How to Move to Canada from the US

The good news about moving to Canada from the US? Canada plans to welcome over 1 million new immigrants in 2025, with over 80 pathways for those interested in moving to Canada from US locations.

Read our Step-By-Step Guide On How to Move to Canada From the US below to familiarize yourself with the best pathways to Permanent Residency in Canada and get a better understanding of Canadian immigration basics.

Or skip it altogether and book a consultation right now with one of our skilled immigration lawyers to help cut through the clutter and find out if you qualify so you can get started on your journey to Permanent Residency in Canada right away!

We’ve helped thousands of clients move from the United States to Canada over the past 45 years, and even helped clients previously deemed inadmissible.

Canada and the United States: A History of Co-operation and Immigration

Canada and the United States share the longest undefended border in the world and enjoy a unique relationship based on similar core values. In fact, the shared belief in democracy, justice and freedom provides the foundation for deep ties in everything from our longstanding NORAD defence and national security partnership, to our mutual membership in multilateral institutions, including NATO, the World Trade Organization (WTO), Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY), G7, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Forum (APEC) just to name a few.

Canada and the United States also enjoy the world’s most comprehensive trading relationship, supporting millions of jobs in each country. We are each other’s largest trade partners, with nearly $3.6 billion CAD ($2.7 billion USD) worth of goods and services crossing the border each day in 2023.

An estimated 400,000 people also cross the Canada-United States border each day, with the immigration of US citizens to Canada an invariable reality since Canada’s inception in 1867.

The US was the source of 10,640 new Permanent Residents in Canada last year, occupying the final spot in a ranking of the top 10 citizenships driving increases in Permanent Residents in Canada in 2023.

However, the number of Americans interested in moving to Canada from the United States has increased exponentially in recent months.

In response to this, Bellissimo Immigration Law Group PC has created a Step-By-Step Guide for Moving to Canada from The USA in order to assist those seeking more information on how to move to Canada as an American and demystify as much of the process of moving to Canada from the US as possible.

Read on to learn more about your Canadian immigration options as a US citizen and the best pathways to Canadian Permanent Residency.

Simply click on the menu item in the Table of Contents below, and jump to the section that best addresses your Canadian immigration goal or query.

Table of Contents: Step-By-Step Guide for Moving to Canada from the US

1. How Can I Move to Canada from the US: The Six Most Common Methods for US Citizens
2. Working in Canada Under a Free Trade Agreement
3. Inadmissibility: Reasons Your Immigration Application Could Be Denied
4. Frequently Asked Questions About How to Move to Canada from the US
5. How an Experienced Immigration Lawyer Can Help: What Our Clients Say About Us

How Can I Move to Canada from the US: The Six Most Common Methods for US Citizens

Pathways to Permanent Residency

ECONOMIC PROGRAMS

Express Entry: Immigrate As a Skilled Worker

Express Entry remains the top way to immigrate to Canada in 2024. Supporting the Canadian economy continues to be a key priority of the new ILP, and the Economic category represents the largest proportion of admissions each year, estimated to reach nearly 62% by 2027.

A greater share of Economic admissions are allocated under “Federal Economic Priorities” to skilled workers focusing on critical sectors such as healthcare and skilled trades, in recognition of the importance of supporting these sectors.

An “Express Entry Draw” is used by the Canadian government to decide who receives an invitation to apply for Permanent Residency through the Express Entry program. It selects the highest-ranking candidates from the applications received. How you rank as a candidate is based on a number of different factors.

The selection system is used to control applications for the main federal programs:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • For skilled workers with eligible Canadian work experience gained in the 3 years before you apply
• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
  • For skilled workers with foreign or Canadian work experience who meet the criteria for education and other factors
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
  • For skilled workers who are qualified in a skilled trade who have a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Immigrate by Being Nominated by a Canadian Province or Territory

If you’re searching for a place to settle down in British Columbia on Canada’s west coast, have your eye on an opportunity in the prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, favour a more centrally-located province like Ontario, long for the laidback pace of life that comes with living in the Atlantic Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island – or are ready for adventure in Canada’s Yukon and Northwest territories – there are thousands of spots for new immigrants to Canada under the Provincial Nominee Program.

Each of Canada’s provinces and territories – except Quebec and Nunavut – operates its own PNP program with several streams. While there is currently no immigration pathway specifically for Nunavut, anyone who has obtained Permanent Residency through a federal program is welcome to enter the territory and is entitled to various services in the settlement process. See the next section for information about immigrating to Quebec.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is for workers who:

• Have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific Canadian province or territory
• Want to live in that province or territory
• Want to become Permanent Residents of Canada

Each province and territory has its own “streams” (immigration programs that target specific groups) and requirements.

In a program stream, provinces and territories may target:

• Students
• Businesspeople
• Skilled workers
• Semi-skilled workers

Below is a list of the Provincial Nominee Programs in relevant Canadian provinces and territories. Because provincial and federal priorities differ, candidates wishing to enter Canada through one of these programs should consult individual program webpages for the latest information on streams and eligibility requirements.

• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
• Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
• Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEIPNP)
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

NOTE: If you’re eligible for one of the above programs, you can also apply through Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program. If you’re nominated, you’ll get extra points and be invited to apply quickly.

Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers/Programme De Sélection des Travailleurs Qualifiés (PSTQ): Immigrate as a Skilled Worker in the Province of Quebec
This program is for skilled workers who want to become Permanent Residents of Canada and live in Quebec. Quebec has a special agreement on immigration with the Government of Canada. This means you need to apply to Quebec before you apply for Permanent Residence.

The Government of Quebec specifies that the Quebec Immigration Plan and the 2024-2025 Multi-Year Immigration Plan aim to meet the labour market needs, support economic development and strengthen the vitality of the French language.

The Quebec government has also indicated that the Plan – which is the result of a rigorous consultation process – is a living document that will be adjusted according to the evolution of Quebec’s economic, social, and linguistic situation.

Immigrating to Quebec means wanting to live in a French-speaking society. According to the Charter of the French Language, French is the official and common language of Quebec and its public institutions. Knowledge of French is an essential requirement for permanent immigration to Quebec.

Employer-Driven Pilot Programs
Canada also operates a number of employer-driven pilot programs targeting specific regions or areas of the economy with chronic labour shortages. All of these programs are employer-driven, meaning they cannot be applied to directly.

An employer identifies a need, finds an immigrant to fulfill that need and uses the program to bring that candidate to Canada.

• Atlantic Immigration Program: Immigrate By Graduating from A School or Working in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia or Newfoundland and Labrador
  You must receive a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada to participate in the program.

  You must either be:

  • A recent graduate of a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada OR be a skilled worker to qualify for this program.

NOTE: You can be living abroad or in Canada as a Temporary Resident

• Agri-Food Pilot: Immigrate by Working in Specific Agri-Food Industries and Occupations
  The Agri-Food Pilot helps address the labour needs of the Canadian agri-food sector. The pilot provides a pathway to Permanent Residence for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and for particular occupations.

  If you reside outside of Canada, you must meet both the job offer and the educational requirements when applying.

BUSINESS PROGRAMS

• Start-Up Visa Program: Immigrate By Starting a Business in Canada and Creating Jobs
  Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada (outside Quebec) that:
• Are innovative
• Can create jobs for Canadians
• Can compete on a global scale

To apply for the Start-Up Visa Program, you must:

• Pitch your qualifying start-up to a designated organization and get their support
• Meet the language requirements
• Bring enough money to settle

If your application is successful, you need to:

• Incorporate your business in Canada
• Provide active and ongoing management of your business from inside Canada
• Make sure an essential part of business operations happens in Canada

To qualify, candidates with a qualifying business or business idea must secure the support of a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, business incubator with committed capital or an organization within Canada’s Tech Network labelled “Priority processing.”

Candidates can move to Canada on a work permit while establishing their business, before qualifying for Permanent Residence.

• Provincial Business Programs
  Many of Canada’s provinces operate their own entrepreneur programs, which fall under their respective Provincial Nominee Programs. Each has specific requirementsrelated to the province or territory they serve.

Working Under a Free Trade Agreement

You may be eligible to work in Canada under a free trade agreement:

Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)

CUSMA makes it easier for certain types of skilled businesspeople to enter Canada, the United States of America and Mexico temporarily.

Only citizens of the United States of America and Mexico are eligible to enter Canada under this agreement.

General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)

The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) makes it easier for certain types of skilled business people to enter other World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries temporarily. Because of their WTO member-country status, US citizens are eligible for this program.

While Business Visitors do not need a work permit, you can only stay for up to 6 months at a time.

As a GATS Professional, you need an employer-specific work permit. GATS Professionals entering Canada under this program can work for up to 90 consecutive days within a 12-month period.

Occupations covered include:

• Engineers
• Agrologists (minimum of 4 years of experience)
• Architects
• Forestry professionals
• Geomatics professionals (minimum of 3 years of experience)
• Land surveyors
• Foreign legal consultants
• Urban planners
• Senior computer specialists (minimum of 10 years of experience)

An Intra-Company Transferee sent from a foreign company to work for the same or related company in Canada offers the ability to stay in Canada for the longest time. The company must be a multinational company with a parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate in Canada that is actively doing business in Canada. Just having a mailing address or access to a shared workspace in Canada is NOT considered actively doing business.

To enter Canada as an Intra-Company Transferee, you must be:

• A manager
• An executive
• A specialized knowledge worker
• Have worked for the company for at least 1 year

As an Intra-Company Transferee, you also need a work permit.

Your employer will need to:

• Submit a job offer using the Employer Portal
• Pay the employer compliance fee
• Provide you with an offer of employment number before you apply for your work permit

Your work permit will be valid for:

• Three (3) years if you’re a specialized knowledge worker
• Five (5) years if you’re a manager or executive

You can extend your work permit for a period of up to 2 years, with a maximum stay of:

• Five (5) years for a specialized knowledge worker

Seven (7) years for a manager or executive

Inadmissibility: Reasons Your Immigration Application Could be Denied  

In addition to meeting the requirements to move to Canada from the USA, you also need to be admissible to Canada. Inadmissibility refers to people who otherwise would be eligible for immigration to Canada but who are not admissible.

There are two major categories of inadmissibility: Medical Inadmissibility and Criminal Inadmissibility.

Medical Inadmissibility

Medical inadmissibility affects anyone applying to visit, study, work or live permanently in Canada. This decision is based on the results of an applicant’s immigration medical exam.

There are three possible reasons for medical inadmissibility:

• Danger to Public Health
  Your application could be refused if Immigration Canada believes your health condition or exposure to certain infectious diseases poses a danger to Canada’s public health.
  
  
• Danger to Public Safety
  Your application could be refused if you are deemed to be at risk of sudden incapacity (loss of physical and mental abilities) or unpredictable or violent behaviour.
  
  
• Excessive Demand on Health or Social Services
  Your condition is considered to cause an excessive demand if the health or social services needed to treat your condition would negatively affect wait times for services in Canada, or if the services required to treat and manage your health condition would likely cost more than the excessive demand cost threshold.

Criminal Inadmissibility

Under Canada’s immigration law, you may not be allowed into Canada if you have committed or been convicted of a crime. In other words, you may be “criminally inadmissible.”

In general, Temporary Residents and applicants applying for Permanent Residence are considered to be criminally inadmissible if the applicant:

• Was convicted of a criminal offence while in Canada
• Was convicted of an offence outside of Canada that is considered a crime in Canada
• Committed an act outside of Canada that is considered a crime under the laws of the country where it occurred and would be punishable under Canadian law

This includes both minor and serious crimes, such as theft, assault, manslaughter, dangerous driving, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and possession of or trafficking drugs or controlled substances.

Depending on the crime, how long ago it was, and how you have behaved since, you may still be allowed to come to Canada if you meet the legal terms required to be deemed rehabilitated if you applied for rehabilitation and were approved, or if you were granted a record suspension (formerly known as a pardon).

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Move to Canada from the US

Who processes Canadian immigration applications?

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes all applications for persons attempting to immigrate to Canada.

What is a Permanent Resident?

A Canadian Permanent Resident is a citizen of another country who has been given Permanent Residency in Canada. Although Permanent Residents CANNOT vote in Canadian elections, they are nevertheless entitled to various other privileges, including access to Canadian healthcare and social services, the freedom to live, work and study anywhere in Canada, and legal protection under the laws of Canada. After a set period, Canadian Permanent Residents can apply to become Canadian citizens.

What are the requirements to immigrate to Canada?

As per the program descriptions outlined earlier, each Canadian immigration program has its own set of criteria for eligibility. It’s essential to confirm your eligibility before you apply for any program. The documentation required varies depending on the program applied for, but generally includes verification of identification, employment experience, education, plus criminal and medical history.

How long does it take to process an immigration application?

Processing time for those interested in moving to Canada from the United States starts the day the IRCC receives your application and ends when the IRCC makes a decision.

If you apply by mail, the time starts when your application arrives in the IRCC mailroom. If you apply online or in-person, it begins when you submit your application.

Various factors can affect the processing time for applications, including:

• The type of application submitted
• Whether the application is complete or not
• Whether there is currently a backlog of applications for review
• How easily the IRCC can verify an applicant’s information
• How long applicants take to respond to any IRCC requests or concerns

The IRCC regularly updates its processing times to provide transparency for applicants. Monthly updates are provided for Citizenship, Family Sponsorship and Economic immigration applications, while weekly updates are released for Business immigration, Temporary Residency, and PR cards.

Below, you’ll find the updated processing time for different immigration categories as of October 2024:

Economic Immigration Processing Times (Updated monthly and weekly)

Study Permit (from Outside Canada)

Work Permit (from Outside Canada)

Permanent Resident (PR) Card Processing Times (Updated Weekly)

Citizenship Processing Times (Updated Monthly)

How much money do you need to immigrate to Canada?

Persons wishing to immigrate to Canada need to pay fees for most IRCC application types, and also for language tests, educational credential evaluation, biometrics (fingerprints and facial photograph), medical exams, police certificates, etc.

It’s estimated that an individual applying for immigration to Canada through Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) would need approximately $17,150 CAD to immigrate to Canada. Couples would need around $23,208 CAD, while families with children will require between $27,863 and $33,137 CAD.

The table below provides a detailed breakdown of estimated immigration costs:

Here is an overview of the estimated provincial fees:

NOTE: Cost estimates are as of September, 2024. Quebec has an independent immigration program for skilled workers. The territories – Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon have provincial nominee programs driven by business or employer job offer streams.

Can US citizens work in Canada?

You need a work permit if you are not a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident and want to work temporarily in Canada. Depending on the nature of the work, you may be exempt from a work permit under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations, but in most cases, you will need one to work legally in Canada.

You and your prospective employer may also have to obtain a  Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) document before you begin working in Canada. In some cases, an LMIA is needed as evidence that your employment in Canada will likely have a neutral or positive effect on the local labour market. Once the LMIA is granted, you can apply for a temporary work permit from the IRCC. There may be opportunities to speed up the process, depending on your occupation and the work you plan to do in Canada.

You may also need a TRV or an eTA if you want to work in Canada. A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is an official document issued by an officer and placed in your passport to show that you meet the general requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident. An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a paperless document that is electronically linked to your passport. It also shows that you are eligible to enter Canada as a Temporary Resident.

If you need a TRV or an eTA, you do not have to fill out a separate application or pay more fees. The immigration officer will issue it at the same time as the documents you need for your entry to Canada as a worker.

Can an American citizen working in Canada apply to gain Permanent Resident status?

This route is typically unavailable to temporary foreign workers who have permission to stay in Canada for only a limited time. Previously, there was the TR to PR pathway, which most people with a work permit used to obtain permanent residence, but that closed in 2021.

There are currently four main Canadian immigration programs that lead from working in Canada to Permanent Residency:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
   The FSWP offers a pathway toward Canadian Permanent Residency.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program requires the below criteria to be met:

• Applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade
• The experience must have been gained within the last five years
• The experience must have been gained following certification to practice the trade in their home country.

A skilled trade falls under the following groups according to the National Occupational Classification code:

• Major Group 72: Industrial, electrical and construction trades
• Major Group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades
• Major Group 82: Supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production
• Major Group 92: Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators
• Minor Group 632: Chef and cooks
• Minor Group 633: Butchers and bakers

Where an applicant holds the appropriate amount of work experience, they will need to meet these additional eligibility criteria:

• Hold a formal offer of employment from a Canadian employer for a role that lasts for at least 12 months
• Achieve at least level 4 on the Canadian Language Benchmark on an approved English or French language test.
• Intend to live in Canada (but not in Quebec)

Once these criteria are fulfilled, the next step is to submit an Express Entry profile, which may have additional admissibility criteria.

2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

This is the best route for a work permit to PR in Canada. In this route, the experience you gain with your work permit will play a vital role in being given Canada PR status.

To apply for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) under the Canadian Experience Class, foreign nationals must meet the following requirements:

• Have at least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience in Canada gained in the three years prior to applying
• Meet or exceed the language skills required within various National Occupational Classification (NOC) code areas.

NOTE: You are NOT required to have a minimum level of educational qualifications in order to apply for the Canadian Experience Class.

However, you can improve your score in the Express Entry pool if you meet one of the following requirements:

• If you attended school in Canada, you may receive points for a certificate, diploma, or degree received from a Canadian institution (secondary or post-secondary)
• If you have received educational qualifications outside Canada, you may receive points if you have completed an academic course(s) abroad and you have an Educational Credential Assessment report verifying this.

As part of the CEC program, foreign nationals must choose a region OTHER THAN Quebec to settle. NOTE: The rules in Quebec often differ from those of the rest of the Canadian provinces and territories.

Below are the steps leading from the work permit to PR in Canada under the CEC:

1. Complete the online application
2. Create your Express Entry profile
3. Prepare your supporting documents and certificates
4. Find an eligible job
5. Improve your score by one or more of the following methods:

• Obtain a valid job offer using approved job boards
• Put yourself forward for selection under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Improve your language proficiency score
• Add to your educational qualifications
• Gain further work experience relevant to the CEC program guidelines
• Update your profile with relevant information as you acquire it

3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

With this route, your work experience can show a province you will be valuable to its labour market. Again, Quebec is excluded from the list as it does not have a provincial nominee program.

There is no centralized system to apply for this program – you must visit the official website of each province or territory PNP for more information on how to apply.

To submit your application via the program, follow the below steps:

1. Submit your online application
2. Provide your biometric information (fingerprints and facial photograph)
3. Pay the biometrics fee when your application is submitted
4. If you are currently working in Canada, identify whether you are eligible for a bridging open work permit
5. Submit a medical exam certificate
6. Submit a police or criminal record certificate

If your application is accepted, the next stage is confirming your PR. This requires that you submit your passport and pay a “right of PR” fee.

Following payment, you can expect to receive the following:

• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
• Permanent Residence visa
• A letter outlining your immigration status and your conditions of stay

4. Quebec Experience Class (PEQ)

If you have work experience in Quebec – or have studied there – you may qualify for the Quebec Experience Class, also known as the Programme de l’expérience Quebecoise (PEQ).

There are two stages in applying for Permanent Residence via this route:

1. Applicants must submit an application for an Immigration Quebec Selection Certificate
2. Applicants must then submit an application to receive their Canadian Immigration Visa from the Federal Government (based only on security, criminal and medical background checks)

NOTE: Individuals must intend to settle in Quebec permanently and be over 18 years of age.

The foreign worker rules stipulate the following:

• Individuals must have undertaken at least twelve months of eligible work in a managerial, professional, or skilled role within the last two years before the application.
• The job must be on the list of occupations relevant to the program
• The applicant is currently working and has legal status as a Temporary Resident of Quebec
• The applicant has a minimum of an advanced intermediate level of oral French language skills.
• The applicant is able to support themselves and their spouse/dependent children (if applicable) for at least three months after being granted Permanent Residency.

The foreign student stream requires that applicants meet the following criteria:

• The student graduated or intends to graduate from a school in Quebec while studying a course lasting at least two years.
• The course ended no later than 36 months from the date of the visa application.
• The student has adequate funds to support themselves and any spouse/dependent children (if applicable) for at least three months after being granted Permanent Residency.
• The student has a minimum of an advanced intermediate level of oral French language skills.

In the majority of cases, applicants can expect to receive a decision on their application in less than one month. Alternatively, applicants can apply for the Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker Program, which also leads to PR.

Can students apply for a post-graduation work permit from outside Canada?

If you graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution and are applying for a post-graduation work permit from outside Canada, you must indicate this on your application form for a work permit made from outside Canada. You have up to 180 days after you receive confirmation from your Canadian educational institution that you have completed all the requirements of your study program to apply for a work permit. This confirmation could be a degree, diploma, transcript or an official letter from your school.

Why haven’t you included Family Sponsorship as an example of how to move to Canada as an American?

For the purposes of this Step-By-Step Guide for How to Move to Canada from the US, we’ve assumed the person seeking to immigrate does NOT already have relatives within Canada.

That said, if you’re eligible and already living in Canada, you can sponsor your spouse, partner or dependent children to become Permanent Residents of Canada with Family Class Sponsorship.

If you do, however, you must be able to:

• Support them financially
• Ensure they don’t need social assistance from the government

With regard to cost, you can sponsor a spouse, partner, parents or grandparents with fees starting from $1,205 CAD, or a child from $170. Below, we’ve added the processing times for various Family Sponsorship applications.

Family Sponsorship Processing Times (Updated monthly)

Is there an age limit for moving to Canada from the USA?

There are no age restrictions for any Canadian immigration program. However, in most Economic immigration categories, candidates aged 25 to 35 will earn the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. Applicants may be able to compensate for points lost due to age in Economic immigration by virtue of extensive work experience, language proficiency and advanced education.

Candidates who might be disadvantaged by age-related point reductions should also consider category-based selection draws, as these often have lower CRS cut-off scores compared to general draws and may provide a better opportunity to receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA).

Individual Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP) may also have lower CRS score requirements, and if you receive a provincial nomination, you’ll rack up an additional 600 CRS points, significantly boosting your overall score.

Including a spouse in your application can also boost your CRS score. Spouses can contribute additional points through their own education, language skills and Canadian work experience.

Finally, applicants asking themselves, “Can I move to Canada from the US?” should also look into other immigration options, such as work or study permits that could lead to Permanent Residency.

How will the Government of Canada’s recent changes to the Immigration Levels Plan affect the process of moving to Canada from the US?

If you’ve been following the news as part of exploring moving to Canada from the United States, you might have read about the Government of Canada’s (GoC) recent shift in policy and the cut in the number of immigrants it will allow into the country as part of the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan (ILP).

The good news is that the cuts likely won’t affect the process at all, just the number of immigrants allowed into Canada each year.

Still, Canada plans to welcome an astounding 1,733,850 Temporary Residents on Work and Study Permits and 1,140,000 Permanent Residents between 2025 and 2027.

The new ILP marks a noted shift from decades of more open immigration policies in Canada, a champion of multiculturalism that has relied on newcomers to fill labour gaps and meet population targets.

On the surface, these reductions might not seem like the best for those considering moving to Canada from the USA, but the changes are designed to pause population growth in Canada over the next two years in order to give Canadian provinces time to “get the balance right,” and catch up on strengthening healthcare programs and boosting their housing stock – both which will greatly benefit those moving to Canada from US areas in the near future.

Key Reductions in Permanent Resident Targets
The ILP’s new targets for Permanent Resident admissions are:

• 2025: Reduced from 500,000 to 395,000
• 2026: Reduced from 500,000 to 380,000
• 2027: Target set at 365,000

Temporary Resident Volume Decrease
Likewise, the Plan includes targets for temporary residents, specifically foreign workers and international students. Measures which had already begun to be implemented in 2024 – including capping international student admissions and tightening eligibility requirements for temporary foreign workers – are expected to reduce Canada’s temporary resident population as follows:

• 2025: Decrease of 445,901temporary residents
• 2026: Decrease of 445,662temporary residents
• 2027: Modest increase of 17,439temporary residents

Regional And Provincial Implications

The impact of these immigration changes will vary between Canadian provinces and territories. In densely populated provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia, the decrease in population growth is expected to help ease infrastructure and housing challenges.

In smaller provinces and rural areas, the focus on Francophone and skilled labour immigrants could address specific labour shortages and support regional development in areas like construction, healthcare and a wide variety of trades.

The Good News About Moving to Canada from the US?
There are still plenty of options open for those interested in moving to Canada from US locations.

Is it worth moving to Canada from US?

Despite the pullback on immigration recently announced in the Government of Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan (ILP) revisions, immigrants ARE valued in Canada. Look on the GoC website, and you’ll see a summary of the many reasons immigration matters to Canadians, including the fact that:

• Immigrants contribute to the economy and create jobs for Canadians.
  Immigrants account for 32% of all business owners with paid staff, creating important local jobs in all sectors of the Canadian economy, including in the construction, professional services and retail sectors.
• Immigrants deliver and improve Canadian health and social services.

According to the 2021 Canadian Census, immigrants accounted for 1 in 4 workers in Canada’s healthcare sector. More than 40% of newcomers to Canada between 2016 and 2021 who were working in the healthcare sector were employed in the crucial areas of nursing and residential care facilities, as well as home healthcare services.

• Immigrants are thoroughly screened.
  The IRCC thoroughly screens all immigrants before they enter Canada to ensure they have not committed serious crimes, don’t pose a security risk, are in good health, and will positively impact the Canadian economy.
• Immigrants settle in communities across the country and support the vitality of Canada’s official language minority communities.
  The Government of Canada is promoting Francophone immigration to help Francophone minority communities thrive – and not just in Quebec. In 2023, 19,700 French-speaking Permanent Residents settled outside Quebec, compared to just 8,475 in 2019.
• Immigrants integrate fully into Canadian society.
  Immigrating to Canada is an adjustment at first, but with time, immigrants earn as much and gain the same sense of belonging as Canadian-born citizens. In fact, as of 2021, about 80% of eligible immigrants became citizens, giving Canada one of the highest naturalization rates in the world.

I need a bit more convincing. Can you list a few more “moving to Canada from the US pros and cons”?

We understand. Moving away from the country you were born in and the family and friends you’ve made there is a big decision. It’s natural for US citizens to want to weigh the pros and cons of living in Canada versus the United States as part of deciding whether or not to apply to immigrate.

Some pros for moving to Canada include:

• Canada is a politically stable country with low crime and poverty rates and a vibrant economy that creates various well-paid jobs.
• Canada has top-notch educational institutions, including free, world-class primary and secondary education, plus multiple world-class universities. Full-time post-secondary education is FREE for Quebec Permanent Residents.
• Based on survey data from 140 countries, Canada ranks 15th in the annual World Happiness Report, while the United States stands 23rd. The study uses six key variables to help explain respondents’ life evaluations: GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, freedom, generosity and perceptions of corruption.
• Canada has long been recognized around the world as a role model for multiculturalism, and Canada’s 2021 Census reported over 450 ethnic or cultural origins by participants. Canada’s multiculturalism policy encourages immigrants to retain their cultural heritage while also becoming part of the broader Canadian community. This helps Canada foster a welcoming and inclusive society that allows for the exchange of different ideas, cultures and perspectives.
• Canada has a universal health care system funded by taxes. Any Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident can apply for public health insurance. Each province and territory has a different health plan that covers different services and products.In some provinces, you may wait up to 3 months for your public health insurance to start. You’ll need private health insurance to cover your health care needs during this waiting period.

Once your province or territory adds you to their health system, you’ll get a health card that you’ll need to show each time you visit a hospital or medical clinic to get non-emergency services.

Under Canadian public health insurance, you won’t have to pay for most healthcare services or emergency medical services, although there may be some restrictions depending on your immigration status. NOTE: Canadian public health insurance does NOT cover the cost of most dental services.

To find out what is and isn’t covered under Canada’s public health insurance, check with your provincial public health authority or your private health care provider.

• Canada’s immigration system is well-organized, and many provinces provide free language classes to new immigrants. There is an incentive to become fluent in English or French as a basic language test is required to become a Canadian citizen. Many immigrants attending these classes become fluent in English or French aftermoving to Canada.
• Finally, Canadian gun laws are much stricter than American gun laws, and statistics on their effects show a marked difference between the two countries. A study from Biomedical Central reported 4,005 deaths by firearms in Canada from 2016 to 2020. Out of these, 933 were murders, 2,896 were suicides, 76 were accidental, 68 involved law enforcement, and 40 were undetermined. In America, a 2021 Pew Research reported 48,830 gun-related deaths – 20,958 murders, 26,328 suicides, 549 accidental, 537 involving law enforcement, and 458 undetermined. Overall, stricter Canadian gun laws are more effective at preventing deaths involving firearms, with 11 times more deaths a year in the US versus Canada.

Some cons include:

• Canada is a high-tax country with a high cost of living in areas such as Toronto and Vancouver. Taxes provide social benefits to Canadians, including universal healthcare and unemployment benefits for those dealing with job loss.
• Some areas in Canada can have harsh winters, so newcomers should be prepared with appropriate clothing. Conversely, smoke from wildfires can create health problems in hot, dry, fire-prone areas. In 2023, Canada had worse air pollution than the US for the first time since the report began compiling data six years ago. The report measured levels of PM2.5, an irritant in the air that can worsen heart conditions and potentially cause cancers. It’s a by-product of wildfire smoke, which Canada had in abundance in 2023. Understanding the risks of living in a fire-prone area in Canada before applying to immigrate to Canada is essential.

How easy is it to move to Canada from the US?

If you’re looking for a way to expedite the process of moving to Canada from the US, Express Entry is your best option. Candidates who apply through the Express Entry system may be able to receive Permanent Residence status in as little as six months.

Is moving to Canada a good idea?

Only you can decide if Canada is a place you want to call home. But we hope you do!

What’s the Bellissimo Law Group’s success record for assisting applicants moving to Canada from the United States?

How do you move to Canada from the US? You work with the Bellissimo Law Group; that’s how! We’ve helped thousands of clients move from the United States to Canada over the past 45 years, and even helped clients previously deemed inadmissible.

And because immigration law is federal, while our firm is Ontario-based, we proudly serve clients interested in moving to Canada from United States no matter where they wish to settle in Canada or which provincial or territorial program they want to apply for.

Explore our recent success stories.

How an Experienced Immigration Lawyer Can Help: What Our Clients Say About Us

“I would like to thank Bellissimo Law Group and all the staff that worked on my case. Their professionalism and dedication helped me to get a provincial nomination. Within a short time, their legal staff followed with me closely to collect all details and information to build my case. Thank you again for making my dream come true. I decided also to continue with their assistance and support for my Express Entry Application after getting the provincial nomination. And recently, I got my application approved. It was a long journey, but with Bellissimo Law Group representative and guidance along the way we achieved this success.”
– A. A.

“I highly recommend coming here; staff members are super knowledgeable and highly educated, they are very thorough in gathering your information, and they know what immigration would look for in your application. I just recently received my Permanent residence thanks to them, and I am glad I came to them for guidance. Thank you, Bellísimo Law Group!”
– Alejandro F.

“I was referred to Mr. Bellissimo to assist with an immigration question that none of the other 4 or 5 lawyers I called could assist with. Mr. Bellissimo helped me in the most expeditious, efficient, and ethical manner possible. As a result of his wonderful advice, I am a permanent resident today. Words cannot express how Mr. Bellissimo went above and beyond to help me, and words cannot express my gratitude to him and his law firm. Every interaction I had with him and his staff was professional, efficient, and pleasant. The lawyers that I spoke with prior to finding my way to Mr. Bellissimo held him in the highest regard, and I can’t agree more. If you need immigration advice, look no further.”
– Aminah C.

“My permanent resident application was recently approved! When I felt hopeless and thought I would have to go back to my home country, a friend referred me to Bellissimo Law Group. I cannot thank Bellissimo Law Group enough for all their guidance and support throughout the entire process. Mr. Bellissimo and his team are very knowledgeable, kind and compassionate and gave me confidence and peace of mind. Every penny that I spent was worth it at the end, I can now proudly say I am a permanent resident of Canada! I highly recommend Bellissimo Law Group to anyone who needs help with their immigration matter.”
– Juliana M.

“Immigration process is never easy for any country. The personal service I received from my account executive, was priceless! The entire anxiety of this process was removed by her knowledge and by the very professional services offered by Bellissimo Law Group. From submission of my application, to my immigration ceremony, it took only 16 months. This is the best firm to use for all matters related to immigration.”
– Michael Wilson

How to Move to Canada from the US: Contact Our Law Firm for Assistance

As you’re probably painfully aware of now, many steps are involved in moving to Canada from the US.

In order to zero in on the best route for your particular circumstances, improve your chances of success, and avoid unnecessary pitfalls, frustrations and delays, reach out to our law firm for assistance and request a consultation today.

Bellissimo Immigration Law Group PC is a renowned and trusted law firm specializing in corporate and individual immigration to Canada by US citizens. We’ve helped thousands of clients move from the United States to Canada over the past 45 years. Our skilled team, armed with elite standards and extensive experience, have created success at every level of the immigration process.

We’re ready to provide efficient, cost-effective and practical solutions to help you achieve your Canadian immigration goals, too!

Now, More Than Ever, You Need a Skilled Immigration Legal Firm on Your Side!