Americans Considering a Move to Canada Should Plan Ahead for Immigration Requirements
While U.S. passport holders are accustomed to traveling freely to Canada, those wishing to relocate there on a long-term basis must secure the proper immigration status. To live, work, or study in Canada, Americans will need the appropriate permits or visas.
There are three main immigration programs that U.S. citizens should explore when planning a move to Canada:
1. CUSMA/USMCA Professional Work Permits
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program
3. Canadian Experience Class
Legal Authorization to Work or Study in Canada
It is illegal for foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, to work or study in Canada without the proper authorization.
While U.S. citizens don’t need a visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, they do require permission to work or study in the country if they are not Canadian citizens.
There are two primary ways to gain legal status in Canada:
1. Temporary Permits, for specific work or study purposes;
2. Permanent Residency, which can be renewed indefinitely as long as you meet residency requirements.
CUSMA/USMCA Professional Work Permits
The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) offers U.S. citizens a significant advantage when seeking to work in Canada.
Under this agreement, U.S. professionals in certain fields can apply for an employer-specific work permit to practice their profession in Canada.
There are 63 eligible professions, spanning various fields such as management consulting, scientific research, technical roles, and healthcare.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, obtaining a CUSMA work permit can be an excellent pathway to securing legal authorization to work in Canada.
It’s important to note that your profession is defined by the specific duties you perform, not just your job title. Your profession will be classified under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, which determines your eligibility for a CUSMA work permit.
For U.S. citizens who do not work in one of the eligible CUSMA professions, there are alternative work permit options available.
These include the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and various permits under the International Mobility Program.
Since work permits are temporary, it’s important to renew your permit before it expires to maintain your legal work status in Canada.
If you fail to renew your work permit, you will be required to leave Canada once it expires, unless you obtain another form of legal status that allows you to stay in the country.
Obtaining Canadian Permanent Residency
Americans who wish to settle in Canada long-term may consider applying for Canadian permanent residency, which is similar to a U.S. green card.
Permanent residents in Canada enjoy many of the same rights as Canadian citizens, though there are some differences. As a permanent resident, you can:
- Live and work in any province
- Enroll in educational programs
- Access social services and provincial health insurance
- Work for any employer in Canada
After living in Canada for three years as a permanent resident and meeting other requirements, you can apply for Canadian citizenship.
How to Obtain Canadian Permanent Residency
To obtain permanent residency, you must first receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
One way to be invited is by qualifying for a federal economic immigration program. If eligible, you can become a candidate in the Express Entry pool—a system used by IRCC to manage applications for permanent residency.
Once in the Express Entry pool, candidates are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranking candidates are selected in regular draws held by IRCC.
Express Entry Programs for Americans Seeking Canadian Permanent Residency
Americans interested in obtaining Canadian permanent residency may want to explore two key Express Entry programs:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program
- The Canadian Experience Class
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
To qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, applicants must meet several criteria, including:
- Education
- Language proficiency
- Settlement funds
- Work experience
If you meet the eligibility requirements for the FSWP, you can enter the Express Entry pool. Being in the pool gives you the chance to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in periodic draws, provided you rank high enough based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) offers another pathway to permanent residency for those with Canadian work experience.
The requirements for the CEC are generally less stringent than those for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. The main eligibility criterion is having at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years.
Language Proficiency Requirement
In addition to meeting other eligibility criteria, you must also demonstrate proficiency in English or French to qualify for Canadian immigration programs.
For Americans moving to Canada on a work permit, such as a CUSMA Professional Work Permit, they will likely become eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) after gaining one year of skilled work experience in Canada.
Special Documents for Express Entry
When creating your Express Entry profile, there are two key documents that are essential to your application. You should prepare these in advance to ensure your profile is eligible:
1. Language Test Results
2. Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs)
To prove your language proficiency in either English or French, you must submit valid test results from an approved language testing provider. This requirement applies even if you are a native speaker of English or French—there are no exceptions.
If your education was completed outside of Canada, you will also need to provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an approved provider. An ECA compares your foreign educational credentials to Canadian standards to determine their equivalency.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Each Degree
You will need to provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for each degree or educational credential that you are using to support your application.
Using a Representative
You have the option to manage your own Express Entry profile and application, or you can choose to hire a representative to assist you.
If you decide to use a representative, it’s important to select one who is reputable. Additionally, you must complete specific forms to officially declare the use of a representative.
Failure to declare the use of a representative could result in the invalidation of your candidacy and/or application, potentially leading to a refusal.
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