition needed first.
TN visa guide →E-2 investor visa
Buy or start a business in the US. Canada is a treaty country. E-2 applications from Canada are filed through the US Consulate General in Toronto, even if you live in Ottawa.
E-2 visa guide →L-1 company transfer
Move to a US office of the company you already work for, or open a US office for your Ottawa business.
L-1 visa guide →H-1B visa
For degree-level jobs with a sponsoring US employer. Selected by lottery, and a $100,000 fee applies to many new petitions.
H-1B guide →Green cards
Permanent residence through family, a US employer, or investment through the EB-5 program, starting at $800,000.
Green card routes →Snowbirds and retirees
There's no US retirement visa, but many Canadians spend up to 6 months a year in the US as visitors. Count your days carefully.
Snowbird Day Calculator →Not Canadian? Many US visas and green cards are open to every nationality. See your options →
Leaving Ottawa: what to sort out before you go
- Departure tax: when you become a non-resident, Canada treats most of your property as sold. Get cross-border tax advice early.
- RRSPs and TFSAs: the US treats them differently. TFSA growth isn’t tax-free in the US.
- OHIP: your coverage is tied to living in the province. Have US health insurance in place from day one.
- Credit: your Canadian credit history doesn’t follow you. Expect to build US credit from scratch.
- Driving: once you’re a resident of a US state, you’ll need that state’s licence.
How it works
- See which visas may fit you. VisaScore takes about 3 minutes.
- Talk to a licensed US immigration lawyer. Your first consultation is free, by phone or video.
- Get a clear quote before any work begins, then the lawyer prepares your application.
- Cross the border or attend your interview. Depending on your visa, that could be US preclearance at Ottawa International (YOW), the Thousand Islands and Ogdensburg crossings into New York State, or a US consulate.
Popular US destinations from Ottawa
Helpful resources for moving from Ottawa to the US
- U.S. Embassy OttawaAddress, hours and visa services.
- Treaty trader and investor (E-2) visasHow E-1 and E-2 applications from Canada are filed in Toronto.
- Leaving Canada: tax for emigrantsCanada Revenue Agency guide to departure tax and your final return.
- OHIP rules for time awayProvincial rules for your health coverage when you move.
- Get a Social Security numberApply once you're in the US with permission to work.
These are official government websites. VisaPlace is not affiliated with them. Links open in a new tab.
Common questions about moving from Ottawa to the US
Can I move from Ottawa to the US?
Yes, but you need the right status. Canadians can visit the US without a visa, but visitors can't work or live there. To live and work in the US you need a work visa such as the TN, L-1 or H-1B, an E-2 investor visa, or a green card.
What's the fastest way to move from Ottawa to the US?
For many people with a job offer in an eligible profession, it's the TN visa. You can apply at US preclearance at Ottawa International (YOW) or at the land border, often on the day you travel. VisaScore shows which visas may fit you in about 3 minutes.
Where is the US consulate in Ottawa?
The U.S. Embassy Ottawa is at 490 Sussex Drive. Check its website for the services it offers and how to book. E-2 investor visa applications from Canada go through the consulate in Toronto.
What happens to my OHIP coverage if I move to the US?
OHIP is for people who live in the province. If you move to the US for good, your coverage will end, so arrange US health insurance before you leave. The province's website explains the rules for long absences.
Will I pay tax in Canada after I leave?
Possibly. When you become a non-resident, Canada treats most of your property as sold at its current value. This is called a deemed disposition, or departure tax. RRSPs and TFSAs are also treated differently in the US. Speak to a cross-border tax adviser before you move.
Can a US immigration lawyer help me from Ottawa?
Yes. US immigration is federal law, so a licensed US immigration lawyer can help you wherever you live, including Ottawa. Most of the work, from your first consultation to preparing your application, can be done by phone or video.
Is the first consultation free?
Yes. Your first consultation with a licensed, independent US immigration lawyer is free, and the lawyer gives you a clear quote before any work begins.
Ready to plan your move?
Answer a few questions and see which US visas may fit you, then talk to a licensed US immigration lawyer for free.
Moving to Ottawa instead? See how to immigrate to Ottawa →
VisaPlace Immigration works with licensed and experienced immigration lawyers, who are independent and operate separately from VisaPlace Immigration. VisaPlace Immigration does not provide legal advice. The information on this page is general and is not a guarantee of eligibility. Immigration rules change often, and decisions on visas and permanent residence are made by government authorities.