From work to study: How Americans can begin their Canadian journey

As yet another election cycle looms in the United States (U.S.), online data suggests that Americans and individuals residing in the U.S. are considering Canada as an immigration option,

Canada attracts a small but notable number of immigrants from the United States every year, many of whom are animated by political developments in their home country. So how can U.S. citizens (Americans) and those residing in the United States prepare for, and make the journey to Canada? CIC News has prepared the following guide to answer many of the most relevant questions.

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What is the easiest way to move to Canada from the United States?

There are a number of ways that citizens of the United States can move to Canada. These can broadly be broken down into:

temporary resident pathways; and
permanent resident/citizenship pathways.

Temporary resident pathways are usually tied to a sing purpose, function, or task that an individual has come to Canada for (i.e.: study permit, work permit, tourist visa, etc.). These pathways allow Americans to live and work and/or study in Canada for a temporary period.

Permanent resident pathways on the other hand allow Americans to become permanent residents of Canada, essentially giving them the ability to live and settle in Canada as they wish, while retaining their American citizenship. These pathways are sometimes (but not always) an option only after eligibility is built through a temporary resident pathway.

Lastly pathways to citizenship allow Americans to become Canadian citizens as well. American nationals can be dual citizens of both the United States and Canada simultaneously and need not give up one citizenship to attain the other.

What are common temporary resident pathways to Canada?

This question can be more specifically broken down by the kind of temporary resident status one might pursue: student and worker.

How can Americans move to Canada to study?

Each year, approximately 15,000 U.S. citizens choose to study in Canada, attracted by the high-quality education system and diverse cultural experiences. Canada boasts over 1,500 universities and colleges.

Once accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), Americans can apply for a study permit. This process involves submitting an acceptance letter, proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses, and a provincial attestation letter (PAL), which confirms that the student’s acceptance to an educational institution is recognized by the provincial or territorial government. Eligible international students in Canada can work up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and an unlimited number of hours during scheduled breaks (such as summer or winter vacation), helping to supplement their income and gain valuable work experience.

After graduating from an eligible Canadian institution, students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to gain Canadian work experience for up to three years (depending on the length of their academic program). This experience can significantly enhance their chances of obtaining permanent residency through dedicated pathways for international graduates of Canadian schools, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system.

For more on studying in Canada visit our dedicated webpage here.

How can Americans come to Canada to work?

Americans looking to work in Canada have several options available to them, each catering to different circumstances and types of employment.

A Canadian work permit is an essential to work legally in Canada on a temporary basis. Work permits can broadly be broken down into two main types: open work permits and LMIA-based (closed) work permits.

LMIA-Based Work Permits: Often, to hire a foreign worker, an employer must secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which serves as evidence that hiring the foreign worker will have a neutral or positive impact on the local labor market. Once the LMIA is obtained, applicants can apply for a temporary work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), usually under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Some occupations may qualify for expedited processing under specific programs, streamlining the hiring process for certain high-demand roles.

Open Work Permits: Many work permit holders in Canada do not require an LMIA. Open work permits allow individuals to work for any employer in Canada, with some exceptions. These permits are typically issued under initiatives that fit under the International Mobility Program such as the International Experience Canada (IEC) program (which includes the Working Holiday work permit) or as the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for graduates of Canadian educational institutions.

Americans in particular have a few work permit options open to them:

Global Talent Stream: This federal program, part of Canada’s Global Skills Strategy, allows Canadian employers in high-growth and IT sectors to quickly hire skilled foreign workers when no Canadians are available. The process includes completing an LMIA and meeting specific requirements, such as salary commitments. Work permit applications under the Global Talent Stream are typically processed in one month or less.
Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA): Formerly known as NAFTA, CUSMA facilitates a streamlined process for U.S. citizens applying for temporary work permits in Canada. Work permits under CUSMA generally do not require an LMIA. U.S. citizens can work in Canada under CUSMA as professionals, intra-company transferees, traders, or investors. Professionals must be qualified in one of over 60 targeted professions. Intra-company transferees must have been employed continuously for their U.S. employer for at least one of the last three years in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role. Traders and investors must demonstrate substantial trade between Canada and the U.S. or significant investment in a Canadian business.
Intra-Company Transfer: Given the strong trade relationship between the U.S. and Canada, many American businesses have branches, affiliates, or subsidiaries in Canada. The Intra-Company Transfer Program allows these businesses to bring key employees to Canada without needing an LMIA. Eligible employees, typically in executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge roles, can come to Canada with their families.
Working without a Work Permit: Some U.S. citizens can perform work in Canada without a temporary work permit. This includes business visitors who engage in trade activities but do not enter the Canadian labor market.
Working Holidays (International Experience Canada): Under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, U.S. citizens aged 18 to 35 can obtain an open work permit for 12 months. This program is designed for young people, including recent full-time post-secondary students or final-year students not returning to studies, to gain work experience and enjoy a working holiday in Canada.

For more information on getting a work permit in Canada, find our dedicated webpage here.

Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm

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