It’s estimated that over 1 million US citizens live in Canada. Additionally, in recent years, the trend of Americans moving to Canada has grown exponentially. Still, moving to a new country is a whole process on its own, so here you can find a detailed guide on how to go about it.
How Can Americans Move to Canada?
To move to Canada as a US citizen, you must have a valid reason:
- Moving for work.
- Moving to study, or
- Moving to join family members.
While you can easily cross the border without a visa, long-term residence requires obtaining a residence permit. Although the process isn’t as simple as just packing up and moving, U.S. citizens do have certain advantages compared to applicants from other countries.
Moving for Work
If you want to move for work in Canada, you must either be a skilled worker or have an employer in Canada sponsoring your work permit.
Some of the most popular work visas include:
- Express entry— point-based system.
- Provincial nominee— sponsorship based system.
- Start-up visa— for business ventures.
CUSMA Agreement
CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) is a free trade agreement between the US, Canada, and Mexico. While it’s mainly focused on trade, investment, and economic cooperation, CUSMA also allows citizens of these countries to work in specific professions, such as the following:
- Engineer (Various Fields) – Requires a degree and, in some cases, licensing
- Agricultural Scientist
- Animal Scientist
- Biochemist
- Biologist
- Chemist
- Dentist
- Dietitian
- Medical Laboratory Technologist (Canada: Requires certification)
- Nutritionist
- Occupational Therapist
- Pharmacist
- Economist
- Mathematician
- Statistician
Additionally, US citizens who move to Canada under the CUSMA agreement can work without obtaining a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which a Canadian employer must obtain beforehand. This makes it much easier for a US citizen to move to Canada for work.
Estimated timeline:
- Job search & offer— 1 to 6 months (depending on your chosen field).
- Work visa and residence permit application— 1 to 6 months:
- Express entry— 6 months (if invited to apply).
- Provincial nominee program— 6 to 19 months.
- CUSMA— a few weeks (if all documents are ready).
- Arriving in Canada— immediately.
Total estimated time: 2 months to 1 and a half years (depending on visa type).
Moving to Study
For a study option, you must be admitted to a Canadian higher education institution. You will need to show proof of admission when you apply for a study permit. After you graduate, you can apply for a work permit, which is easier since you already have had another permit to stay in the country.
Estimated timeline:
- University application— 3 to 6 months.
- Study permit application—1 to 3 months.
- Arriving in Canada— a few weeks before classes start.
Total estimated time: 4 months to 1 year.
Exchange and Scholarships Programs
Besides the traditional immigration pathways, you can also move to Canada from the US by participating in different exchange or scholarship programs:
- Fulbright-Hays Program.
- Sports Envoy Program.
- Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program.
- Arts Envoy.
- American Music Abroad.
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
Moving to Join Family Members
If you want to join a Canadian citizen or resident family member, then they must sponsor your application. You and your spouse/partner must show proof of relationship and that you have enough financial means to support your stay.
According to the Immigration Department, your sponsor must have the following amount of money, depending on the number of people who are applying for a family visa:
- 2 people— $44,530
- 3 people— $54,743
- 4 people— $66,466
- 5 people— $75,384
- 6 people— $85,020
- 7 people— $94,658
Estimated timeline:
- Sponsorship application— 12 to 24 months.
- Residence permit approval—1 to 6 months after sponsorship approval.
- Arriving in Canada— immediately after approval.
Total estimated time: 1 and a half years to 2 and a half.
Getting a Residence Permit
To get a residence permit in Canada, you must open an online account with the Immigration Department here.
Then, you can continue with the rest of the application process as listed below:
- Fill out the application form here.
- Download the required “application package,” which is specific to your permit.
- Wait for instructions on how to proceed, including whether you need to submit biometric information and such.
- Enter Canada and receive your residence permit at the entry border.
Please note that you will have detailed instructions on how to continue with your application and what steps you must take within your online account.
After You Move
Once you enter Canada, you need to get ready for your new life, and that includes completing some administrative procedures.
Getting a place to live
If you haven’t found permanent housing, then you can use temporary accommodations like Airbnb, hostels, or short-term rentals.
For long-term options, you can consider:
- Renting (apartments, condos, or houses).
- Buying a home (if you’re planning to stay long-term).
Websites like Kijiji, Realtor.ca, and Facebook Marketplace can help you find rentals. Most rental agreements work the same as in the US, and you will be asked to provide the first and last month’s rent, but this can change depending on the landlord.
The average renting cost in Canada can go up to CAD 1500-1800 (approx. USD 1200) per month. In city centers and big cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver, renting prices can increase up to CAD 2,000 and more.
Getting a SIN
A SIN is like the social security number you have in the US. You will need one to work, open a bank account, and for most bureaucratic processes.
To get one, you can apply online here. Afterward, you have to keep your SIN up to date as it might expire if you change your name or your immigration status changes.
Registering for health insurance
As a long-term resident in Canada, you can access the country’s universal healthcare, but you can also opt to have private coverage. It’s important to note that in some provinces you won’t be eligible for insurance until after you’ve lived in the country for three months, so during that time you should have proper coverage.
Moreover, your current US insurance will not cover you if you’re staying in the country long-term. That’s why we recommend that you obtain health insurance in Canada.
Opening a bank account
As mentioned, you need to have a SIN to open a bank account in Canada. Although it’s not mandatory, it’s in your best interest to open a Canadian bank account if you plan on working there or opening a business. It makes it easier for you to complete transactions and complete currency exchange transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can a US Citizen Live in Canada?
A US citizen can stay in Canada without a visa for about six months (180 days). For any stay longer than this, you must apply for the appropriate residence permit.
Note: Green card holders can also enter Canada visa-free for 180 days, but they must have their passport and Green Card with them.
Do I Have to Pay Taxes in Canada as a US Citizen?
Yes, in fact, you have to pay taxes in both countries as the US taxes its residents on any income earned, even if it’s outside the country. However, Canada and the US have a Foreign Tax Treaty, which can help you avoid double taxation.
You can also claim Foreign Tax Credits (FTC) or use the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) to reduce U.S. tax liability. We highly recommend you consult with a financial advisor in this case to avoid underpaying or overpaying on your taxes.
What Happens to My Credit Score When I Move to Canada?
You can’t transfer your credit score to Canada when you move from the US. To create your credit score in Canada, you need a credit card from a Canadian bank.
Some banks do offer special programs for newcomers based on their credit score in the US, so make sure you discuss this option with your bank advisor.
Can I Use My Driver’s License in Canada?
You can use it for a short period, but most provinces ask you to exchange your US driver’s license for a Canadian one after 60 or 90 days in the country. Some provinces allow you to exchange it directly, while others may ask you to sit for an exam (written and driver’s exam).
Additionally, some provinces may allow you to keep your US license if you still have a registered address in the US. So, make sure to contact the local provincial or territorial licensing authority in your area.
Can I Become a Canadian Citizen?
Yes, you can become a Canadian citizen after you’ve lived in the country for at least 3 years during the last 5 years, and you’re a permanent resident at the time of application.
Can I Become a Dual Citizen?
Yes, both Canada and the US allow dual citizenship, so you can hold both nationalities.