How To Move to Canada from the US: The Visa Options

Highly skilled immigrants looking to move from the United States to Canada have several visa options to consider, overseen by the Canadian government, depending on their qualifications, employment status, and personal circumstances. Here are some of the key visas and programs available:

The Express Entry System:

There are three different programs available for immigrants looking to move to Canada with the Express Entry System. Here are the options and their eligibility requirements.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):

This program is for skilled workers with at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience in a skilled occupation.

Eligibility

In addition to English and French language requirements, secondary education requirements, and proof of sufficient funds, relevant work experience is a mandatory requirement. All of the Express Entry pathways are a points-based system. You can check your points score here.

Applicants need at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation within the last 10 years. Work experience should be in a job listed in the NOC matrix. It must also match the job description listed in the NOC.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):

This program is for skilled workers interested in becoming Canadian permanent residents and who have work experience and qualifications in a specific technical trade as defined by the NOC.

Eligibility

To apply, you must have at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work experience) in a skilled trade within the 5 years before you apply. Your previous employment must meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the National Occupational Classification (NOC.) Your previous work experience only counts if you were qualified to practice that trade where you got your work experience.

You must also have a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least 1 year or a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority. In addition, you must meet the minimum language requirements in either English or French.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC):

This is a pathway to permanent residency designed for individuals who have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.

Eligibility

Express Entry manages applications for these programs and ranks candidates based on education, work experience, and language proficiency in English and/or French. Candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residence. You can check your points score here.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):

Many Canadian provinces and territories have their own PNP streams that target skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and other professionals who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of that specific province or territory.

PNPs often have streams aligned with Express Entry, where candidates with provincial nominations receive additional points towards their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, increasing their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Eligibility

Each province has its criteria for what they are looking for in a candidate. However, almost all have criteria including:

• Relevant work experience in an occupation that is in demand in the province.
• Educational qualifications that align with the needs of the province.
• Competency in English or French, depending on the province.
• An intention to live and work in the province where you’re applying.

You might need to express interest in a province’s PNP by creating an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile or application. If the province is interested in your profile, you will receive a provincial nomination.

After receiving a provincial nomination, you need to apply to the federal government for permanent residency. You’ll need to pass medical and criminal background checks and demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada. Submit the required documents and application forms to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Intra-Company Transfer:

Highly skilled workers who are employed by a multinational company that has a subsidiary, branch, or affiliate in Canada may be eligible for an intra-company transfer work permit. This permit allows them to work in Canada temporarily while they gain Canadian work experience, which can potentially lead to permanent residence.

Eligibility

There are both employer and employee requirements. The Canadian and foreign companies must have a qualifying relationship, such as being a parent company, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate. This relationship must be well-documented, typically through business records or legal agreements. Both foreign and Canadian companies must be actively doing business for at least one year.

The employee must be transferred to a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge position. The employee must have worked for the foreign company for at least one year out of the last three years in a similar managerial-level role. The employee must also work for the foreign company during the transfer and must have a continued employment relationship with the foreign company.

To apply, a formal job offer from the Canadian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate is required. This job offer should detail the position, job duties, and compensation.

Startup Visa Program

As mentioned earlier, the Startup Visa Program allows entrepreneurs who have the support of a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator to establish a startup in Canada. Successful applicants and their families can obtain permanent residence.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Startup Visa program, your business idea must be supported by the designated organization, demonstrating its potential for growth and job creation in Canada. You must then secure a commitment from a designated organization in Canada and obtain a Letter of Support to include with your application.

Spousal Sponsorship:

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouses or common-law partners to immigrate to Canada. A Canadian citizen can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for Canadian permanent resident status, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Spousal sponsorship allows the sponsored spouse to obtain permanent residence.

Eligibility

Both the sponsor and the spouse in question have eligibility requirements. Both must be over the age of 18 and meet the relationship requirements. That means they prove that they are in a genuine relationship and that they are either:

• Legally married to the sponsor
• Living together in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months
• Have been in a relationship for at least one year, but have been unable to live together due to significant legal or immigration barriers.

The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. If the sponsor is a permanent resident, they must be residing in Canada or show that they intend to return to Canada when their spouse/partner arrives.

The sponsor must also demonstrate the ability to support their spouse or partner financially. In most cases, there are no minimum income requirements for spousal sponsorships, but the sponsor must not be receiving social assistance (except for disability) and must agree to financially support their spouse or partner.

Study Permits leading to Post-Graduation Work Permits:

Highly skilled individuals, after completing their studies in Canada with a study permit, can then apply for a post-graduation work permit. This post-graduation work permit allows them to work in Canada for a period equal to the length of their study program, up to a maximum of three years.

Eligibility

To apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, you must have completed a program of study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada that was at least 8 months in duration and led to a diploma, degree, or certificate. You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving confirmation (transcript, official letter) that you have completed your program.

You must prove that you studied full-time during the academic sessions of your program unless you were on an authorized leave. You should have had valid temporary resident status (as a student) when you applied for the PGWP.

Moving to Canada from the US with a Green Card

Moving to Canada from the United States with a Green Card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card) involves navigating Canadian immigration processes separate from those in the United States.

If you are highly skilled, consider applying through the Express Entry system, which manages applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Many Canadian provinces and territories have their immigration programs (PNPs) that target specific skills and job opportunities. Some PNPs are aligned with Express Entry, offering additional points to candidates with provincial nominations.

Moving to Canada from the US for H-1B professionals

Moving to Canada from the US as an H-1B professional involves navigating Canadian immigration processes distinct from those in the United States.

Many Canadian provinces and territories have Provincial NPs that target specific skills and occupations. Having a valid job offer can provide significant advantages, such as additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System for the Express Entry immigration system. Some PNPs have streams aligned with Express Entry, offering additional points to candidates with provincial nominations.

Check your eligibility to move your U.S job to Canada on H-1B.

Moving to Canada from the US with Day 1 CPT

Moving to Canada from the US with Day 1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training) involves considerations specific to your immigration status and academic situation.

Day 1 CPT allows F-1 visa students to engage in paid internships or cooperative education jobs from the first day of the program start date. As it is a visa program based in the U.S., you cannot use it to apply for Canadian work visas. However, you can pursue visa applications such as the Express Entry System or apply for a student visa at a Canadian institution.

Moving to Canada from the US with an EB-1 or O-1 visa

Moving to Canada from the US with an EB-1 or O-1 visa involves navigating Canadian immigration processes, which are distinct from those in the United States. There are several Canadian visa options available depending on your background. The Entry Express provides three different options depending on candidates’ work experience, occupation, and education.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is for skilled workers with at least one year of full-time skilled work experience. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is for individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is for skilled workers with at least two years of experience within five years of their application.

Many Canadian provinces and territories have PNPs that target specific skills and occupations. Some PNPs have streams aligned with Express Entry, offering additional points to candidates with provincial nominations.

Moving to Canada from the US for Startup Founders in the U.S

Moving to Canada from the US as a startup founder involves navigating Canadian immigration pathways that cater to entrepreneurs and individuals looking to establish or expand their businesses. Here’s a guide on how you might approach this transition:

See if you meet the requirements for Canada’s Startup Visa Program. You must secure a commitment from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator that is approved to support entrepreneurs under the Startup Visa Program.

To qualify for the Startup Visa program, your business idea must be supported by the designated organization, demonstrating its potential for growth and job creation in Canada. You must secure a commitment from a designated organization in Canada and obtain a Letter of Support.

You might also be eligible for certain Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) under their Entrepreneur Streams. Some Canadian provinces and territories offer entrepreneur streams within their PNPs. These streams are designed for individuals who want to start or acquire a business in Canada and actively manage it. Apply directly to the province or territory offering an entrepreneur stream that aligns with your business plan and qualifications.