As we approach another election cycle in the United States, online data shows that Americans and individuals living in the United States are considering Canada as an immigration option.
Canada attracts a small but significant number of immigrants from the United States each year, many of whom are inspired by political developments in their home country. So how can American citizens and those living in the United States prepare and embark on their journey to Canada? CIC News has prepared the following guide to answer many of the most relevant questions.
What is the easiest way to move to Canada from the United States?
There are a number of ways that American citizens can move to Canada. These ways can be broadly divided into:
Temporary Resident Pathway
Permanent Resident/Citizenship Pathway.
Temporary Resident Pathways are usually related to a single purpose, function or mission for an individual to come to Canada (ie: study permit, work permit, tourist visa, etc.). These pathways allow Americans to temporarily reside, work and/or study in Canada.
Permanent Resident Pathways, on the other hand, allow Americans to become permanent residents of Canada, essentially enabling them to live and settle in Canada as they wish while retaining their US citizenship. These pathways are sometimes (but not always) only an option after qualifying through the Temporary Resident Pathway.
Finally, Citizenship Pathways also allow Americans to become Canadian citizens. US nationals can become dual citizens of both the US and Canada, obtaining citizenship without giving up one in order to obtain the other.
What are the common temporary residency pathways to Canada?
This question can be broken down more specifically into student and worker based on the type of temporary residency status one might pursue.
How can Americans move to Canada to study?
Every year, approximately 15,000 US citizens choose to study in Canada, attracted by the high-quality education system and diverse cultural experience. Canada is home to more than 1,500 universities and colleges.
Once accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI), Americans can apply for a study permit. This process involves submitting a letter of acceptance, proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses, and a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) confirming that the student’s admission to the educational institution is recognized by the provincial or territorial government. Eligible international students in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter break, which can help supplement income and gain valuable work experience.
After graduating from an eligible Canadian institution, students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to gain up to three years of Canadian work experience (depending on the length of their academic program). This experience can greatly improve their chances of obtaining permanent residence through pathways specifically for international graduates of Canadian schools, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system.
For more information on studying in Canada, visit our dedicated webpage.
How can Americans come to Canada to work?
Americans who wish to work in Canada have several options, each suitable for different situations and types of employment.
A Canadian work permit is a requirement to legally work temporarily in Canada. Work permits can be broadly divided into two main types: open work permits and LMIA-based (closed) work permits.
LMIA-based work permits: Typically, to hire a foreign worker, an employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate that hiring the foreign worker will have a neutral or positive impact on the local labour market. Once the LMIA is obtained, the applicant can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a temporary work permit, usually under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Certain occupations may qualify for expedited processing under specific programs, which streamlines the hiring process for certain high-demand positions.
Open Work Permits: Many work permit holders in Canada do not require an LMIA. An open work permit allows an individual to work for any employer in Canada, with some exceptions. These permits are often issued under initiatives that qualify as international mobility programs, such as the International Experience Canada (IEC) program (which includes a Working Holiday Work Permit) or a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for graduates of Canadian educational institutions.
Americans in particular have several work permit options:
Global Talent Stream: This federal program, part of Canada’s Global Skills Strategy, allows Canadian employers in high-growth and IT industries to quickly hire skilled foreign workers when no Canadians are available. The process involves completing an LMIA and meeting specific requirements, such as a salary commitment. Work permit applications under the Global Talent Stream are typically completed in a month or less.
Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA): Formerly known as NAFTA, CUSMA provides a streamlined process for U.S. citizens to apply for temporary work permits in Canada. Work permits applied for under CUSMA generally do not require an LMIA. Under CUSMA, U.S. citizens can work in Canada as professionals, intra-company transferees, traders, or investors. Professionals must qualify in one of more than 60 targeted occupations. Intra-company transferees must have been employed continuously by their U.S. employer in a management, executive, or specialized knowledge position for at least one of the past three years. Traders and investors must demonstrate substantial trade between Canada and the U.S. or a significant investment in a Canadian business.
Intra-company transfers: Given the close trade relationship between the U.S. and Canada, many U.S. businesses have branches, affiliates, or subsidiaries in Canada. The intra-company transfer program allows these businesses to bring key employees to Canada without the need for a LMIA. Eligible employees (usually in executive, management, or specialized knowledge positions) can bring their families with them.
Work without a work permit: Some U.S. citizens can work in Canada without a temporary work permit. This includes business visitors who engage in trade activities but do not enter the Canadian labour market.
Working Holidays (International Experience Canada): Under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, U.S. citizens aged 18 to 35 can obtain an open work permit for a period of 12 months. The program is designed to allow young people (including recent full-time post-secondary students or students in their final year who are not returning to school) to gain work experience and enjoy a working holiday in Canada.
For more information on obtaining a work permit in Canada, see the dedicated webpage here.
