Immigrating to Canada from the USA: A Comprehensive Guide for American Immigrants

Many Americans are considering immigrating to Canada from the USA due to its robust economy. According to Collins R Singer, a licensed immigration lawyer based in Canada, over a thousand Americans have become permanent Canadian residents monthly since Biden took over from Trump.

Canada also offers a safer society with low crime rates and job opportunities, making it enticing for American immigrants looking to move there. If you’re looking for ways to move to Canada, this article addresses your curiosity or queries.

 

Why Americans Choose Canada

The reasons for Americans considering a move to Canada are but not limited to the following:

• Political stability and lower crime rates: 

  – Canada consistently ranks higher in global peace indices, placing 12th out of 163 countries in the 2023 Global Peace Index.

  As of 2021, the homicide rate in Canada (1.8 per 100,000) is significantly lower than in the US (6.3 per 100,000).

 

• Commitment to diversity and inclusion: 

  – Multiculturalism is enshrined in Canadian law through the Canadian Multiculturalism Act of 1988.

  – Over 20% of Canadians are foreign-born, one of the highest percentages among G7 nations.

  – Canada was the first country to adopt multiculturalism as an official policy in 1971.

 

• Environmental sustainability initiatives: 

  – Canada aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and has set interim targets for 2030.

  – The country has committed to protecting 25% of its land and oceans by 2025 and 30% by 2030.

  – Canada introduced a national carbon pricing system in 2019, encouraging businesses and individuals to reduce emissions.

 

• Thriving job market: 

  – As of June 2024, Canada’s unemployment rate was 6.4%, according to tradingeconomics.com.

  – Canada added 290,000 jobs in 2023, with solid growth in professional, scientific, and technical services.

  – The country actively recruits skilled immigrants to fill labor shortages in various sectors.

 

• World-class education system: 

  – Three Canadian universities rank in the top 50 globally: the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and McGill University (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024).

  – Canada spends more on education (as a percentage of GDP) than the average among OECD countries.

  – International students in Canada can work part-time during studies and full-time during scheduled breaks.

Immigration Pathways to Canada from the USA

Here, we’ll discuss the various ways by which you can move to Canada from the USA.

USMCA (formerly NAFTA): A Fast Track for American Professionals

 

For American citizens with a Canadian job offer, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) offers a streamlined immigration process. This agreement facilitates temporary entry for:

 

• Business professionals
• Investors
• Intra-company transferees
• Traders

 

USMCA Eligibility Requirements:

 

1. Job offer from a Canadian employer in designated professional categories (over 60 professions listed, including accountants, engineers, and computer systems analysts)
2. Meeting specific qualifications for your profession (education and experience)
3. Intention to work temporarily in Canada

 

Application Process:

 

• Apply for a work permit at a Canadian port of entry or online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
• Work permits typically last up to three years, with the possibility of an extension
• Potential pathway to permanent residency after gaining Canadian work experience

 

Note: USMCA work permits are employer-specific and do not automatically lead to permanent residency. However, the Canadian work experience gained can be valuable for other immigration programs.

Canadian Immigration Programs: Options for Americans

This is another immigration pathway for Americans starting a new life in Canada.

1. Express Entry System

The Express Entry System is the most popular Canadian immigration pathway, and it’s specifically designed for skilled individuals.

 

Canada’s primary method for managing skilled worker applications includes three programs:

 

1. a) Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 

   – For professionals with advanced skills

   – Requires a minimum of one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation

   – Minimum language proficiency of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French

   – Minimum education of a Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent

 

1. b) Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): 

   – For qualified tradespeople

   – Requires two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the five years before applying

   – Job offer or certificate of qualification in the trade

   – Minimum language proficiency of CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing

 

1. c) Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 

   – For those with Canadian work experience

   – Requires at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within three years of applying

   – Minimum language proficiency of CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs or CLB 5 for NOC B jobs

 

Key Facts:

• Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
• Draws typically occur every two weeks
• Minimum CRS score varies but usually ranges from 450-500 points
• Points are awarded for age, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each province and territory has its immigration program tailored to local labor market needs.

 

Important Details:

• Over 80 different PNP streams across Canada
• Some PNPs are aligned with Express Entry for faster processing
• Can be a good option for those with lower CRS scores
• Each province has unique eligibility criteria and application processes
• Some popular PNPs include Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream and British Columbia’s Skills Immigration Stream

3. Family Sponsorship

Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor eligible family members.

 

Eligible Relations:

• Spouses and common-law partners (processing time: about 12 months)
• Dependent children (processing time: about 12 months)
• Parents and grandparents (limited annual quota, processing time: about 20-24 months)
• Other relatives in specific circumstances (e.g., orphaned siblings, nephews, or nieces under 18)

 

Key Requirements:

• Sponsor must meet minimum income requirements
• Sponsor must sign an undertaking to support the sponsored relative financially
• Sponsored relative must pass medical, security, and background checks

 

4. Study Permits and Post-Graduation Work Permits

Ideal for those interested in studying in Canada and potentially transitioning to permanent residency.

 

Key Information:

• Study permits are valid for the duration of your program plus 90 days
• Post-Graduation Work Permit allows you to work for up to 3 years after graduation
• Time spent studying and working can count towards permanent residency applications
• Must show proof of acceptance to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Must demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses, and return transportation

 

5. Work Permits and Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

For those with Canadian job offers, subject to LMIA approval.

 

LMIA Process:

• Employers must prove no qualified Canadians are available for the job
• Processing time can take several months (average 2-3 months)
• Some occupations and situations are LMIA-exempt (e.g., intra-company transfers, particular academics)
• Cost: CAD 1,000 per position for the employer

Eligibility Factors for Canadian Immigration

Key factors determining your eligibility include:

1. Age, education, work experience, and language proficiency

   – Ideal age range for most programs: 20-29 years old

   – Education assessed through Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

   – Work experience typically needs to be skilled (NOC 0, A, or B level)

   – Language proficiency is proven through IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF for French

 

2. Adaptability factors (job offers, Canadian experience, family ties)

   – Job offers can significantly boost CRS scores (50-200 points)

   – Canadian work or study experience is highly valued

   – Having relatives in Canada can provide additional points

 

3. Proof of funds (varies by family size, around CAD 13,213 for a single person, $16,449 for a couple for Express Entry as of 2024)

   – Funds must be readily available and transferable

   – Bank statements or other official financial documents required

 

4. Admissibility (criminal and medical clearance)

   – Police certificates required from countries lived in for 6+ months since age 18

   – Medical exam by approved panel physician mandatory

 

Express Entry Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create an online Express Entry profile from the IRCC website

   – Gather all necessary documents (passport, language test results, ECA, etc.)

   – Complete the online form accurately

 

2. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

   – If your CRS score meets the cut-off in a draw, you’ll receive an ITA

   – Draws typically happen every two weeks

 

3. Submit a complete application within 60 days

   – Upload all required documents

   – Pay the application fee (CAD 1,365 for the principal applicant, CAD 1,365 for a spouse, and CAD 230 for each dependent child as of 2024)

 

4. Provide biometrics and undergo background checks

   – Biometrics fee: CAD 85 per person (maximum $170 per family)

   – Attend a biometrics appointment at a designated location

 

5. Attend an interview (if required)

   – Not all applicants are interviewed, but be prepared just in case

 

6. Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

   – If approved, you’ll receive your COPR and permanent resident visa

 

7. Arrive in Canada and complete the landing process

   – Present your documents to a border services officer

   – Officially become a permanent resident

 

Processing Times:

• The Express Entry processing goal is six months for 80% of applications
• PNP processing times vary widely, from 6 months to 2 years
• Processing times can be checked on the IRCC website and are updated monthly.

Settling in Canada: Your New Life Begins

Once you’ve successfully passed through the immigration process, it’s time to focus on building your new life in Canada. You can do this by following the process below:

 

1. Obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

• Apply in person at Service Canada or by mail
• Processing usually takes 5-10 business days
• SIN is required for employment, government services, and opening bank accounts

 

2. Secure housing and employment

• Consider using a licensed real estate agent for housing
• Utilize job search websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Canada Job Bank
• Networking is crucial – attend job fairs and join professional associations
• Be prepared to have your credentials assessed by Canadian standards

 

3. Access to healthcare and education systems

• Apply for provincial health insurance upon arrival (3-month waiting period in some provinces)
• Public education is free for permanent residents and citizens
• Consider private health insurance for the initial waiting period

 

4. Utilize cultural adjustment and integration resources.

• Access free settlement services funded by the Canadian government
• Consider joining newcomer groups or community organizations
• Attend language classes if needed (many are free for permanent residents)

 

By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-prepared to move seamlessly to Canada from the USA and become a permanent resident of your new base over time.