How to move to Canada: A step-by-step guide for US citizens
Dreaming of maple leaves, poutine, and universal healthcare? If you’re a US citizen with your sights set on moving to Canada, you’re not alone. Canada’s allure is undeniable, whether you’re chasing career opportunities, reuniting with family, or simply craving a change of scenery. But moving to another country isn’t as simple as packing your bags and waving goodbye to Uncle Sam.
This guide will be a guide as you navigate the exciting journey of moving to Canada. We’ll unravel the legal red tape on how to move to Canada, crunch the numbers, and give you the inside scoop on what it’s really like living in Canada as a US citizen.
This article is brought to you by Taxes for Expats (TFX) – a top-rated tax firm serving US citizens, residents, and anyone with US tax obligations, both at home and abroad. Moving to Canada and need help with your US taxes? Learn more about our tax services or contact us – to walk you through the next steps.
Legal ways to move to Canada
If you’re looking for the easiest ways to immigrate to Canada from the US, it’s going to depend a lot on your specific situation. Here are some of the programs that allow US citizens to legally relocate to Canada:
Express Entry Program
Designed for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada permanently, the Express Entry program uses a points-based system to assess candidates based on factors like age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.
How hard is it to move to Canada?
The CRS is competitive, and the cutoff can shift from draw to draw. The simplest way to track the latest CRS cutoff is IRCC’s “Rounds of invitations” page.
NOTE! Proof of funds is published by IRCC, and the table is updated annually, so always check the current amounts before you relocate to Canada.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Each Canadian province has its own Provincial Nominee Program, which allows it to nominate candidates for permanent residence based on local labor market needs. US citizens with skills and experience in high-demand fields may have a better chance of being nominated.
IRCC explains the basics and how a nomination can work with Express Entry, including the 600-point boost for a nomination through certain paths.
When PNP is the best move
- A specific occupation is in demand in one province (and you can document it)
- A clear province preference exists for work, family, or lifestyle
- An employer connection or local tie makes a nomination more realistic.
For many readers, this answers the “how can I move to Canada from the US” question without guessing.
Family Sponsorship
Citizens and permanent residents of Canada can sponsor certain family members, including spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, and parents or grandparents, to move to Canada.
- Who can sponsor whom: spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child (and separate streams exist for parents and grandparents)
- Typical timeline: it varies by case and country, so the only safe way to estimate is IRCC’s official processing-time tool.
This route is often the most straightforward version of how to move to Canada as an American when a qualifying relationship is already in place.
Work permits and job offers
Securing a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can make it easier to obtain a work permit and eventually transition to permanent residence.
A big differentiator for Americans: some roles can qualify under the Canada – United States – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which IRCC lists under its free trade agreement work pathways.
- If you have a job offer: confirm the exact work permit category and the application steps on IRCC’s work permit guidance
- If you don’t: plan around PR pathways first, or focus on getting a qualifying offer before timing a move
NOTE! A common mistake most US expats make is assuming they can just move from the US to Canada and start working right away.
Study permit and pathway to permanent residency
US citizens can apply for a study permit to attend a Canadian educational institution. After completing their studies, they may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit, which can lead to permanent residence.
Temporary resident permit
In some cases, US citizens may be granted a temporary resident permit to enter or stay in Canada despite not meeting the usual requirements.
Of these options, the Express Entry program is generally considered one of the fastest ways to move to Canada from the US for skilled workers.
Here’s why:
- Processing time: Express Entry applications are typically processed within six months or less. This is significantly faster than most other immigration pathways.
- Streamlined process: The Express Entry system is designed to be efficient and user-friendly. It uses a points-based system (Comprehensive Ranking System or CRS) to rank candidates, with the highest-scoring candidates receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
- Frequency of draws: IRCC conducts Express Entry draws regularly, often every two weeks, increasing the chances of receiving an ITA if you meet the minimum CRS score cutoff.
- No job offer required: While a valid job offer can boost your CRS score, it’s not mandatory for Express Entry, unlike other immigration pathways.
- Multiple programs: Express Entry manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. This gives candidates multiple options to qualify.
NOTE! While Express Entry is generally the fastest option, processing times can vary based on many factors.
Additionally, if you have a provincial nomination through a PNP aligned with Express Entry, you can receive an additional 600 CRS points, significantly increasing your chances of receiving an ITA.
Here’s a quick glance table comparing the various pros and cons of different immigration pathways to Canada, along with typical processing times:
| Route | Best for | Key requirements | Typical gov fees (CAD) | Typical timeline | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry (FSW/CEC/FST) | Skilled PR via points | Language + education/work; competitive CRS | PR $1,525 + biometrics $85 | Often ~6 mo after complete file (varies) | Underestimating CRS / incomplete docs |
| PNP (Express Entry) | Province target + CRS boost | Provincial nomination + EE eligibility | PR $1,525 + biometrics $85 (+ prov fees vary) | Often ~7 mo (verify tool) | Ignoring province-specific rules/intent |
| PNP (base / non-EE) | Province stream outside EE | Nomination + base PR process | Usually PR $1,525 + biometrics $85 (+ prov fees vary) | Usually slower (verify tool) | Missing province deadlines/conditions |
| Work permit (employer-specific; LMIA or LMIA-exempt incl. CUSMA) | Move for a job first | Job offer + right category (LMIA or exempt) | Work permit $155 (biometrics may apply) | Varies (check tool) | Assuming visitor status lets you work |
| Open work permit (if eligible) | Flexibility (often spouses) | Eligibility depends on category | $255 ($155 + $100) | Varies (check tool) | Forgetting the extra $100 fee |
| Study permit → (often) PGWP → PR | Canada study pathway | Acceptance + funds + permit rules | Study permit $150 + biometrics $85 | Varies (check tool) | Assuming study = automatic PR |
| Family sponsorship (spouse/partner) | PR via spouse/partner | Relationship + sponsor eligibility | $1,205 (common total) | Often ~12 mo (varies) | Thin evidence / wrong forms |
| Family sponsorship (child) | Sponsor dependent child | Sponsor + child eligibility | $170 (child-only case) | Varies (check tool) | Paying wrong fee type |
| Parents/grandparents (PGP) | Bring parents/grandparents | Sponsor income + intake rules | $1,205 | Intake/timelines shift (verify) | Assuming it’s always open |
| Business immigration (some streams) | Entrepreneurs | Program-specific criteria | $2,385 (+ biometrics $85) | Varies (check tool) | Building plan on paused streams (e.g., SUV pause) |
Step-by-step process to move to Canada
If you're considering immigrating to Canada, here's a guide to help you navigate the process
| Timeline | Step | Who does it | Key docs | Typical cost (CAD) | Typical mistake |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0–1 | Pick your route + eligibility check (EE / PNP / work / study / family) | You (optionally consultant/lawyer) | Passport; resume; education/work history; family status | $0 | Choosing a route before checking eligibility constraints (e.g., CRS competitiveness, sponsor eligibility) |
| Week 1–4 | Build your “document spine” | You | Passport scans; birth/marriage docs; address history; employment letters templates | Varies | Waiting until after ITA/nomination to start collecting documents (creates deadline panic) |
| Month 1–2 | Language test (if needed for PR/work) | You | ID + test booking | Varies | Booking too late / under-preparing (score can block CRS/eligibility) |
| Month 1–3 | ECA (education credential assessment) if required | You + ECA body | Diplomas/transcripts; sealed transcripts (often) | Varies | Underestimating transcript logistics/time (institutions are the bottleneck) |
| Month 1–3 | Proof of funds plan (EE/FSW often needs it) | You | Bank letters/statements; source-of-funds evidence | Varies | Using non-acceptable “funds” (e.g., borrowed money without clear ownership/availability) |
| Month 2–6 | Apply (route-specific submission) | You | Completed forms + supporting docs | PR fees (EE economic): $1,525 + biometrics $85 | Submitting an incomplete application (delays/returns) |
| Month 2–6 | Work permit submission (if moving to work first) | You + employer (if employer-specific) | Job offer; employer docs (LMIA/exemption where applicable) | Work permit $155 (+ open permit add-on $100 if applicable) | Assuming you can start working on visitor status |
| Month 2–6 | Study permit submission (if studying first) | You + school | Letter of acceptance; financial proof | Study permit $150; biometrics often required | Weak financial proof (common refusal reason) |
| Month 3–12+ | Biometrics / medical / police certificates (as requested) | You | Appointment confirmations; police certs; medical exam results | Biometrics $85 (when required) | Waiting for IRCC to ask before booking where proactive action is allowed (can slow the file) |
| Decision window (varies) | Track processing + respond to IRCC requests quickly | You | IRCC account messages; additional docs | $0 | Not using the official processing times tool to set expectations |
| Approval → 0–30 days after landing | Settle essentials (SIN, bank, phone, provincial health steps, housing) | You | Passport; permit/PR confirmation; proof of address | Varies | No “first 30 days” checklist → missed deadlines, admin friction |
| First tax year in Canada | US + Canada tax setup (residency ties, treaty positions, reporting) | You + tax pro | US forms as needed; Canada slips; residency facts | Varies | Assuming moving ends US filing; missing cross-border reporting (FBAR/FATCA/treaty) |
- Check if you can move to Canada. Use the Canadian government’s online tool to see which programs you may qualify for. Many people apply through Express Entry, a provincial program, family sponsorship, or a work or study permit.
- Collect your documents. You usually need a valid passport, language test results, and school records (sometimes with an education assessment). Police certificates and a medical exam may also be required.
- Apply online. Create an account with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), fill out the forms, upload your documents, and pay the fees. Most skilled worker applications include a processing fee and a permanent residence fee.
- Get ready if you are approved. Some programs send an "Invitation to Apply," and you must respond on time. You may also need to show proof that you have enough money to live in Canada.
- Settle in after you arrive. Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) so you can work and use government services. Sign up for health care, find housing, open a bank account, and arrange school if you have children.
Financial considerations and taxes
Moving to Canada from the US involves various financial considerations that require careful planning and understanding, not least of which is knowing what the IRS requires.
As of 2026, here are the key aspects to keep in mind:
Moving costs and initial setup
Relocating to Canada can be costly. According to recent data, individuals should budget at least 15,300 USD (21,600 CAD) for the move, while a family of four may need up to 27,600 USD (39,000 CAD). These costs include transportation, temporary housing, and initial living expenses.
Banking and currency exchange
Opening a Canadian bank account is crucial for managing your finances. As of 2025, major Canadian banks offer specialized newcomer packages with benefits like no-fee banking for a limited time and assistance in establishing a credit history.
When exchanging currency, be mindful of exchange rates and potential fees. As of February 2025, the Canadian dollar remains slightly weaker than the US dollar, which can impact your purchasing power.
Cost of living comparison
The cost of living in Canada is generally about 10% more expensive than in the US. Housing costs in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver remain high, with the average home prices exceeding 750,000 CAD (529,400 USD).
However, healthcare costs are typically lower due to Canada’s public healthcare system.
Tax obligations
Living in Canada as a US citizen, you’ll have tax obligations in both countries:
- Canadian taxes: Canada tax residency is based on residential ties, plus facts like the length and purpose of your stay. The 183-day rule can make you a deemed resident in some cases, even without significant ties. For most individuals, CRA lists April 30, 2026, as the filing deadline for 2025 Canadian taxes.
- US taxes: When learning how to move to Canada as a US citizen, it’s important to remember that US tax filing obligations continue even after you relocate. You’ll generally still file Form 1040 each year and may use Form 2555 to claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion if you qualify. For the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026), the regular filing deadline is April 15, 2026, and US citizens living abroad receive an automatic two-month extension to June 15, 2026.
- Tax treaties and double-tax relief: The US–Canada tax treaty can help reduce double taxation in certain situations, but it doesn’t remove the US filing requirement for citizens. Practical planning usually comes down to choosing the right tools, like the foreign tax credit.
- FBAR filing: If you have foreign financial accounts that exceed $10,000 USD in aggregate at any point during the year, FBAR reporting may apply. FBAR is due April 15 following the calendar year, with an automatic extension to October 15 (no special request needed). The CAD equivalent varies with exchange rates (FinCEN).
Living in Canada as a US citizen
US citizens moving from the US to Canada will find plenty of similarities but also some notable differences between the two countries:
Healthcare system
Canada's publicly funded healthcare system, known as Medicare, differs significantly from the US system. US citizens can access this system after obtaining permanent residence or a work permit and meeting provincial residency requirements.
Key points include:
- Universal coverage for medically necessary services
- Longer wait times for non-emergency procedures compared to the US
- Prescription drugs are not universally covered, though some provinces offer drug plans
IMPORTANT NOTE! There may be a waiting period of up to three months before new residents can access provincial health insurance.
Housing market
Housing costs and availability vary greatly by city and province:
- Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver have notoriously high housing costs
- Smaller cities and rural areas often offer more affordable options
- Some provinces have rent control policies that protect tenants
It is important to research the local housing market thoroughly before moving, considering factors like proximity to work and amenities.
Job market and cost of living
Canada boasts a strong job market, but it's important to understand the local economy and cost of living when seeking employment:
- Sectors such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades are in high demand
- The Canadian job market may be more competitive in some fields compared to the US
- Salaries in Canada are often lower than in the US but are offset by lower healthcare costs and other social benefits
- Higher prices for consumer goods in some categories
Understanding these differences can help US citizens better prepare for their move to Canada and ease the transition. Get a good understanding of the specific aspects relevant to your situation and carry out plenty of research on the area you plan to live in to ensure a smooth relocation process.
What are the best cities for US expats in Canada?
When considering the best cities for US expats in Canada, several factors come into play, including quality of life, job opportunities, cultural fit, and accessibility. Here's an overview of some top choices:
| City | Best for | Cost pressure | Climate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | Mild weather + outdoors + tech | Very high | Mild, rainy winters; long frost-free period | Highest-cost major market in many city indexes |
| Toronto | Finance + big-city jobs + diverse neighborhoods | Very high | Cold winters, warm summers | #1 “big job market” pick, but housing/rent pressure is intense |
| Montreal | Culture + affordability vs Toronto/Vancouver + bilingual careers | Medium | Cold, snowy winters; warm summers | French helps a lot; generally lower cost index than Toronto/Vancouver |
| Ottawa | Government/contracting + family-friendly stability | Medium | Cold winters; warm summers | Lower cost index than Toronto/Vancouver; strong “steady jobs” vibe |
| Calgary | More space for the money + energy/engineering + remote workers | Medium-low | Cold, dry winters; big temperature swings | Cost index notably below Toronto/Vancouver in common comparisons |
| Halifax | Slower pace + coastal lifestyle + decent affordability | Medium-low | Cool, windy coastal seasons | Often cited as more affordable than the “big two” while still feeling urban |
While these cities offer various advantages, happiness and quality of life can vary greatly based on individual circumstances. Despite recent reports showing a decline in happiness among younger people in Canada, the country still ranks high globally in overall happiness and quality of life metrics.
FAQs on how to move to Canada as an American
Costs depend on location, housing, and immigration pathway. Major cities often require higher upfront savings, while smaller provinces are more affordable. Government fees, proof-of-funds requirements, and moving costs should all be planned together.
Common options include permanent residence through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program, family sponsorship, or entering first on a work permit. The right path depends on skills, family ties, and long-term goals.
Points-based systems are competitive, while employer-backed permits or family sponsorship can be more straightforward. Checking official draw scores and program criteria gives a realistic picture.
At minimum, a valid passport, the correct immigration status, and financial preparation. Depending on the route, this can also include language tests, proof of funds, or a job offer.
Retirement alone does not grant residency, but retirees may qualify through family sponsorship or by maintaining visitor status for limited periods. Many retirees explore this carefully when planning steps to move to Canada.Start the immigration process early, as it can take several months to over a year to complete, depending on the program and your individual circumstances.
