If you’ve ever wondered about moving from the U.S. to Canada, this article is perfect for you.
Canada is often considered one of the best places to live, thanks to its stable economy and high standard of living.
If you’re a U.S. citizen hoping to immigrate to Canada, here’s how you can make it happen.
Through the Express Entry System
The number of Americans moving to Canada has been rising steadily. In 2019, it reached 10,000 newcomers.
The main reason why many US citizens are interested in permanently living in Canada is the Express Entry system.
The Express Entry system allows over 11,000 skilled workers to immigrate to Canada every year.
Among the various ways for prospective immigrants, the Express Entry system is the most popular and the easiest route to obtain permanent residency in Canada. The Express Entry system is divided into three programs:
- Federal skilled workers (FSW)
- Federal skilled trades (FST)
- Canadian experience class (CEC)
You may move to Canada through those three different paths.
The Federal Skilled Workers (FSW) lets foreign workers apply for residency without solid connections inside the country.
Who is Eligible to Apply Under the Express Entry?
All interested applicants must first assess which programs are appropriate for them. The eligibility requirements are different from one program to another.
For FSW:
- Worked at least one 1-year full-time skilled work experience within the last ten years skilled work ranked based on the National Occupational Classification
- English or French proficiency level of at least CLB 7
- Canadian secondary school diploma
- Enough funds to support yourself
- Intention to live outside Quebec
- Must acquire at least 67 out of 100 merit points
For FST:
You need to have worked as a licensed/certified professional or skilled worker for a minimum of two years (full-time). Additionally, you should have either a valid offer for a full-time job lasting 12 months or a certificate of qualification issued by a provincial authority in Canada. It’s also important to have the intention of living outside of Quebec.
For CEC:
- 12 months of skilled work experience (full-time) in Canada within the last three years
- NOC level of 0, A, or B
- Must reach at least CLB 7 in English/French
- Intention to live outside of Quebec
How to Apply for Permanent Residency in Canada
How to apply for permanent residency in Canada under the Express Entry?
The requirements, eligibility, and process may vary based on the pathway or program you choose, but the basics you should keep in mind include the following.
STEP 1:
Submit your profile containing your passport/travel document, a language test result, and educational credential assessment result.
STEP 2:
Once you have submitted your profile, you can expect to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada.
The ITA, also known as the Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR), is the final document required to obtain Canadian citizenship.
Once you receive the ITA, you will need to wait for a few weeks or months to officially become a permanent resident in Canada.
Before receiving the ITA, your profile will be placed in a candidate pool. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) will then rank you among other candidates, determining whether your application will be accepted.
STEP 3:
Once you have received your ITA, you might need to submit additional documents to enhance your application for Canadian citizenship.
These documents can include proof of identity, clearances, reference letters, certificates, and medical examinations, among others.
The cost, duration, and calculation of merit points vary. Submitting your profile for Express Entry is free. However, if you qualify and proceed, there may be expenses totaling CAD 2,300 for the required documents.
For couples, the cost can be up to $4,500, which includes expenses such as language tests, credential assessments, medical exams, biometrics, police clearances, and more.
Your application will be ranked based on the following metrics:
- Age
- Education
- Foreign/Canadian work experience
- Language proficiency (English or French)
- Connections
- Spouse and family factors
Although Express Entry is the easiest and quickest way, some applicants may still be unfortunate under this path. In that case, don’t lose hope as there are many more ways.
Other ways to move from the US to Canada
Aside from your work experience, which is crucial in Express Entry, you may still become a Canadian citizen through the following:
Family Sponsorship
If your spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, they have the option to sponsor your migration to Canada.
To be eligible as a sponsor, your partner needs to be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, and be able to provide financial support for you.
For unmarried couples, it is necessary to provide evidence of living together for a certain period of time. Documents such as shared bills, joint ownership of property, having the same address, and others may be required to demonstrate this.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
The process of this kind of migration differs from province to province in Canada. Each province has its own set of requirements, eligibility criteria, processes, and timeframes, typically based on their economic and demographic needs.
The provinces that offer relatively easier Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) processes include Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, and Nova Scotia.
Startup Visa
The Startup Visa program is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Canada.
Through this program, you can obtain permanent residency by showcasing your ability to create jobs, support innovative entrepreneurs, and make a significant economic contribution.
While waiting for your designated organization, you can even search for employment opportunities. However, it’s important to note that this pathway may require significant financial and social commitments.
International student programs
International students studying in Canada have the option to apply for permanent residency while still in school or after completing their degree.
If they choose to do so, they will likely fall under the Canadian Experience Class category, which offers significant advantages based on their professional potential.
Work permits
If you are a foreign worker in Canada, you need to obtain a work permit.
While this permit allows you to live and work in Canada for a specific period, you can use this experience to become a skilled worker eligible for permanent residency.
Foreign individuals who have a permanent job in Canada typically have an easier time getting their applications approved.
Right of Permanent Residence
The Right of Permanent Residence allows individuals to live and work in Canada for a period of five years. You have the option to extend this right or use it as a basis to apply for Canadian citizenship.
There is a fee associated with obtaining permanent residence, which varies depending on the method you choose to acquire it.
Dual Citizenship
If you are a citizen of the United States and hold permanent residency in Canada, you can apply to become a Canadian citizen and have dual citizenship. As a US citizen, you can maintain your American citizenship even after becoming a Canadian citizen. This allows you to have residency rights in both countries.
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