Between 2006 and 2023, 165,267 US citizens were admitted as permanent residents in Canada.
Canada is an attractive destination for Americans, with a high standard of living, cultural diversity, and a strong economy.
In this guide, we will explore the various immigration pathways available to Americans. Then we’ll look at work permits, costs, and an overview of Canadian cities.
If you are looking for the answer to the question of how to move to Canada as an American, you will find it here.
Let’s get started.
Understanding Immigration Pathways
How to move to Canada from the US? Firstly, understand the immigration pathways.
Canada has a points-based immigration system that assesses candidates based on their skills, work experience, language proficiency, and education.
How to Move to Canada from US
Here is what you need to know about moving to Canada:
- Express Entry system
- Family Sponsorship Options
- Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs)
- Startup Visa program
Now let’s explain them one by one.
Express Entry System
Express Entry is an online system that Canada uses to manage immigration applications for skilled workers.
There are 3 immigration programs administered in this context:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
The official website of the Canadian government has a ‘Come to Canada Tool’, where you can find out if you are eligible to apply.
The application fee is 1,525 CAN per person and the price changes as family members are added. You must pay an additional fee of CAN 1,525 for a spouse and CAN 260 for each dependent child.
How does the process work?
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Create your profile and join the pool.
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Wait for an invitation. The applicants with the highest points in the rounds will be invited. (Note that if you received an invitation to apply, it is valid for 60 days).
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Fill in the application form when you are asked to apply.
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Wait for the notification about the result of your application.
When your application is approved, you will receive a permanent resident approval (COPR) and a permanent resident (PR) visa. In this case, you can now prepare to go to Canada.
Family Sponsorship Options
“With my family, how can I move to Canada from America?”
Meet “Family Sponsorship Program.”
In Canada, the family reunification immigration route is one of the most specialized programs of the immigration system. In this regard, Family Sponsorship is administered by IRCC.
With this method of sponsorship, you can get one of your family members to become a permanent resident in Canada. However, you must accept a commitment to meet the basic needs of the family member you are bringing and provide adequate financial support.
Who can you bring? You can bring your mum, dad, spouse, child, and even grandparents to Canada.
As for the requirements, they are quite simple:
- Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Support your sponsored family member financially for several years.
The most important rule is to be able to provide adequate financial support. This means that you agree to provide food, clothing, shelter, and health care needs that are not covered by public health services for the person you are sponsoring.
In this context, you are also expected to fulfill the low-income limit (LICO).
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
How can you move to Canada from the United States with Nominee Programs (PNPs)?
All provinces have their own immigration programs.
In this context, if you have a skill that can contribute to the economy of the region, you can move to Canada through the Provincial Nominee Programs.
For example, a program is offered only in a specific province and can target the following people: Students, business people, skilled workers, or semi-skilled workers.
Now you need to find out which provinces have a suitable program for you. To do this, go to the ‘Immigrate as a provincial nominee’ page, select a province, and make an inquiry.
Finally, if you are found eligible for a program, you will be invited. Then complete your application and start preparing to move to Canada.
Startup Visa Program
How can I move to Canada from the US to Canada by applying for the startup visa program?
With the Startup Visa Program, you can move from the USA to the Canadian provinces. You can apply alone or with a group of 5 people.
For this, you are expected to fulfill the following conditions:
- Being a business owner
- Receiving an invitation from an organization to work
- To have language requirements
- Having sufficient financial means for settlement
To set up a qualifying enterprise, you must:
- Each applicant must own at least 10 percent of the total voting rights.
- You and your designated organization must together control more than 50% of the total voting rights.
You can set up your company in Canada if your application is accepted. Make sure you conduct the majority of your business operations in Canada.
Finally, research the cost of living in the area where you plan to settle in Canada. Also, take as much money with you as possible to make moving and finding a home easier.
Work Permits and Agreements
When you want to move to Canada, you cannot ignore your work life. That’s why we recommend you check out the laws that allow you to work in Canadian provinces as an American.
Below, we will list the best work permits for you.
Overview of CUSMA (USMCA)
The United States, Canada, and Mexico entered into a trilateral free trade agreement on 1 July 2020.
The aim? To modernize trade, overcome economic challenges, and open the door to new opportunities.
Thanks to this agreement, the volume of trade between the three countries has grown rapidly. From 2018 to 2023, the trade volume increased by 28% to $1.6 trillion.
Finally, the parties will sit at the table again in 2026 and discuss whether the agreement will continue.
Types of work permits available
Canada offers different work permits for American citizens. Let’s take a look at the most popular types of work permits.
- Open Work Permit
- Language proficiency: CLB 5 level is usually enough.
- Education: Diploma or degree from a recognized institution.
- Work experience: Preferred in a relevant field.
- Employer-Specific Work Permit
- Job Offer: Must have a formal offer from a Canadian employer.
- Language proficiency and education: Same criteria as an Open Work Permit.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Education: Graduated from a recognized institution in Canada.
- Language proficiency: CLB 5 level required.
- Student permit: Must have had a student permit before graduating.
- Intra-Company Transfer
- Employment: Your company must have a branch in Canada.
- Other criteria: Language and education requirements apply.
- Temporary Foreign Worker Programme (TFWP)
- Job offer: Must have a formal offer from a Canadian employer.
- Language and education: Same criteria as other permits.
Estimating Moving Expenses
Calculate the costs to the maximum.
For example, how much do transport companies charge you? When calculating this, take into account the number, weight, and volume of your belongings. If necessary, get a quote and save it aside.
Then start adding on top:
- Look for suitable shops to buy moving supplies such as tape, boxes, and bubble wrap. Reduce costs by buying materials in bulk from a single shop.
- If you are transporting the goods yourself, consider the cost of car hire, fuel, and tolls.
- It is recommended to take out insurance to protect against possible damages. In this way, you will feel safe by preventing greater financial losses.
- Take additional money with you for most things that are not taken into account during the moving process (meals, pet transport, emergencies, car breakdowns).
Keep in mind that if you are moving for the first time, you may need help from a team of specialists.
Also, consider the distance from your home in the United States to your new home in Canada. If you are flying to your new state by plane, include the cost of moving your car in your financial planning.
Setting a Budget for Living in Canada
Your financial expenses will not end when you arrive in Canada. So, you will still need financial sufficiency after you move.
So calculate the expenses in the new province and please make sure you have enough financial resources.
We will list the basic expenses to help you create a list.
Remember that big cities like Toronto and Vancouver are more expensive; small towns are more affordable. Electricity, heating, water, and internet costs vary. Heating is more expensive in colder regions.
Public transport (e.g. Toronto, Montreal) is a cost-effective option. In rural areas, a car may be required.
The public health system does not cover some services. Consider private insurance.
Federal and state taxes affect your income; rates vary from state to state.
But what if unforeseen costs arise? Learn the 3 golden rules:
- Make sure your expected income in Canada is in line with the cost of living in your chosen city in Canada.
- List rent, utilities, groceries, transport, and discretionary expenses to understand your financial commitments.
- Build savings and unexpected expenses to cover three to six months of living expenses.
Choosing Where to Live in Canada
Have you thought about which city in Canada you would live in?
The most popular Canadian cities and their population numbers:
- Toronto: 3,06 million
- Montreal: 1,792 million
- Calgary: 1,414 million
- Ottawa: 1,072 million
- Edmonton: 1,087 million
- Mississauga: 771.891 million
- Winnipeg: 783.096 million
- Vancouver: 706.012 million
- Quebec City: 557.390 million
- Hamilton: 597.010 million
Note: Population number is for the year 2022.
Considering what we will tell you, you can make a choice that you will be satisfied with.
Overview of Major Cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal
Big cities are crowded, noisy, and, most importantly, expensive compared to other cities. However, they are well developed in terms of job opportunities, quality of health care, and educational opportunities.
For example, Toronto is a crowded city with a population of 3,06 million and a very large economy. It is a cosmopolitan and fast-paced city.
If we talk about housing costs in Toronto, the average house price per square meter is around 13,230.78 Canadian Dollars. In addition, The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the city is $2.500.
Vancouver is known as one of the most ideal cities to live in, especially for young adults. Yes, it is expensive, but it makes you feel at peace – not like other expensive but noisy cities. It is cleaner and more liveable.
The average cost of buying an apartment price per square meter in Vancouver is 13,721.34 Canadian dollars. This cost drops to 9,678.40 Canadian dollars away from the city.
What about Montreal? What makes it stand out?
It is more affordable but ideal for those who do not want to compromise on quality of life.
For example, apartments in the city center cost an average of 9,697.36 Canadian dollars per square meter. Outside the city center, this figure drops to 5,777.78 Canadian dollars per square meter.
Finally, this information is not enough resources to make a choice. There are many more issues to consider. You need to review the climate, population, safety, lifestyle, culture, and all other living costs of the city you choose.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a City
When moving to a new city in Canada, consider the following factors:
- Assess the labor market in your field in each city.
- Consider housing costs, utilities, transport, and other daily expenses.
- Evaluate your weather preferences. For example, Toronto has a continental climate. Winters are very cold and summers are hot. There can be heavy snowfalls, especially when temperatures reach -20s.
- Consider the cultural offerings, recreational activities, and general lifestyle that each city offers. Toronto is one of the most crowded and fun cities.
- Learn the common languages spoken in the cities. French is predominantly spoken in Montreal, so it may be helpful to know French.
- Finally, if you are moving with your family, consider the quality of education, health care, and family-friendly facilities.
A new city means new habits and new opportunities. If you are someone who has difficulty adapting, make sure you make the right choice. This will make it easier for you to get used to the new city both mentally and financially.
Conclusion
As an American, moving to Canada is exciting because of its cultural diversity, strong economy, and high quality of life.
Whether you are exploring avenues such as Express Entry, family sponsorship, or a work permit, careful planning is essential.
In this article, we walk you through every step, from calculating moving costs to choosing the right city and understanding immigration requirements.
With the right preparation, you can make your transition smoother and set yourself up for success in your new home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live in Canada as a US citizen?
Yes, you can live in Canada as a US citizen. For short visits (up to 180 days), a valid US passport is sufficient. For long-term stays, US citizens will need to obtain Canadian permanent residence or a work or study permit.
Can I buy a house in Canada as a US citizen?
Yes, US citizens can buy property in Canada.
How can I move to Canada from the US?
There are several ways to move to Canada from the US.
- Express Entry System: This is popular for skilled workers.
- Work Permits: Obtaining a job offer from a Canadian employer is a viable option.
- Family Sponsorship: If you have family members who are Canadian citizens or hold Canadian permanent residence, they may sponsor you.
- Start up Visa Program: For those wishing to start a business.
- International students can also use their student visas.
Remember that It is very important to understand the rules of the Canadian Border Services Agency.
