Moving from Toronto to the US
Whether you have a US job offer, want to buy a business, or are joining family, we connect people in Toronto and the GTA 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 Toronto
These are the routes Canadians use most. Your profession, your employer and your plans decide which fits you best.
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. Canadians apply at the border or at US preclearance at Toronto Pearson, 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 handled by the US Consulate General here in Toronto.
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 Toronto 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 Torontonians 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 Toronto: 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 Ontario coverage is tied to living in Ontario. 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 at Toronto Pearson preclearance, a land crossing, or the US Consulate in Toronto, depending on your visa.
Popular US destinations from Toronto
Our Toronto office
Address
VisaPlace
100 King St W, Suite 5700
First Canadian Place
Toronto, ON M5X 1C7
Visits
By appointment only. Please contact us first so we can arrange a time.
Getting here
Steps from King and St Andrew stations on Line 1, and connected to the PATH.
Helpful resources for moving from Toronto to the US
- U.S. Consulate General TorontoAddress, hours and how to book a visa appointment.
- 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 awayOntario's rules on residency and absences for health coverage.
- Get a Social Security numberApply once you're in the US with permission to work.
- IRS Form 8840 (closer connection)For snowbirds who spend long periods in the US but stay Canadian tax residents.
These are official government websites. VisaPlace is not affiliated with them. Links open in a new tab.
Common questions about moving from Toronto to the US
Can I move from Toronto 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 Toronto to the US?
For many people with a job offer in an eligible profession, it's the TN visa. Canadians can apply at the border or at US preclearance at Toronto Pearson, often on the day they travel. VisaScore shows which visas may fit you in about 3 minutes.
Where is the US Consulate in Toronto?
The US Consulate General is at 360 University Avenue in downtown Toronto. Visa applicants use the entrance at 225 Simcoe Street. Interviews are by appointment only.
What happens to my OHIP if I move to the US?
OHIP is for people who live in Ontario. Under Ontario's rules, being outside the province for more than 212 days in any 12-month period may mean you have to reapply. If you're moving to the US for good, arrange US health insurance before you leave.
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 Toronto?
Yes. US immigration is federal law, so a licensed US immigration lawyer can help you wherever you live, including Toronto. Most of the work, from your first consultation to preparing your application, can be done without travelling.
Do I need to visit the Toronto office?
No. You can get started online, and your consultation with the lawyer can be by phone or video. If you'd like to meet in person, contact us to book an appointment at our First Canadian Place office.
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 Toronto instead? See how to immigrate to Toronto →
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.