Canadian immigration from the USA can be done through the different immigration programs and streams offered by the federal, provincial, or territorial governments in Canada, such as:
- Express Entry Process
- Entry via Canada – United States – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Work Permit
- Study Permit
- Business Immigration Program
- Spousal or Family Sponsorship
Each of these immigration programs has its own requirements. Additional conditions may be imposed upon immigrants under these programs until they become Canadian citizens.
Can US citizens get a Canadian permanent residency?
For a US citizen to be granted Canadian permanent resident status, one must enter and immigrate to Canada from the USA through any of the Canadian immigration programs or processes (e.g., Express Entry, PNP, sponsorship, or through study visa or work permit).
From there, a permanent resident can prepare to apply for citizenship in Canada. Permanent residency status is different from Canadian citizenship.
Get to know more about Canadian citizenship by marriage laws and procedures here.
Is it hard to get a Canadian visa from USA?
US citizens who want to enter Canada as visitors or tourists do not need a Canadian visa. However, if you (as a US citizen) plan to stay in Canada beyond 6 months, or depending on the specific Canadian immigration program you are planning to apply for, a specific visa may be needed.
Student Visa
A foreign national from the USA can choose to study in Canada as an international student. Before coming to Canada, you must first apply at a designated learning institution (DLI) to get an acceptance letter. This is required when applying for a student visa.
An international student will qualify for a student visa if they can prove that:
- they have already enrolled at a DLI and was issued an acceptance letter
- they have enough resources to cover their living expenses, tuition fees, and return expenses
- they have no criminal record
- they are in good health
Start-up Visa
The Start-up Visa Program is one of the programs offered by the federal government. Under this program, an interested entrepreneur, businessperson, or investor may enter, live, and work in Canada based on their ability and resources to create businesses and generate jobs in the country.
Any foreign national (including US citizens) who are interested in applying for a Start-up Visa must meet these requirements:
- have a qualifying business: a “qualifying business” is one that meets conditions on voting rights and business incorporation;
- have a letter of support from a designated organization: a “designated organization” is one that has been approved by the government to invest in or support a possible start-up;
- meet the language requirements: proficiency in English and/or French; and
- sufficient settlement money: proof of funds will depend on the size of your family
If you need help with applying for a Start-Up Visa, consult with an immigration lawyer in the province where you plan to put up your business. If you’re looking to move to Toronto, for example, speak with one of the best immigration lawyers in Ontario.
How long does it take for a US citizen to immigrate to Canada?
The period for completing Canadian immigration from the USA would depend on the program applied for. Here are the processing times once an application is submitted:
- Express Entry Process:
- Canadian Experience Class: 4 months for online applications
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: 26 months for online applications
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 10 months if through the Express Entry and 19 months if otherwise
- Work Permit: 6 weeks (with priority over essential workers such as agriculture, agri-food, and healthcare workers)
- Study Permit: 6 weeks
- Start-up Visa: 35 months
- Family Sponsorship: 25 months for parents or grandparents,
- Spousal Sponsorship: 16 months for spouses or common-law partners living outside Canada, and 14 months if they are already temporarily living in Canada
How much money does a US citizen need to immigrate from USA to Canada?
There are different costs and fees to consider when applying for a Canadian immigration program from the USA.
Application Fees
Application fees will depend on the Canadian immigration program that you are applying under. Fees are paid online. The application fees as of the year 2022 for payments from the USA are:
- Express Entry and PNP (non-Express Entry): C$1,365 (includes processing fee and right of permanent residence fee)
- Study Permit (including extensions): C$150 per student
- Work Permit (including extensions): C$155 per worker
- Start-up Visa: C$2,140 (inclusive of processing fee and right of permanent residence fee)
- Spousal Sponsorship: C$1,080 (inclusive of sponsorship fee, principal applicant processing fee, and right of permanent residence fee)
- If with a dependent child: C$155 per child
- Family Sponsorship:
- Any eligible relative (22 years old and above): C$1,080 (inclusive of sponsorship fee and principal applicant processing fee)
- If dependent child only: C$150 per child (inclusive of sponsorship fee and processing fee)
These fees will include biometrics fees, but only if required, costing C$85 per person.
Settlement Costs
You must show proof that you and your family are economically stable when settling in Canada. It usually covers a period of 6 months, which is the period for you and your family to be “settled” in your jobs or studies. The settlement costs will depend on the size of your family:
- Single person: C$13,310
- A family of two: C$16,570
- A family of three: C$20,371
- A family of four: C$ 24,733
- A family of five: C$ 28,052
- A family of six: C$ 31,638
- A family of seven: C$ 35,224
Want to know more about Canadian immigration from the USA? Comment below or talk to the best immigration lawyers in Canada.