Moving to Seattle from Canada: visas, tech jobs and what to know
Seattle is the top US destination for people from Vancouver, with big tech employers, no state income tax on wages and home just a few hours away. Here's what to know.
Last reviewed: November 2026. General information only, not legal advice.
Why Canadians move to Seattle
Seattle sits about three hours from Vancouver, and many Canadians work there in tech, aerospace and healthcare.
- Major tech employers, from global cloud and software companies to startups.
- Aerospace and healthcare, plus a busy port and life sciences.
- No state income tax on wages. Washington State taxes some capital gains, but not your salary.
- Close to BC. Drive, take the train or fly from Vancouver.
Visa options for Canadians moving to Seattle
Tech workers often use the TN visa as computer systems analysts or engineers, or the L-1 if they transfer from a Canadian office.
New to this? Read our complete guide to moving from Canada to the US →
TN visa
For professionals with a US job offer in an eligible profession. Canadians apply at the border or at US preclearance at a Canadian airport, with no petition needed first.
TN 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 Canadian 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 →O-1 extraordinary ability
For people at the top of their field, including actors, directors, writers, musicians, scientists and founders. There's no lottery and no cap.
O-1 visa guide →E-2 investor visa
Buy or start a business. Canada is a treaty country, and there's no fixed minimum investment, but it must be substantial.
E-2 visa guide →Green cards
Permanent residence through family, a US employer, or investment through the EB-5 program, starting at $800,000.
Green card routes →Practical tips for your move to Seattle
- Driver's licence: Washington requires new residents to get a Washington licence within 30 days of moving.
- Taxes: no state income tax on wages, but sales tax is high. Get cross-border tax advice before you move.
- Health insurance: use an employer plan or Washington Healthplanfinder.
- Housing: rents and home prices are high. Many people live in the suburbs.
- Social Security number: apply once you arrive with permission to work.
Helpful resources for newcomers to Seattle
These official sites cover the first practical steps after you arrive.
- Get a Social Security numberApply once you're in the US with permission to work.
- Washington DOL: get a driver licenceNew residents have 30 days to get a Washington licence.
- Washington HealthplanfinderWashington's health insurance marketplace.
- Seattle Public SchoolsThe city's public school district.
- City of SeattleOfficial city services.
- Leaving Canada: tax for emigrantsCanada Revenue Agency guide to departure tax and your final return.
These are official government and public websites. VisaPlace is not affiliated with them. Links open in a new tab.
Common questions about moving to Seattle
Can a Canadian move to Seattle without a visa?
Canadians can visit without a visa, usually for up to 6 months at a time, but visitors can't work or live in the US. To live and work in Seattle you need a work visa, an investor visa or a green card.
Can I work in Seattle and live in Vancouver?
It's possible but not simple. You need permission to work in the US, and you'll cross the border often, so your status must stay valid. Working in one country and living in the other also affects your taxes in both. Get advice before you set it up.
What's the easiest way for a Canadian to work in Seattle?
It depends on your situation. With a job offer in an eligible profession, the TN visa is often the fastest. If you're investing in a business, the E-2 is popular. If your employer has a US office, the L-1 may fit. VisaScore shows which may fit you in about 3 minutes.
Does Washington State have an income tax?
Washington doesn't tax wages, but it does tax some large capital gains, and sales tax is high. Federal tax applies too.
Can my family come with me?
Most work and investor visas let your spouse and children under 21 come with you. On the E-2 and L-1, your spouse can also work. TN spouses can live in the US but can't work.
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.
Planning your move to Seattle?
Answer a few questions and see which US visas may fit you, then talk to a licensed immigration lawyer for free.
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.