Steps to Move to Canada from USA

Last Updated On : April 24 , 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.

1.Find Best 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.

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.

2. Check Requirements

Transitioning to the next stage of the Canada PR process from the USA entails various crucial elements:

3. 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.

4. Pay Canadian PR Fee:

• Processing fee for Express Entry pathway: CAD 825
• Application fee for the right of permanent residence: CAD 500
• Biometrics fee: CAD 85

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

5. Travel Guidelines for moving to Canada from USA

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.

6. US citizens living in Canada

Living as a US citizen in Canada can be immensely rewarding, with access to a superior quality of life, diverse communities, and robust public services. Here's a concise overview of the aforementioned aspects:

1. Expats in Canada:

A vibrant American expatriate community thrives in Canada, particularly in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec. Major urban centres such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are home to lively American communities.

2. Employment Opportunities in Canada:

US citizens have the opportunity to seek employment in Canada through programs, the Canadian Work Permit and the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The employment landscape is diverse, offering opportunities across a wide range of industries.

3. Canada's Healthcare System:

Canada provides a universal healthcare system to its citizens and permanent residents. Non-citizens, including US citizens, may access certain healthcare services based on their immigration status, with some provinces offering more extensive coverage than others.

Conclusion:

Recently, Canada has become a popular destination for tech workers, with many settling there permanently. The country plans to welcome 500,000 newcomers between 2024 and 2026, and Canadian provinces are prioritising tech workers for permanent residence. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)