Considering a move from the United States to Canada? You’re in good company. Every year, thousands of Americans decide to make Canada their new home, drawn by the country’s diverse opportunities, robust healthcare system, and high quality of life. Whether you’re seeking new career prospects, educational advancement, or simply a change of scenery, Canada offers a welcoming and stable environment.
Before you pack your bags and head north, understanding the legal pathways for immigration is essential. This guide will walk you through the key steps and options for moving to Canada from the USA and becoming a permanent resident.
Pathways to Canadian Permanent Residency for US Residents
One of the most efficient routes to immigrate to Canada from the US is through the Express Entry system. This online system manages applications for three main federal economic immigration programs, designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to the Canadian economy. If you meet the criteria for one of these programs, you could be on your way to Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry.
Express Entry is known for its speed, with approximately 80% of applications for permanent residency processed within just six months, making it one of the quickest immigration systems globally.
The three federal economic immigration programs managed under Express Entry are:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with foreign work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled tradespersons with foreign work experience.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with Canadian work experience.
These programs are competitive and score-based. Meeting the basic eligibility requirements isn’t enough; candidates are assigned a score based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency, and ranked against each other in a pool. Regular draws are conducted, and the highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.
Want to know your potential score? Use Canadim’s CRS score calculator to estimate your Comprehensive Ranking System score for Express Entry and see how competitive you might be.
Work Permits for US Citizens in Canada
If your move to Canada from the US is primarily for work, various work permit options are available depending on your specific situation. Canada offers different types of work permits to accommodate diverse employment needs.
For detailed information tailored to US citizens seeking work in Canada, explore our comprehensive article: Can US Citizens Work in Canada? This resource provides specific guidance and insights for Americans navigating the Canadian job market.
Studying in Canada as a US Citizen
Canada is an increasingly popular destination for international students, and for good reason. Compared to the US, studying in Canada offers several advantages, including more affordable tuition fees, faster visa processing, and immediate work opportunities. A Canadian study permit allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during scheduled breaks.
In contrast, international students in the US with F-1 visas face restrictions on off-campus employment during their first year and may encounter limitations even after that, potentially making their stay more financially challenging.
Beyond work opportunities, the cost of living for students is generally lower in Canada than in the US, particularly when it comes to accommodation and food. Furthermore, Canadian universities offer a range of programs, including 2-year Associate degrees and 3-year Bachelor degrees, providing flexible academic pathways.
Choosing to study in Canada can also significantly benefit your long-term immigration goals. After graduating from a designated Canadian educational institution, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). A PGWP can be valid for up to three years, matching the length of your study program.
Canadian work experience gained through a PGWP, combined with a Canadian degree, greatly enhances your chances of successfully applying for Canadian permanent residence through programs like the Canadian Experience Class. In the US, obtaining permanent residency after studies often requires finding a sponsoring employer.
Canadim’s International Student Program
The number of international students choosing Canada continues to rise, and many successfully transition to permanent residency after completing their education.
Canadim’s International Student Program provides expert guidance through every stage of the process, from securing your study permit to applying for permanent residence. Our experienced Educational Counsellors, specializing in Canadian higher education and immigration, will work with you to build the strongest possible application, maximizing your chances of success.
Costs Associated with Canadian Immigration from the US
Most Canadian visa applications require the payment of government processing fees. These fees are consistent for all applicants, regardless of nationality. The exact fees vary depending on the specific immigration program you are applying under.
Currently, the processing fee for a Canadian work permit is CAD $155, and for a Canadian study permit, it is CAD $150.
For permanent residence applications, there is a Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) of CAD $515, which is payable once your application is approved.
Find detailed information about current processing fees here.
Visiting Canada from the USA
If you are a US citizen with a valid US passport, you generally do not need a Canadian visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for short visits. However, if you are not a US citizen or permanent resident, or if you are flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport, an eTA may be required. US Green Card holders generally do not need a Canadian visa for entry by land or sea, but do require an eTA for air travel.
A visitor visa allows you to stay in Canada for up to six months for tourism, visiting family, exploring work opportunities, or participating in short-term study programs that are less than six months in duration. However, you cannot work or apply for a work or study permit from within Canada on a visitor visa.
Inadmissibility to Canada
In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria for your chosen immigration pathway, you must also be admissible to Canada. Inadmissibility refers to reasons why someone may be denied entry to Canada, even if they otherwise qualify for immigration. The primary categories of inadmissibility are medical and criminal.
Medical inadmissibility may apply if you have a health condition that could pose a public health risk to Canadians or place excessive demands on Canada’s healthcare system. Criminal inadmissibility can arise from having a criminal record, even for minor offenses. Even offenses that did not result in jail time in the US can create significant issues when attempting to move to or visit Canada.
If you believe you may be inadmissible to Canada due to medical or criminal history, there are options to address inadmissibility. Contact us to discuss your specific situation and explore potential solutions for overcoming inadmissibility.
Settling into Life in Canada
Once you’ve made the decision to move to Canada from the US and your immigration is approved, planning your settlement is the next crucial step. This includes finding housing, arranging schooling or employment, and setting up your finances and healthcare. Fortunately, Canada offers excellent newcomer support services, many of which are free of charge, to help you integrate smoothly.
Employment Differences
One notable difference in employment practices between the US and Canada is the concept of at-will employment. In the US, at-will employment is common, meaning employers can terminate employment at any time, for any reason (or no reason), and without notice or severance pay in many cases. In Canada, employment laws are more protective of employees. Employers are generally required to provide advance notice of termination or severance pay, based on the length of employment.
Another significant difference is in maternity and parental leave benefits. While the US offers unpaid maternity leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Canada provides significantly more generous paid leave options for both parents. Canadian parents can choose between standard paid leave of 35 weeks or extended leave of 61 weeks, with a portion of their salary paid during the leave and job protection upon their return.
Taxation in Canada
Moving to Canada from the US does not exempt you from US tax obligations. The US and Canada have tax treaties in place to prevent double taxation and tax evasion. While both countries have comparable tax structures and require tax filing, there are key differences. Generally, income taxes may be higher in Canada. However, these tax dollars fund extensive social services, including universal healthcare and education, whereas a larger proportion of US tax revenue is allocated to defense programs.
It’s also important to note that Canada does not have joint tax returns for married couples or common-law partners. Each individual must file their own tax return, although certain expenses like childcare and charitable donations can be combined.
Finding Accommodation
Securing housing in Canada is similar to the process in the US. You can search for rental or purchase properties online, through real estate agents, or in newspaper listings. Viewing properties and signing leases are common steps in both countries.
Keep in mind that landlord-tenant laws can vary by province or territory in Canada, just as they can vary by state in the US.
Healthcare System
One of the most significant distinctions between the US and Canada is healthcare. Canada has a universal healthcare system, where all citizens and permanent residents have access to publicly funded healthcare services, covering medically necessary hospital and physician care. In the US, healthcare is primarily employer-sponsored or private, and a significant portion of the population lacks health insurance.
In 2017, approximately 11% of the US population was uninsured, not due to lack of need, but often due to the unaffordability of healthcare. Canada’s healthcare system aims to ensure access to medical care for all residents, regardless of their financial situation.
Canadian Citizenship
To become a Canadian citizen, you must first obtain permanent resident (PR) status and meet physical presence requirements. You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) within the five years preceding your citizenship application. Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident (student, visitor, worker) within those five years can count as half days towards your physical presence, up to a maximum of 365 days. Starting your journey in Canada sooner can accelerate your path to citizenship.
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