How to Move to Canada from the USA

Many Americans have shown a growing interest in living in other countries, specifically Canada. Canada’s wondrous scenic attractions, diversity, and better living opportunities are greener or rosier. Compared to Asian countries, which are half away from the world, Canada is attractively closer to the United States. These factors make people wonder how to move to Canada from the US.

Many people are looking at different options and ways to achieve a more favorable state of life in the next few years. They want something better for their families, such as safer living, security, a top-notch healthcare system, and better opportunities for the future. No doubt, Canada fits the bill.

The natural beauty, livable cities, public healthcare, and lower crime rates of Canada are all unmistakable. The cost of living is higher in Canada than in the US. In addition, the country is colder than most cities in the US. If you’ve decided, look at our checklist to help you how to move to Canada from the US.

Helpful Guide on your move to Canada

Moving to a new place is a significant decision. As it is a life-changing experience for anyone, there will be many adjustments. You have to ‘unlearn’ and learn new things. In so doing, it is vital to do your research. Ask many friends and relatives about the express entry to Canada. 

Many Americans can stay here for up to six months as visiting tourists. Get as much information about the place and employment opportunities. Are you still up for the challenge? If you are, bring your A-game, pucker up, brave the harsh winter, and live out your American dream in Canada.

1. Are you eligible?

Before making big plans and the big move to Canada, check your eligibility in the immigration program of the Canadian government. Find out if you’re eligible for Canada’s immigration system. The system has a comprehensive ranking system.  It offers different Canadian immigration options where you can apply. But first, take the evaluation assessment, which will take about 10-15 minutes to complete. Provide information about your age, language skills, family members, education, work experience, income, and job details. You need to provide accurate information for proper assessment. Once eligible, processing of your application will follow.

2. Choose a Program that matches your skills.

Whether you plan to study or live in Canada in the future, the process isn’t a walk in the park. There are hundreds of Canadian immigration programs to choose from. We’ve come up with a short list that could fit your eligibility requirements:

 Express  Entry Program

One of the swiftest ways to immigrate to Canada is through the program targeting skilled workers. Under ‘Express Entry System, skilled workers can apply to any of the three category programs: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Worker Skilled Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. If you qualify, there’s a big chance you can get Canadian permanent residence through the Express Entry System. 

Start-Up Visa  Program

On the other hand, the Start-Up Program targets entrepreneurs who want to move to Canada to start a new Canadian business and create jobs for the skilled trade. For those with entrepreneurial skills,  additional eligibility requirements include having a qualifying business, sufficient funds to settle, and passing the language requirements. You can achieve a permanent resident status through this type of immigration program.

Self-Employed Program

The program allows athletes or creative people to move to Canada, provided that you have relevant two years of experience in those fields and intend to make meaningful contributions.

Caregiver Program

With a specific Canadian immigration program, you stand a chance to get permanent residency in Canada if you can provide care for the elderly, children, or those with medical needs. Canadian provinces are always in need of caregivers. A work permit 

Agri-Food Pilot Program

Another way to get Canadian permanent residence is through specific food and Agri industries. The program targets experienced, non-seasonal workers for different agriculture industries.

There are other ways for American citizens to enter Canada, such as getting a valid job offer from a prospective employer. Americans can also immigrate to Canada through the family sponsorship program. The other option is through the provincial nomination of a particular province.

Though, a skilled worker has to check if his skills match the needs of the region. Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, and Saskatchewan are open to immigrants. There are several provincial nominee programs to choose too. 

3. Where to Live in Canada

Look no further. We’ve handpicked four areas for future permanent residents or Canadian citizens. Here’s a quick read to convince you to make an express entry to Canada.

Family-Friendly:  Ottawa

Ottawa is a top winner you can call ‘home’ if it’s for the best in family living. Ottawa is the capital city and one of the six largest cities in Canada. It is the political center and houses the Federal Government. With over a million in population, this wonderful city has everything you need for your permanent residence here with your family or common-law partner. Ottawa also offers any permanent resident a desirable standard of living. From its lush parks, and libraries, to restaurants, transportation links, and cultural attractions.

The city has universities such as the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, to name a few. The city offers excellent housing choices ideal for families, health insurance, a transport system, and other resources. Whether permanent or temporary residents, you need work permits processed within months. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are popular recreational activities on the Ottawa river.

Global News reports that Ottawa has a low crime rate, making it one of the safest cities to stay in. Ottawa is also one of the most highly visited cities by tourists, raking in millions of visitors annually.

Massive Student Appeal: Montreal

Regarding education, Montreal has a considerable student advantage over Toronto. No wonder many international students wish to make an express entry to Canada. Moreover, the metropolitan city has solid global student appeal on university life, dynamic lifestyle, and share of scenic attractions. Foreign nationals can study here.

Montreal achieved the ‘6th rank as the best student city’ in QS’s best student rankings. As of 2021, Montreal ranks as Canada’s second most populous city.

Some of the city’s prominent universities are found in Montreal, such as  McGill University, the University of Montreal, Concordia University, and the University of Quebec in Montreal.

The Polytechnic School of Montreal, HEC Montreal, and the School of Higher Technology, University of Quebec, are the other highly ranked universities in this city. 

On top of that, Montreal has dynamic nightlife and cultural offerings for great enjoyment. Students, ex-pats, and residents enjoy the nightlife at downtown Montreal and Ausgang Plaza.

While staying in Montreal, learn to speak French and visit the city’s oldest and most famous neighborhood, Old Montreal, the Notre Dame Basilica. Appreciate the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the beauty of Mount Royal, and other natural sights too.

Great for singles: Toronto

Another incredible city in Canada is Toronto. Preferred by many singles, Toronto is Canada’s biggest city, with a standing population of 2.8 million. 82% of its young residents are aged  15-29 years old. Many US citizens prefer to stay in this city.

Toronto is one of the world’s highly culturally diverse cities, prominently positioned as a leader in business and finance. To date,  Toronto has more than 200 ethnic groups with more than 140 dialects and languages. Chinese, Italian, Punjabi, Filipino, and Portuguese are some international languages widely spoken in the city. As a safe and livable city, single people like the diversity and the varied opportunities and offerings.

The metropolitan city has a lot of cultural and lush attractions. Whether with friends or family, visit Ashbridge’s Bay Park, or have a picnic at Bluffer’s Park or Riverdale Park. Check the nearest ferry and tour Toronto Islands. Manitou Beach and Centre Island Beach are close.

In addition, residents and tourists eagerly await some of the city’s popular festivals, such as the Toronto Jazz Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and the colorful Caribana festival, among others.

Yonge and Eglinton, Liberty Village, the Distillery District, Harbour Front, the Annex, and  Little Italy are great neighborhoods for singles ready to mingle.

Homey hub for hipsters: Vancouver

The hipster generation is alive and kicking in Vancouver, part of the Canadian province of British Columbia. The city continues to rank as one of the most undoubtedly livable cities in the world. Many Americans wish to be permanent residents here. Indeed, Vancouver is the ideal hub to immerse in the hipster lifestyle and culture. The city is exploding with charming vintage shops, coffee shops, tattoo studios, restaurants, and indie movement.

You’re always in great company if you decide to hold permanent residence in some of the coolest hipster neighborhoods with friends or a common-law partner. Yaletown, Mount Pleasant, Olympic Village. Furthermore, Main Street is dubbed ‘New York’s Brooklyn’ with its fine row of breweries, boutiques, roasters, vintage shops, and fantastic restaurants.

Countless natural and cultural sites abound the city. Vancouver has verdant parks, mountains, ski resorts, and beaches. For instance,  Third Beach is a well-loved beach destination.

In addition, Vancouver has become a favorite hub for international events such as Expo ’86, APEC Canada 1997, 2010 Winter Olympics, the Paralympics, and the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. . In  2014, the city became the preferred venue for TED Conferences. Interestingly, major film studios in Vancouver and its surrounding areas are known as “Hollywood North.”

Conclusion

It takes a lot of courage, sheer guts, and faith to leap to immigrate to Canada and become a permanent resident. Starting fresh in a new territory may not be easy, but it may be the most rewarding and most memorable in the long run. However, we hope that this guide has helped you learn how to move to Canada from the US.

Be prepared emotionally, mentally, and financially. Once you are ready, bundle up and enjoy the great north!

FAQs

Is it true that living in Canada is cheaper than in the US?

The US offers better salary packages. But Canada offers better healthcare, more maternity leaves, and other social benefits. When it comes to work hours,  on average,  Canada is higher compared to the US.

Which Canadian city do many Americans prefer to live in?

Canadian cities with the most Americans are Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. Vancouver tops the list with the highest number of American residents there.  Apart from Vancouver, many Americans also like to live in Toronto, the country’s leading financial hub. The metropolitan area of Montreal is also highly preferred by many Americans.

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