How Canadians Can Move to the U.S.: A 2024 U.S. Immigration Guide

The U.S. offers several visa options that can enable Canadians to live, work, and start businesses in the country. Depending on your circumstances—whether you’re seeking employment, education, investment opportunities, or family reunification—you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa.

1. TN (Trade NAFTA) Visa

The TN visa is one of the most popular options for Canadians moving to the U.S. under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). The TN visa allows qualified Canadian professionals to work in the U.S. for a U.S. employer in specific fields, such as law, engineering, and healthcare.

• Eligibility: Must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in one of the approved fields.
• Validity: The visa is valid for up to three years and can be renewed.
• Application Process: Canadians can apply for TN status at a U.S. port of entry or through USCIS.

For more detailed information, check out Canada to USA Working in the USA.

2. H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations)

The H-1B visa is for professionals with specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher in fields such as IT, engineering, or medicine. H-1B visas are capped annually, so competition for this visa can be stiff.

• Eligibility: Requires a job offer from a U.S. employer that meets the specialized occupation requirements.
• Validity: Valid for up to three years, extendable for another three years.
• Application Process: The employer must file a petition on behalf of the foreign worker through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

For details on eligibility, visit the U.S. Immigration Services (USCIS).

3. L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transfer)

The L-1 visa allows employees of multinational companies to transfer to their U.S. office. It is especially useful for managers, executives, and specialists who have been working for the company for at least a year.

• Eligibility: Must be employed in a managerial or executive role at a multinational company.
• Validity: Valid for up to three years, with possible extensions.
• Application Process: The U.S. company files a petition with USCIS, and the employee applies for the visa at a U.S. consulate.

4. E-2 Investor Visa

The E-2 visa is designed for individuals looking to make a substantial investment in a U.S. business. Canadians who want to start a business or purchase an existing one may qualify for this visa. The E-2 visa does not provide permanent residency, but it can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains operational.

• Eligibility: Must invest a substantial amount in a U.S. business (typically $100,000+).
• Validity: Initial visa is valid for up to two years, with unlimited renewals.
• Application Process: Submit an application with proof of investment and business viability to a U.S. consulate.

For more information on starting a business, visit Starting a U.S. Business.

5. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

The EB-5 visa allows Canadians to obtain a green card by making a substantial investment in a U.S. business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. The minimum investment amount is $1.05 million, or $800,000 in targeted employment areas (rural or high-unemployment areas).

• Eligibility: Must invest in a U.S. business that creates jobs.
• Validity: Grants permanent residency after approval.
• Application Process: Submit an I-526 petition through USCIS along with evidence of the investment and job creation plan.

For more on investment visas, visit Canada to U.S. Immigration.

To work in the U.S., many visas require employer sponsorship. While some visas, such as the TN, don’t require formal sponsorship, others like the H-1B and L-1 visas do. Here’s how Canadians can find U.S. employers who sponsor visas.

1. Job Search Platforms with Visa Sponsorship Filters

Several job search platforms allow candidates to filter job listings by companies that sponsor visas. Some of the most popular platforms include:

• LinkedIn: Use filters to search for employers offering visa sponsorship.
• Indeed: Add “visa sponsorship” to your job search keywords.
• Glassdoor: Look for company reviews that mention visa sponsorship.

2. Networking and Professional Associations

Networking can be an excellent way to connect with U.S. employers willing to sponsor Canadian workers. Join professional associations in your field, attend industry conferences, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn to explore job opportunities.

3. Multinational Companies

Multinational corporations with offices in both Canada and the U.S. often have established visa sponsorship programs. These companies may be more likely to sponsor visas for skilled Canadians looking to relocate to their U.S. offices. Some top multinational employers in the U.S. include:

• Amazon
• Google
• Microsoft
• Deloitte
• IBM

4. Industry-Specific Job Portals

Many industries, such as tech, healthcare, and engineering, have job portals dedicated to positions that sponsor foreign workers. These platforms allow you to search for high-demand jobs that come with visa sponsorship.

Certain industries in the U.S. have a higher demand for foreign workers, especially those with specialized skills and qualifications. Here are some of the high-demand sectors actively recruiting Canadian professionals:

1. Information Technology (IT)

The U.S. tech industry, particularly in regions like Silicon Valley, has a high demand for software developers, engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts. Companies in this sector are often open to sponsoring foreign workers through H-1B and L-1 visas.

2. Healthcare

The U.S. healthcare system consistently faces shortages in skilled labor, such as doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and healthcare administrators. Hospitals and medical facilities are keen to sponsor foreign workers, particularly under TN and H-1B visas.

3. Engineering

Engineering fields, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and aerospace, are always in demand in the U.S. Large firms specializing in construction, infrastructure development, and manufacturing are open to sponsoring Canadians through various visa options.

4. Finance

Canadians with expertise in financial analysis, investment banking, and accounting may find job opportunities in the U.S., particularly in major financial hubs like New York. TN and H-1B visas are common routes for financial professionals.

5. Education and Research

Academic institutions in the U.S. frequently hire professors, researchers, and Ph.D. holders from Canada. Academic professionals can apply for O-1 or TN visas, depending on their field of expertise.

Starting or investing in a U.S. business can open doors to living in the U.S. through investor visas like the E-2 and EB-5 programs.

1. E-2 Visa: Starting a Business in the U.S.

The E-2 visa is a great option for Canadians looking to start a small to mid-sized business in the U.S. The visa requires a “substantial investment,” which is generally around $100,000 or more. Canadians can establish businesses in various industries, such as retail, consulting, technology, or hospitality.

• Industries to Consider: Tech startups, restaurants, franchises, or real estate development.
• Key Requirement: The business must generate income beyond supporting the investor and their family, and it must benefit the U.S. economy.

For more information on the E-2 visa process, visit Canada to USA Starting a U.S. Business.

2. EB-5 Visa: Permanent Residency Through Investment

The EB-5 visa allows Canadians to invest a larger sum of capital in U.S. businesses, typically $1.05 million (or $800,000 in certain areas). This visa leads to permanent residency for the investor and their immediate family members. The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

• Industries to Consider: Real estate development, large-scale manufacturing, hospitality, or infrastructure projects.
• Key Requirement: The investment must be in a U.S. business that will create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. citizens or permanent residents. This visa is ideal for high-net-worth Canadians looking for a permanent solution to live and work in the U.S., as it eventually leads to a green card and long-term residency.
• Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs): Investors can reduce their minimum investment from $1.05 million to $800,000 by choosing to invest in TEAs, which include rural areas or regions with high unemployment rates.
• Key Requirement: Job creation must be directly linked to the business venture, and investors need to provide detailed business plans and financial projections to the USCIS.

For detailed guidance on the EB-5 visa, visit Canada to U.S. Immigration.

Franchising is another attractive route for Canadians looking to move to the U.S. under the E-2 visa. Franchises come with an established brand, proven business model, and built-in customer base, which reduces the risk compared to starting a business from scratch. Popular industries for franchising include fast food, fitness centers, cleaning services, and retail.

• Benefits of Franchising: Easier access to loans and financial support, established systems, and potential for faster profitability.
• Requirements: Similar to other E-2 visa businesses, the franchise must generate enough revenue to support the investor and create jobs for U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

While moving to the U.S. comes with exciting opportunities, there are also challenges that Canadians need to be aware of. U.S. immigration processes can be complex and lengthy, and finding the right visa option may require significant research and legal guidance. Here are some of the top considerations for Canadians relocating to the U.S.:

1. Immigration Lawyer Assistance

Given the complexities of U.S. immigration laws, working with an experienced immigration lawyer can streamline the visa process. Lawyers can help you choose the right visa, ensure your paperwork is in order, and represent your case with USCIS or U.S. consulates.

For more information on the immigration process, visit Canada to U.S. Immigration.

2. Tax Implications

Canadians moving to the U.S. must consider tax implications on both sides of the border. Once you become a U.S. resident, you may be subject to U.S. taxes on your worldwide income. However, there is a Canada-U.S. tax treaty to prevent double taxation, and you can take advantage of tax credits and deductions.

• Dual Taxation Considerations: You’ll need to file tax returns in both Canada and the U.S. if you still maintain ties to Canada.
• Professional Advice: Consult with a cross-border tax specialist to ensure you’re in compliance with both countries’ tax laws.

3. Healthcare

Unlike in Canada, healthcare in the U.S. is largely privatized, meaning you’ll need health insurance to cover medical costs. If you’re moving for work, your employer may offer health insurance benefits. However, if you’re moving on an investor visa or without employment, you’ll need to purchase private health insurance.

• Cost of Healthcare: Healthcare in the U.S. can be significantly more expensive than in Canada, so it’s crucial to have adequate insurance coverage.
• Insurance Options: Private insurance providers offer various plans that cover medical expenses, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace also provides insurance options for residents.

4. Banking and Finances

Moving to the U.S. will likely require you to open a U.S. bank account and establish credit. Canadian credit history typically doesn’t transfer to the U.S., so you may need to start building a new credit profile. Many Canadian banks have U.S. affiliates, which can help simplify the process.

• Establishing Credit: Apply for a U.S. credit card and use it responsibly to start building credit.
• Transferring Money: Consider using cross-border banking services offered by institutions like RBC and TD, which allow easy transfers between Canadian and U.S. accounts.

Moving to the U.S. as a Canadian offers a wealth of opportunities, from advancing your career to starting a business in one of the world’s largest economies. However, the immigration process can be complex and time-consuming, requiring careful planning, legal assistance, and consideration of various visa options.

Whether you’re moving for employment, investing in a U.S. business, or looking to start a new life south of the border, the U.S. offers multiple pathways to achieving your goals. By understanding the visa requirements, exploring job opportunities, and researching investment possibilities, you can position yourself for a successful transition to life in the U.S.

For more resources and guidance, visit the following pages:

• Canada to USA Immigration
• Moving to the USA
• Working in the USA
• Starting a U.S. Business
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

With the right planning and resources, your move to the U.S. as a Canadian can be a smooth and rewarding journey into new opportunities and experiences.