How to Move to Canada from the United States

If you're an American thinking of moving to Canada, it's important to plan ahead regarding your immigration status. While visiting Canada as an American passport holder is quite straightforward, relocating to Canada for the long term involves different requirements. To live, work, or study in Canada, you need the right kind of authorization.

There are three major programs that Americans may consider for moving to Canada:

1. CUSMA/USMCA Professional Work Permits
2. The Federal Skilled Worker Program
3. The Canadian Experience Class

Legal Status to Work or Study in Canada

It is illegal for foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, to work or study in Canada without the necessary authorization. Even though Americans are visa-exempt and don't need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter, they still need a work or study permit if they plan to stay long-term.

There are two main ways to obtain legal status in Canada:

• Temporary Permits: These include work and study permits that allow you to stay in Canada temporarily.
• Permanent Residency: This can be renewed indefinitely, provided you spend enough time in Canada.

CUSMA/USMCA Professional Work Permits

The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) makes it easier for U.S. citizens to work in Canada in specific professional roles. If you work in one of the 63 eligible professions—such as management consulting, scientific fields, or certain medical professions—you can apply for an employer-specific work permit.

If your occupation falls under the CUSMA list, this is a great way to get permission to work in Canada. It is important to note that your profession is determined by your duties, not just your job title, and it must match Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) requirements.

For those who don’t qualify under CUSMA, other work permits are available, such as those through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program.

Remember, work permits are temporary. You will need to renew your permit before it expires if you wish to continue working in Canada, or transition to another legal status to stay longer.

Obtaining Canadian Permanent Residency

If you're planning to settle in Canada for the long term, applying for permanent residency (PR) may be your best option. PR offers many of the same benefits as Canadian citizenship, including the ability to work for any employer, access social services, and enroll in provincial health insurance programs.

After holding permanent residency for three years, you may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, provided you have met the residency requirements.

To apply for PR, you need an invitation to apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You can enter the Express Entry pool if you qualify for one of the federal immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.

Express Entry uses a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to score and rank candidates. Those with high scores are invited to apply for PR.

Express Entry Programs for Americans

• Federal Skilled Worker Program: To qualify, you must meet requirements related to education, language skills, settlement funds, and work experience. Eligible candidates are entered into the Express Entry pool and have a chance to receive an ITA.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): If you have at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years, you may qualify under CEC. You also need to meet the language requirements. Americans who initially come to Canada on a CUSMA work permit often qualify for the CEC after gaining a year of Canadian work experience.

Special Documents Needed for Express Entry

As part of your Express Entry profile, you'll need to provide certain documents. Two key documents to prepare in advance are:

1. Language Test: You need a valid language test (in English or French) from an approved testing provider, even if you are a native speaker.
2. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If you completed your education outside of Canada, you need an ECA to compare your credentials to Canadian standards. Each degree requires a separate assessment.

Choosing to Use a Representative

You can manage your immigration application on your own, or you can hire a representative to assist you. If you do choose a representative, make sure to declare it properly on the official forms, as failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

Moving to Canada can be a smooth process if you know the requirements and prepare ahead of time. Whether you're considering a work permit or permanent residency, understanding your options and planning accordingly will set you up for success.