How to Immigrate to Canada from the United States?
If you are preparing for moving to Canada from the US then you have many options to apply for Canadian permanent residence, while President Donald Trumps keeps intensifying his anti-immigration policy as before.
The Covid-19 pandemic has also caused Canada to limit its immigration during the crisis, however, it seems that the regular immigration pattern will steadily grow as before once the country is practically and economically viable to do so.
Before the coronavirus outbreak, the Government of Canada had released its immigration levels plan which aims to welcome more than 1.1 million immigrants to apply for permanent residency until 2022. Although the COVID-19 pandemic seems to affect these figures now, the near future definitely promises many opportunities for those who plan to move to Canada from the US and as well as all over the world.
If you are thinking about moving from the US to Canada, then the first thing before applying for Canadian permanent residence is to evaluate yourself to see which programs give you the best opportunities for success.
How can I immigrate to Canada from the US?
In general, you have the following options:
- Canada Federal Economic Class programs.
- Provincial Economic Class Pathway.
- Quebec Immigration.
- Business Immigration, and as well as the Start-Up Visa Program for entrepreneurs.
- Get your temporary residence first, and then apply to permanent through transition.
- Come to Canada through the Family Class Sponsorship programs.
Federal Economic Class
Federal Economic Class programs bring the largest number of newcomers to Canada under its economy class. It is expected that the number of total newcomers to Canada under the federal economic class immigration programs will exceed 200,000 in category during the next 3 years of time.
Federal High Skilled Category is the largest group withing economic class. You may consider a number of immigration streams when thinking about moving to Canada from the US to get permanent residency.
A brief look at Canada’s Federal Economic Class Streams
- Federal Skilled Worker
- Federal Skilled Trades
- Canada Experience Class
The Express Entry program is Canada’s main federal economic class immigration system. Besides, many Canadian provinces also take the same approach and create a pathway that aligned with the Express Entry.
If you want to immigrate with the Express Entry, then you must have an active profile in the system. Following the successful registration, the highest-ranking candidates receive invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residency through one of the programs listed below. Once you receive an invitation, you will have 60 days to submit a full application.
If you want to move Canada from the US through the Express Entry system, you must meet certain criteria in order to become eligible for the selection. Moving to Canada from US requirements certain factors like candidate’s age, education, skilled work experience, and as well as language skills.
How does Express Entry work?
- Create a profile and enter Express Entry Pool.
- Receive an ITA if you meet the lowest score according to the CRS.
- Submit a full application within 60 days.
- Move to Canada from the USA permanently.
Since the selection of candidates is based on a scoring system, you can increase your CRS score by having a job offer from a Canadian employer, which can help you to add 50 to 200 points towards your profile.
Many Canadian provinces also run immigration streams aligned with the Express Entry program which allows skilled foreign workers to be selected from the pool.
Having a provincial nomination certificate will add an additional 600 points to your profile which effectively guarantees to receive ITA for permanent residence.
Candidates in the US, who meet the criteria shown above, can apply through the Express Entry, which is the fast way to move to Canada within 6 months after submission of full application following successful selection.
Moving to Canada from the US through Canada’s Provincial Programs
- Ontario Immigration
- Quebec Immigration
- Alberta Immigration
- British Columbia Immigration
- Manitoba Immigration
- New Brunswick Immigration
- Newfoundland Immigration
- Nova Scotia Immigration
- Saskatchewan Immigration
- Prince Edward Island Immigration
Some candidates may not be eligible for the federal economic program to immigrate to Canada from the United States. In this scenario, you may consider provincial streams for getting permanent residency in Canada from the US.
Every Canadian Province has its own immigration program, which aims to invite skilled workers to meet the demands of the local labor market.
Therefore, candidates with specific skills may consider applying through one of the provincial programs.
The province of Quebec has its own immigration system and manages its immigration levels and quota itself through its own streams.
Through the recently launched Expression of Interest system, applicants can register their profiles in the so-called Arima system which issues an invitation for permanent residence through periodic draws.
Business Immigration Programs to consider
In addition, Canada also has its business immigration programs which aim to invite entrepreneurs and investors, which many applications are received from those who applied from the US.
You may apply at the federal level which includes the following options:
- Self Employed Program
- Start-Up Visa Program
- Immigrant Investor Venture Capital (IIVC) Pilot Program
Start-Up Visa Program
Eligible immigrant entrepreneurs may apply for Canadian permanent residence by Start-Up Visa Program.
The goal of the program is to invite innovative entrepreneurs and link them with Canada’s private sector to help them start their business successfully.
Initially, applicants can come to Canada on a work permit which must be supported by Canada-based investor designated by IRCC. Following the launch of the business and running, candidates qualify for permanent residence.
Currently, Canada has three types of private-sector investor:
- Angel investor.
- Venture capital fund.
- Business incubator.
In march 2018 Canada changed the pilot program to a permanent pathway.
The province of Quebec also has its immigrant entrepreneur and self-employed programs.
A number of other provinces also have business programs to grant permanent residency from the United States.
However, Canadian provinces require candidates to spend more time in the country with their businesses as a temporary resident before becoming eligible to be nominated as a permanent resident.
Owner-Operator Business Immigration
If you are looking to move to Canada from the US, then you may also consider buying a business in Canada.
According to the federal owner-operator rule, candidates may transition to permanent residence further down the line after buying a business and coming to Canada on a temporary work permit.
The policy states that interested candidates must first transfer the most of his share ownership of an existing profitable business to Canada in order to be issued a permanent resident status.
How can I change to PR from TRV?
More and more immigrants coming to Canada on temporary resident permit transition their status to permanent residents.
Even during the COVID-19 crisis, Canada continues accepting skilled workers to priority occupations.
This method is one of the best ways for individuals living in the United States. Although the candidates don’t qualify for permanent residence immediately, the time spent in Canada is accounted for a permanent residence application.
Candidates get their work permits in Canada through these programs: Temporary Foreign Worker Program, International Mobility Program, and International Experience Canada Program.
If you are a caregiver, you may also apply through the specific stream for work permits and the transition to PR.
What Is Family Class Immigration?
USA citizens, whose family members are Canadian permanent residents, can come to Canada through the Family Class Sponsorship programs.
The following persons can be sponsored For Canada Immigration From The USA
- Spouse
- Common-Law partner
- Conjugal partner
- Dependent children
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Brothers or sisters, nephews or nieces, granddaughters or grandsons who are orphaned, under 18 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship
What Are The Requirements?
- Sponsors must be 18 years of age or older.
- The sponsor and the individual, who is sponsored, must sign a sponsorship agreement which confirms that the sponsor will provide financial support for the sponsored person if required. According to this agreement, the sponsored person must take every opportunity to help him or her support.
- Sponsors are required to provide financial support for a spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner during the 3 years period from the date they become Canadian permanent residents.
- Besides, as a sponsor, you need to financially support a dependent child for 10 years, or until the child turns 25, whichever comes first.
1