Planning to move to Canada from the US? Here's how you can make your move!

Highlights:  How to move to Canada from the US?

• American passport holders can move to Canada via three immigration programs.
• Candidates from the US can choose between CEC, FSWP, and CUSMA work permits.
• Applicants must be legally authorised to stay and work in Canada.
• Individuals from the US need eTA or electronic travel authorization to enter Canada.

 

*Willing to check your eligibility to Canada? Use the Y-Axis Canada CRS Score Calculator to get instant results for FREE!!

 

How can Americans move to Canada?

In recent times, many individuals have moved from the USA to Canada. In 2023, more than 470,000 individuals chose to migrate to Canada.

 

Moving to Canada offers multiple benefits in terms of work and life. Canada offers over 1 million job opportunities, free universal healthcare, inexpensive education, and a safe and peaceful place to stay.

 

Americans willing to relocate to Canada must have the authorization to work, study or stay in Canada longer. Foreign nationals in Canada must have permission to live, work, or study in Canada. Canada offers American individuals visa exemption. They do not require an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.

 

Canada offers two ways to gain legal status. They are:

 

• Temporary Work Permits
• Canadian Permanent residency
• CUSMA professional's work permits
• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Worker Program

 

*Want to migrate to Canada? Sign up with Y-Axis for complete immigration assistance!

 

What is CUSMA Professional Work Permit?

The CUSMA stands for Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. It allows Americans to move to Canada for work. Under this free trade agreement, US citizens employed in specific fields are eligible to apply for a designated employer work permit.

 

The CUSMA covers 63 professions, including management consultants, scientific technicians, scientists, and medical professionals. A work permit is granted only if the profession is listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) of Canada.

 

Candidates whose jobs are not classified under CUSMA can apply for other work permits, such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program.

 

Note: Since the work permits are temporary, applicants must renew their licenses before the validity expires.

 

The eligibility requirements for CUSMA are given below:

 

• Proof of Mexican or American citizenship.
• Required credentials for the intended profession in Canada.
• Comply with the immigration requirements for temporary entry
• Confirmation of valid job offer in Canada.

 

*Looking for jobs in Canada? Avail Y-Axis Job Search Services.

 

How to obtain Canada PR?

American candidates applying for Canadian Permanent Residency can apply through these two Canada Express Entry programs:

 

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class, or CEC, is one of the federal pathways for Canada PR. The eligibility criteria for CEC are as follows:

 

• One year of full-time Canadian skilled work experience
• Qualify for the language proficiency tests in English or French

 

American candidates who move to Canada on a CUSMA work permit can qualify for CEC after they obtain a year of Canadian work experience.

 

*Want to apply for Canada PR? Y-Axis is here to guide you in all steps.  

 

Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program of Canada is aimed at international skilled professionals whose job is listed under the Skilled Occupation List. The candidates are required to score 67 or more out of 100 in the points based evaluation system to qualify for Canada PR.

 

The eligibility requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program are as follows: 

 

• Required educational qualification
• Adequate funds
• Required work experience
• Documents needed for Express Entry
• The candidate must submit the following documents to be eligible for Express Entry.
• Proof of qualifying language tests
• Educational credential assessments or ECAs
• Language proficiency in French or English

 

*Want to apply for Federal Skilled Worker Program? Y-Axis is here to assist you!

 

Why apply for Canada PR?

Americans who plan to stay in Canada longer can apply for Canadian permanent residency. The Canada PR visa is equivalent to US Green Card.

 

These are the benefits available for Canadian permanent residents:

 

• Right to work, live, and study in any place of Canada
• Avail of free universal healthcare
• Protection under Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom and Canadian law
• Canadian PR holders can sponsor their family members to come to Canada
• Job opportunities without a work permit
• Inexpensive education
• Social Security and pension benefits
• Pathway to Canadian citizenship

 

Canada PR eligibility requirements

The eligibility requirements of Canada PR are as follows:

 

• 67 points or more in Canada points Grid
• The candidate should be below 40 years
• Required IELTS or PTE score
• Educational Credential Assessment for each qualification
• Proof of adequate funds

 

The requirement for Canadian permanent residency are given below:

• Age – Candidates aged between 18 to 35 are awarded the maximum points
• Education – The candidates should fulfill educational requirements.
• Work experience – Candidates are required to have at least one year of full-time Canadian work experience.
• Language ability – The applicant should qualify the language proficiency tests in English or French.
• Adaptability – If the candidate’s spouse or common-law partner is applying for Canada PR, they are awarded an extra 10 points.
• Arranged employment – A valid job offer from Canada grants 10 points.

 

According to the Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027, Canada is inviting 1.1 million migrants by 2027. Plenty of job opportunities, work benefits, lower crime rates, and open spaces in the Canadian landscape make moving to Canada a decision worth taking..

 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with Canada Immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No.1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end support!