Move to Canada From USA | Find Immigration Cost, Proof of Funds & More

Last Updated On : June 21 , 2024

Moving from the United States to Canada provides new opportunities for Americans, including students and skilled workers, looking to settle in Canada permanently.

If you are unsure about the immigration procedures for starting an application, a step-by-step guide can be helpful. It will guide you through the initial steps of starting your immigration process, inform you about the documents required, and explain the final step of receiving an ITA.

Step 1: Choose an Immigration Program

Moving from Florida to Canada offers numerous immigration pathways tailored to diverse circumstances. Here's a breakdown, with guidance from a Canada immigration consultant to navigate the process effectively.
Select one of the following immigration pathways based on your profile details: Express Entry, PNP, Family Sponsorship, or others.

A.) Express Entry:

This serves as Canada's primary mechanism for managing skilled worker applications for permanent residence. The United States stands out as a significant source country for individuals immigrating to Canada through Express Entry.

B.) Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):

Each Canadian province or territory operates its own immigration program. If you have a specific province in mind for settlement or possess skills in demand by a particular region, exploring PNP options is advisable.
Nominees from provinces gain additional points within the Express Entry system (EE).

C.) Family Sponsorship Visa:

Canadian family sponsorship programs simplify the immigration process for citizens and permanent residents, allowing them to bring their spouse and immediate family to Canada faster.

D.) Start-Up Visa Program:

Canada's Start-Up Visa Program invites immigrant entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to establish businesses in Canada with support from designated Canadian organisations.

Step 2: Check Requirements for Express Entry or PNP

Once you've determined your immigration pathway to Canada, you should review the requirements for a specific immigration program.

Step 3: Proof of Funds

Before relocating to Canada, you need to know the specific amount of money required in your account, known as Proof of Funds.

Step 4: Enter the Express Entry Pool

The Express Entry Pool is a system that manages individual express entry profiles of people seeking Canadian Permanent Residency. Those with the highest scores in the pool get an invitation to apply for a Permanent Resident visa (PR). 

To enter the Express Entry pool, you must have an express entry profile, maintain a higher CRS score as per the announced cut-off score, and stay updated with the new Express Entry draws.

Step 5: Pay the Immigration Fee

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revised the fee for Canadian Permanent Residency. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee is now $575.

• Processing fee for Express Entry pathway: CAD 950
• Application fee for the right of permanent residence: CAD 575
• Biometrics fee: CAD 85

It is important to pay all fees upfront, including the right of permanent residence fee, to avoid processing delays.

Step 6: Canadian Travel Guidelines

You have paid the necessary fee for Canada PR. Familiarize yourself with Canadian travel guidelines and the required documents for entry.
Below are the travel guidelines for relocating to Canada from the USA, presented in bullet points:

• Documentation: Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including a valid passport and any required visas or permits.
• COVID-19: Latest update states that COVID-19 test results are not required for entry into Canada, though adherence to recommended vaccination guidelines is advised.
• Reporting Requirements: For arrival in Canada via private boat or non-commercial aircraft, acquaint yourself with specific reporting obligations.
• Advance Declaration: Use the convenient Advance Declaration feature in Arrive CAN to submit your customs and immigration declaration before your flight US to Canada.

Conclusion:

Our experts have created the above video to explain the immigration process in 6 simple steps so you can start your journey to immigrate to Canada. We also have other relevant content to help clear doubts about Canadian immigration. If you are still confused about starting the process, you can consult our immigration experts.

Canada Immigration FAQ for USA Expats