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United States to Canada
Immigrate to Canada from the USA
A move across the border needs a clear immigration plan. Explore work permits, permanent residence, family sponsorship and business options with Chris Brown.
A free 15-minute conversation about your needs and next steps.
Clear advice. Direct support.
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Start with what you want to do in Canada
Are you relocating for a job, joining a Canadian partner, expanding a business, or exploring a longer-term move? The right starting point is different in each case. We help you separate a temporary stay from the route you may need for permanent residence.
Living in the United States does not necessarily mean you are a U.S. citizen. Tell us your citizenship, U.S. immigration status and any Canadian status so we can assess the appropriate rules.
Working in Canada: CUSMA, LMIA and other routes
CUSMA professionals
Qualifying U.S. citizens in listed professions may have an LMIA-exempt work permit route. The occupation, qualifications and proposed Canadian work must fit the category.
Business transfers
Intra-company transfers, traders and investors have their own conditions. Owning a U.S. company alone does not establish eligibility.
Other job offers
Where no exemption applies, an employer may need an LMIA before the worker applies for a work permit. A job offer is the beginning of the assessment, not work authorization.
CUSMA is also known as USMCA in the United States. It facilitates specified temporary business activities; it is not a general right for every American to work in Canada. Read about LMIA exemptions or employer LMIA applications.
Official guidance: IRCC CUSMA guidance.
Planning a permanent move from the US
Express Entry manages skilled-worker applications, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program. Your eligibility and invitation prospects need separate assessment. Explore Express Entry.
A Provincial Nominee Program may be relevant if your experience and plans fit a province’s current stream. Compare provincial nomination options.
If you have an eligible Canadian spouse or partner, family sponsorship may be the more relevant starting point. We can review the relationship evidence and application route rather than assuming a work permit must come first.
Official guidance: Express Entry · PNP · family sponsorship.
Visiting, studying and business planning
U.S. citizens do not normally need a visitor visa or eTA. U.S. lawful permanent residents have separate travel-document rules. Permission to enter as a visitor does not itself authorize Canadian employment. Check the documents for your actual status before travelling.
If education is the purpose of your move, consider the academic fit and total costs before using study as an immigration strategy. Most foreign nationals need a study permit for studies at a designated learning institution. Explore studying in Canada.
Business owners should review the proposed Canadian activities, corporate relationship and role before committing to a lease or starting operations. Explore business immigration support.
Official guidance: entry documents · study permits.
What to bring to your first conversation
- Your citizenship, U.S. status and intended Canadian destination.
- A résumé with job duties and employment dates.
- Any Canadian job offer or business-expansion outline.
- Your partner’s citizenship or Canadian status, if relevant.
- Previous Canadian applications, refusals and proposed timing.
We will explain which immigration issues need review first. Cross-border tax, investment and estate planning should be addressed with appropriately qualified advisers alongside your immigration plan.
Questions about your move
Can I move to Canada just because I am American?
No. U.S. citizenship can affect travel requirements and access to particular work permit categories, but a long-term move still needs an appropriate immigration route.
Can a CUSMA work permit lead to permanent residence?
It may form part of a longer-term plan, but permanent residence is a separate application. We assess that possibility before you rely on the temporary work permit.
Do you work with clients who are still in the US?
Yes. Consultations are online, so you can discuss your plans with Chris before moving or making major commitments.
Your consultant
Clear advice from Chris.
I’m Chris Brown, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. I help you understand the options, the evidence you need and the questions to resolve before applying.
We work online with clients in USA and across Canada. Start with a conversation about your goals; we will explain the proposed scope and professional fees before you decide to proceed.
RCIC #R528923 · Verify my licence with the College
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Let’s plan your next step.
Tell Chris what you hope to do in Canada and where you are starting from. We will help clarify the immigration questions to address first.