Immigrate to Canada from the US

Canada’s healthcare system, economic model, multi-cultural community, and the fact that it is one of those few countries that has successfully flattened the curve of coronavirus cases, has made it one of the most sought after countries for migration in 2024.

With excellent facilities and a friendly immigration system, it is not surprising that Canada has surpassed even the US as one of the favourite countries to migrate to for many folks worldwide.

Read along to know how you can immigrate to Canada from the US.

Eligibility Criteria for Migrating to Canada from the US?

US citizens do not need any visa or eTA for a temporary visit to Canada’s immigration. Any valid travel document, like a passport, is enough for travelling to Canada.   

Let us see the eligibility criteria for both these programs.

1. Express Entry

The most popular Canadian permanent residency visa program, the Express Entry. 

The Express Entry system has three main categories:

• Federal Skilled Worker
• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Trades

Here are the eligibility criteria for the FSW Program:

Apart from these requirements, you must also have a good CRS score to ensure that you are Invited to Apply for a Canadian PR by the immigration authorities of Canada.

Note: If you have been working in an IT or Medical field in the U.S for a few years, then scoring a high CRS score will be, without a doubt, much easier for you as compared to those applying from other nations.

Also Read: USA H1B Vs. Canada PR – Which One Is Better and Why?

2. USMCA

US citizens have an all-new migration program, the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), to choose for migrating to Canada.

USMCA Professional

• Must be a citizen of either the US or Mexico 
• Must be qualified in any of the specified professions 
• Must have been selected by a company, or invited to apply from any of the specified fields 
• Self-employment is not eligible 

USMCA Intra Company Transfers

• Must be a citizen of either the US or Mexico 
• Must have been in continuous employment in the company for at least one  year (in the past three years) 
• Must be legally employed in the current company while applying 
• Must be either in a managerial role or in a field of specialization

USMCA Traders and Investors

• Must be a citizen of either the US or Mexico 
• Must be involved in substantial trade activities in goods or services 
• The trade must be primarily between the US/Mexico and Canada 
• Must be from a US or Mexican company 
• Must be entering Canada only for developing the business 
• Must be in a supervisory or executive position or with essential skills

To know about the eligibility criteria for other types of visas for Canadian Immigration talk to our experts at Kansas. 

How to Immigrate to Canada from the US?

If you are applying under the Express Entry system in Canada then you need to follow this procedure:

Step 1: Check your eligibility

To check your eligibility for a PR visa application in Canada take an online test to check if you meet the minimum requirements. 

Check if you are eligible!

Step 2: Keep documents ready

Keep the above-mentioned documents necessary for a Canadian PR visa application. 

 Step 3: Submit your profile

You must provide all information about yourself in your Express Entry profile. 

• If your profile is shortlisted, then you will be added to the pool of candidates.
• Based on the information you provide, you will be ranked in the Express Entry pool using the CRS points system.

Calculate your CRS Score

Step 4: Receive an invitation

If your CRS score is amongst the highest in the pool of candidates then you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

• The ITA is a mandatory step towards the permanent residence visa because you can apply for a PR under Express Entry only if you receive an ITA.
• Once you get the ITA, you will have 90 days to apply for permanent residence.

Step 5: Apply for permanent residence

To finally apply for a permanent residence visa you must follow these six easy steps:

• Fill the online form
• Upload documents
• Payment of fees
• Submit application

If any of the above is not done then the application won’t be accepted by the system.

Need expert help on your Canada visa application? Let us guide you.

Book a free consultation

Documents Required for Migrating to Canada from the US

The documents necessary for a Canadian PR visa application are:

• Passport 
• Travel Documents 
• Language Proficiency Test Results
• ECA Report
• Provincial Nomination (if applicable)
• Job Offer Application
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Medical Certificate
• Proof of Funds 

How much does it Cost to Migrate to Canada from the US?

The cost of migration to Canada depends on the type of visa you are opting for. 

Here’s a list of different programs used for immigration services to enter Canada and the cost for each:

Note: The fee structure of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is different for each province. 

Processing Time for Immigration Visas to Canada from the US

The average processing time of the Express Entry programs to Canada is 6 months.

Types of Visas for Immigration to Canada from USA

Skilled workers have their work cut out when it comes to migrating to Canada because the process of applying for permanent residency in Canada is relatively easier. 

You can immigrate to Canada in one of the following ways:

1. Express Entry System

If you want to move and get a  Canada permanent resident status card, you should opt for this visa category. Here are some highlights of the Express Entry system:

• One of the fastest and most structured systems of immigration
• A points-based online immigration system
• Provides workforce of skilled workers to the Canadian labour market

Express Entry System has the following programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Trades Program

The points-based system on which the Express Entry System is modelled around is called the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System).

Applicants are given points by the CRS based on their age, education, work experience, English or French language proficiency, adaptability, invitation for employment, etc.

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Canada has provinces instead of states. And these provinces also have the right to decide on migrant applications. This category is called the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), almost all provinces in Canada can:

• Invite applications from skilled migrant workers.
• Nominate applicants for permanent residency in Canada.

There are two ways by which you can get a PR in Canada via the Provincial Nominee Program:

A. Express Entry PNP:

This subcategory of the Provincial Nominee Programs works in association with the Federal Express Entry System.

In this subcategory, a visa applicant is selected by the PNP from the Express Entry pool. The applicant is notified about the same by the PNP of the particular province.

If an applicant is selected under this program, he or she gets an additional 600 CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) points in Express Entry.

These points eventually make the applicant eligible for ITA (issued to highest-ranking candidates in a round of interview) by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada).                         

B. Occupation in Demand PNP:

This subcategory is also for skilled migrants. The applicant must meet the requirements of skills and experience of an occupation that is in demand in a certain province.

A province publishes a list of demanding occupations and invites applications from migrants under PNP.

If the applicant is selected for nomination then he or she can directly apply for PR in Canada.

Please note that the process of immigration is complicated. Take proper guidance before you plan to apply for immigration.

Talk to an Expert

3. Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is an immigration program of the Quebec province in Canada.

• If an applicant is selected under this program, he or she will receive a CSQ (Quebec Selection Certificate).
• This certificate eventually makes the applicant eligible to apply for the Canadian PR visa directly at the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada).                   

4. Family Sponsorship

You can sponsor certain relatives under the Family sponsorship program to join you in Canada. To be eligible to sponsor relatives you must be:

• A Canadian citizen
• Registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
• Permanent resident of Canada

You will have a family reunification Your relatives will be allowed to live, work, and study in Canada under the Family sponsorship program.

5. Atlantic Immigration Pilot

This program helps employers in Atlantic Canada to hire two types of individuals:

• Foreign skilled workers who wish to immigrate to Atlantic Canada.
• International graduates who wish to stay in Atlantic Canada after graduation.

Note: The IRCC has announced a 2-year extension of this program on the 1^st of March 2019. 

6. Start-Up Visa

This category is for those entrepreneurs who wish to immigrate to Canada for:

• Starting a business and creating jobs
• Support innovative entrepreneurs in Canada

7. Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot

This is a community-driven program designed to create a way for foreign skilled workers who wish to work and live in one of the participating communities to obtain permanent residence.

8. Caregivers

The IRCC offers both, permanent residence and temporary work for caregivers. As a caregiver, you can apply for permanent residence under the following programs:

• Home Child Care Provider
• Home Support Worker

Candidates must meet eligibility requirements and must have a job offer in one of these programs.

9. Self-Employed

Under this program, any self employed individual can apply for permanent residency to living in Canada. To be eligible for this program an applicant must:

• Have experience in athletics or cultural activities.
• Be capable of making a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada.      

10. Agri-Food Pilot

The labour needs of the Canadian agri-food sector are addressed through this program. This program allows experienced, non-seasonal workers from specific industries and occupations to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

11. USMCA (for US & Mexican nationals)

The USMCA stands for the United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement. It is a free trade agreement between the three nations. Here are some highlights of the USMCA (for US & Mexican nationals):

A work permit under USMCA makes you eligible:

• For a Canadian PR visa
• For additional CRS points under the Express Entry System

Candidates can apply for a work permit under the following subcategories:

• USMCA Professional
• USMCA Intra Company Transfers
• USMCA Traders and Investors

Other Important FAQs

Do you need an eTA to fly to Canada from the US?

The US is one such visa-exempt country from the list. Only lawful permanent residents from the US need an eTA ((Electronic Travel Authorization) to fly or transit through Canada. The eTA is linked to your passport and is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires.

What is the minimum number of points required for Canada Express Entry 2024?

You must have a minimum score of 67 points out of 100 in the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) to be eligible for applying under the Canadian Express Entry system 2024.

Is IELTS compulsory for moving to Canada from the US?

No, The IELTS test is not compulsory for moving to Canada from the US. 

Has the coronavirus pandemic affected Immigration to Canada?

Yes,  Authorities in Canada have implemented few restrictions in the migration process.

The IRCC has made it mandatory for all fliers to undergo 14-day quarantine irrespective of your test results at the port. 

Conclusion

More and more immigrants, especially Indians are migrating to Canada from the US in the past few years. The reason behind this being,

• Unlike the US, you don't need an employee sponsor to move to Canada
• No stability in the US, due to changing immigration policies
• It can take a lifetime of waiting to get a Green Card status in the U.S.
• Canada has a much safer and immigrant-friendly environment
• It is easier to plan a future with family as a Canada PR holder
• Free healthcare benefits and faster road to Canadian Citizenship

Lastly, Canada has easy immigration policies that allow you to make a switch to Canada from the US within 6 months via the Express Entry route!

Need expert advice and guidance with your move to Canada? We can help!

Book a free consultation

How Can Kansas Help?

Kansas Overseas Careers specializes in Permanent Residency Visas, Work Visas, Study Visas, Temporary visas, and Dependent Visas to Canada, UK, USA, Germany, and Hong Kong. 

Apart from these services, Kansas offers its clients personalized services such as:

• Profile Evaluation: Professional guidance based on an in-depth assessment of the client profile to determine the chances of visa success. 
• Documents & Review: Detailed, error-free documentation based on the visa type drafted to meet specific formats.
• Dedicated Case Officer: A dedicated consultant to assist clients throughout the process.
• Visa Filing: Kansas ensures that the visa applications meet all the standard requirements of concerned immigration authorities and governing bodies.
• Test Preparations: Complimentary online courses are offered to help aspirants improve their Language Proficiency for important exams like IELTS, French, TOEFL, and PTE.
• Visa & Interview: Guidance is provided for aspirants attending visa interviews along with verified documents.  
• Post-Landing Service: Kansas helps clients settle down in the new country with a comfortable stay after they have received their visas.

Additional services offered to job-seekers:

• Resume Writing: Dedicated team of resume experts to craft the best resumes that meet prerequisites of immigration authorities and potential employers. This greatly improves their chances of selection.
• Profile Marketing: Kansas is well-known for creating the best-in-class portfolios that boost applicant profiles in job-portals. And yes, this is a complimentary service!

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