Move to Canada From the US, following the simple guide in this write-up. If you’re thinking about how you can move from the US to CA, this article will be helpful to you. The procedure for US citizens wanting to move to CA is quite different from that for non-citizens. So, find out the best steps to take in order to move to Canada from the USA, here.

Move to Canada From the US

Move to Canada From the US

If you are a US citizen wanting to visit CA as a tourist, you can do that without requiring a visa. How? US citizens can stay in Canada for about 6 months with just their US passport. The case is different if you want to immigrate to Canada. If you want to immigrate to Canada from the USA, then there are a few conditions you have to meet, the section below will analyze them.

How to Move to Canada From the USA

US citizens can get Canadian citizenship, and just like other foreign nationals, they need to become Permanent Residents first. After holding permanent Resident status for a minimum of 5 years, then they can apply for Canadian Citizenship.

Easiest Way to Immigrate From US to Canada

The procedure through which someone can immigrate to CA from the USA is similar to that of other countries. So, some of the easiest ways for a US citizen to immigrate to Canada are:

  • Through a permanent job
  • Family sponsorship
  • Startup Visa
  • Provincial Nominee Programs
  • Express Entry

The process of obtaining a Permanent Residence(green card) for CA includes meeting several eligibility criteria, gathering documents, filling out forms, and applying through your IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) account.

Getting a Permanent Job

If you want to work in Canada for any length of time, you must have a Work Permit. So for you to qualify for a work permit, here are the criteria you must meet;

  • Have a job offer from a Canadian employer
  • Your employer must possess a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
  • Have enough funds to provide for yourself and your family if they are coming with you.
  • You must not have a criminal record.
  • Have a good health status.

Once you obtain a work permit, you can work in CA for the duration that the permit is valid. It can be for up to four years with work permit extensions.

Family sponsorship

Do you have a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner living in Canada as a citizen or permanent resident? If yes, they can sponsor your move there.

For your partner to be able to sponsor you, he or she must be over 18, have no criminal record, be able to support you, not be receiving social assistance, and show that they plan to continue living in Canada even after you move there.

However, if you are not married, you have to prove you are in a conjugal relationship or that you have lived together for a specific period of time. You can show you have shared property, pay bills together, and have the same address on important documents. Then you and your partner have to apply for the sponsorship and your Canadian permanent residence at the same time.

Startup Visa

The Canadian government designed the Startup Visa for foreign entrepreneurs who have innovative business ideas. The startup program will provide great opportunities to US citizens trying to immigrate and start a business in CA.

The startup visa has a set of requirements and eligibility criteria. So, as a United States citizen trying to immigrate to Canada and open a business, you need

  • A qualifying business.
  • You must have a support letter from a designated organization.
  • Have sufficient funds to cover your stay until your business starts bringing profit.

If you qualify for a startup visa, during the application you have to submit all the required documents and completed forms.

Provincial Nominee Programs

The Provincial Nominee Program is another method to immigrate from the USA to CA. Through these programs, Canada’s provinces can nominate applicants that they consider fit to move to that particular province.

However, the Canadian provinces participating in the program are as follows;

  • Alberta
  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Northwest Territories
  • British Columbia
  • Manitoba
  • New Brunswick
  • Nova Scotia
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Saskatchewan
  • Yukon

If you apply for any of the nomination programs and a province nominates you, you will almost always get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residence by the Canadian Government.

Take Note: This program is available to United States citizens wanting to immigrate to CA, and who have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of that province.

Express Entry

The Express Entry System is Canada’s point-based electronic immigration procedure. This procedure allows people from all over the world to join and have their own profile which shows their skills, education, and employment history.

Based on this, they can earn points through a calculator designed by the Canadian Government. The points earned are called Comprehensive Ranking Scores (CRS), and the higher you score, the higher your chances of becoming invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence are.

Dual Citizenship for USA and Canada

If you obtain a Permanent Residence permit for Canada and have been living in Canada as a permanent resident for some years, you could be eligible for Canadian Citizenship.

However, there is a set of criteria all Canadian permanent residents have to meet in order to be considered eligible for Canadian citizenship. If you are a USA national and obtain Canadian citizenship, you will still have your status as a USA citizen. That is, you will have dual citizenship for USA and Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

How Hard is it for an American to move to Canada?

To be honest, moving to Canada is not too difficult. Because CA is open to welcoming new immigrants and offers several immigration programs. So it’s easier for you to qualify for one immigration stream. But, you have to meet the requirements for the pathway you want to apply for.

Can I move to Canada without a job?

Yes, you can move to Ca without a job. There is a number of immigration programs that you can qualify for based on your work or study experience. However, there are more than 100 economic-class immigration pathways to Canada.

How much money do you need to Immigrate to Canada?

As an individual application, you would need approximately $15,500 CAD to immigrate to Canada. Couples would need about $21,000 CAD while families with children will require between $25,000 to $30,000 CAD.

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