How to immigrate to Canada 🇨🇦

Note: The following article is for educational purposes only and not intended as professional advice. It is important to conduct your own research and consider consulting a Canadian immigration lawyer, as rules and regulations may change over time.

As a US citizen, if you are considering immigrating to Canada, there are various options available to you. This guide provides an overview of the pathways to becoming a temporary resident, permanent resident, or citizen of Canada. Please note that this article does not cover all the intricacies of Canadian immigration law, and it is advisable to seek professional assistance for personalized guidance.

Visa-Free Travel:

Most US citizens holding a valid passport can travel to Canada without a visa for up to 6 months. If you wish to make use of the health care system while visiting as a tourist you can purchase short-term travel health insurance or pay the non-resident "cash" rate for healthcare services. Alternatively, living near the Canadian border, in a city such as Buffalo, NY, allows for frequent border crossings as needed.

Pathways to Temporary Residency:

1. Student: Enroll in a Canadian university or educational institution as a student.

2. Work Sponsorship: If you have an employer in Canada willing to sponsor you, you can obtain temporary residency through work sponsorship.

Note: Temporary residents under these options do not have access to Canadian healthcare and must obtain long-term travel health insurance.

Pathways to Permanent Residency:

1. Express Entry: This is the most common pathway for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency in Canada. It follows a point-based system, and eligibility can be checked here. If you have a college education (bachelor's, master's, Ph.D., etc.), possess a skilled trade (e.g., plumber, steelworker, pipefitter, heavy equipment operator), or work as a doctor, you are likely to be approved. Express Entry provides a lifetime approval, meaning you can wait to relocate to Canada at any later point in time, allowing you to move at your own pace.

2. Family Sponsorship: If you have relatives in Canada, including your spouse, partner, children, parents, grandparents, and others, they can sponsor your immigration to Canada.

3. Provincial Nominees: Each Canadian province or territory can nominate immigrants based on their own criteria. If accepted through this pathway, you will be required to live and work in the sponsoring province. The provinces and territories currently participating are Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and Yukon.

4. Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers: Quebec has its own requirements separate from the provincial nominee program. Fluency in French is generally necessary for eligibility.

5. Atlantic Immigration Program: Graduating from a school or working in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, or Newfoundland and Labrador can qualify you for this program. It offers more flexible requirements compared to the regular provincial nominee program.

6. Caregivers: Providing care for children, the elderly, or individuals with medical needs, or working as a live-in caregiver can lead to permanent residency. Canada currently has a shortage of caregivers, making this an attractive pathway for residency for those who are not eligible for express entry.

7. Start-up Visa: If you start or invest in a new business in Canada, particularly in the tech startup sector, you can gain permanent residency. The legitimacy of the business will be reviewed. Please note that this option is not suitable for new small businesses or self-employed individuals.

8. Self-employed: This pathway is designed for individuals engaged in cultural or athletic activities who work for themselves. It is most commonly used by former professional actors or athletes and may not apply to most applicants.

9. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: This pilot program allows small, shrinking rural communities to sponsor immigrants. It will open to permanent resident applicants later in 2019. Review the requirements to determine if your job experience aligns with their criteria.

10. Agri-Food Pilot: This pathway is specific to working in certain agri-food industries and occupations, primarily targeting agricultural workers. It may not be suitable for most immigrants.

11. Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway: A limited-time pathway designed for certain temporary residents currently working in Canada and their families. To be eligible, you must already have a job in Canada that sponsors you on a temporary basis.

12. Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot: This pilot program enables eligible skilled refugees to immigrate through economic permanent residence pathways.

13. Refugees: This pathway is available for individuals seeking asylum or refuge. It may be relevant to members of the LGBT+ community who can demonstrate that remaining in the US poses safety risks. It is crucial to assess the suitability of this option based on the current political situation in the US, as it may evolve over time.

14. Francophone Immigration: If you wish to live, work, or study in French in a Francophone community outside Quebec, this pathway may be suitable. Fluency in French or a desire to learn the language is necessary.

Citizenship by Descent:

If your parents are Canadian citizens who were born in Canada you are probably eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent.

While it has it’s challenges immigrating to Canada is accessible to many US citizens. Understanding the available pathways and their respective requirements is crucial. Remember to conduct thorough research, stay updated on any changes to immigration rules, and consider consulting a Canadian immigration lawyer for personalized advice.