How to move to Canada >> Our comprehensive new 2022 guide

Do you want to know how to move to Canada? As well as being an amazing place to live, Canada welcomes migrants from around the world. Indeed, the country is one of the most migrant-friendly places on earth. The Great White North offers free universal healthcare and has plenty of job opportunities. Thousands of Expats consider moving to Canada for a new life each year.

As of 2020, there were more than 8 million immigrants in Canada with permanent residence. They make up 21.5% of the total Canadian population. 

How to move to Canada – Immigration options

Canada Visa and Residence Permits

Canada offers both temporary and permanent residence visas.

Visitor Visa or Temporary Residence Visa

For short visits, Canada offers both single-entry and multiple-entry visas. A single-entry visa is usually valid for six months. 

Citizens from countries with a treaty with Canada don’t need a visa to enter the country. You can find the list of countries that are exempted from Canadian visa requirements here. 

Travelers from these countries coming by air need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The eTA is not required while entering the country by land or sea.

Temporary visas include tourist visas, student visas, business visas, super visas, diplomatic visas, etc.

How to move to Canada as a Canadian permanent resident (PR)?

Canada offers permanent residency under various programs. Skilled and semi-skilled workers, entrepreneurs, business people, athletes, and people involved in cultural activities can apply for permanent residence under the relevant program.

Express Entry for Skilled Migrants – The fastest way to immigrate to Canada

Canada introduced its Express Entry visa program to attract skilled professionals who can contribute to the economy by moving to Canada. Express Entry is the fastest and most popular way to get permanent residency in Canada.

The process and selection criteria are pretty straightforward. It is a point-based immigration program. The Express Entry invites applications for three economic programs:

• Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSW).
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST).
• Canadian Experience Class.

Once you submit your primary application, points are calculated based on your age, education, skill transferability, and other factors.

People who have work experience in Canada and have completed higher education are more likely to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

Proficiency in English and French also adds to the points. After receiving the invitation, you have 60 days to complete the application. If you have not heard back from Immigration after three months, you can send them a request for reconsideration. They will have a decision on your primary application accepted.

Express Entry is the fastest method of immigrating to Canada. Most Express Entry applications are processed in six months or less.

As Canada does not have a dedicated retirement visa, this immigration permission can be a good option.

Provincial Nominees

This program enables skilled or semi-skilled workers, students, and business people to apply for permanent residency. Each province has its own criteria, which change from time to time.

Visit the respective province’s website to determine if you are eligible for the program. You can then contact the province authority and ask them to nominate you. The following provinces participate in this program:

• Alberta.
• British Columbia.
• Manitoba.
• New Brunswick.
• Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Northwest Territories.
• Nova Scotia.
• Ontario.
• Prince Edward Island.
• Saskatchewan.
• Yukon.

Startup Visa

Canada issues start-up visas to promising and innovative entrepreneurs who can create jobs for Canadians and compete globally. There are several designated organizations for venture capital investments, angel investments, and business incubation.

Before applying for this visa, you must send your idea to one or more of these organizations to secure their approval and support. 

Self-employed

People with relevant experience in cultural and athletic activities can apply for this visa. To be eligible for this visa, you must have the ability to contribute to Canada’s cultural and athletic life.

Family Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain relatives to come to Canada as permanent residents. Persons registered in Canada as Indians under the Canadian Indian Act can also sponsor their relatives moving to Canada.

Canada Work Permits

Most foreign nationals need a work permit to be employed in Canada. Check out this link to find out if you need a work permit. If you what to work, you’ll need to understand how to move to Canada with a Canadian work permit.

The government of Canada issues two types of work permits: employer-specific work permits and open work permits. 

If you already have a job offer in Canada, you may apply for an employer-specific permit. Before you submit your application, your employers must complete a few steps.

Once they hand over certain documents (Labor Market Impact Assessment or an offer of employment number), you can apply for the work permit.

If you are moving to Canada but don’t have a job offer yet, an open work permit may be an option. It lets you join any company in Canada except certain companies listed as ineligible.

The following people may apply for an open work permit:

• Graduates from designated institutions.
• Destitute students.
• Employees abused at work in Canada.
• Dependent family members of a person who has applied for permanent residence.
• Spouse or common-law partner of international students and skilled workers.
• Refugee claimants, and their family members.

You can get assistance to see if you are eligible for an open work permit and the application process.

Getting a Social Insurance Number in Canada

A social insurance number, or SIN, is a 9-digit unique number issued by the Canadian government. Without a Social Insurance Number, you cannot work in Canada.

Your SIN also enables you to have access to government benefits.

After reaching Canada, you can apply for a SIN online or by mail. You may also visit your nearest center to apply in person. Along with your application, you must furnish three documents. If you are a permanent resident, submit your Permanent Resident card (PR card) or the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR).

Temporary residents can submit valid work permits or study permits. You’ll also need to provide photo identification such as your passport, driver’s license, or any other government-issued ID card; and proof of address. 

Moving to Canada from the USA

Every year, thousands of Americans flock to Canada in search of a better life. Due to cultural proximity and the common language, Americans find it easy to settle down in Canada.

Americans can visit Canada without a visa. That means you can enter the country, get a taste of the local culture, and search for a job in Canada without a visa.

You can stay up to 6 months in Canada as a visitor. However, you can’t apply for a work or study permit as a visitor.

How to move to Canada from the USA

The easiest way to move to Canada from the US is through the Express Entry program. It is one of the fastest immigration systems, where more than 80% of applications are processed within six months.

This is your best option if you are eligible for any of the economic programs under Express Entry. You can apply for citizenship in Canada after you complete 5 years in Canada as a permanent resident.

In addition to employment-specific work permits and open work permits, Americans can also apply for another type of work permit, a NAFTA Work Permit.

The North American Free Trade Agreement was signed by Canada, the US, and Mexico to facilitate trade between these three countries. This agreement allows selected categories of temporary workers from these countries to work in each other’s markets.

American workers with an eligible job offer from a Canadian company can get a NAFTA work permit under the International Mobility Program. This will not require a Labor Market Impact Assessment.

Immigrating to Canada from the US

To move to Canada, you must submit proof to show that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family members.

However, you are exempt from this requirement if you are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer. People applying under the Canadian Experience class are also exempt.

Financial Requirements

The lump sum required depends on family size. When calculating, you must include yourself, your spouse or partner, your dependent children, and your spouse’s dependent children.

You must include your spouse and dependent children in your calculation. This is true even if they are permanent residents or Canadian citizens or are not coming with you to Canada. Currently, the requirement is:

• One person: $13,213 CAD
• Two people: $16,449 CAD
• Three people: $20,222 CAD
• Four people: $24,553 CAD
• Five people: $27,847 CAD
• Six people: $31,407 CAD
• Seven people: $34,947 CAD

You’ll need another $3,560 CAD for each additional family member.

Can a US citizen currently move to Canada?

Immigration to Canada slowed last year due to pandemic-induced travel restrictions. The government plans to welcome 1.2 million new immigrants over the next three years to rejuvenate the economy.

So it should be even easier for Expats to move to Canada, including those from the US.

Health Care for Expats moving to Canada

Canada offers free public health care to its citizens and permanent residents. However, Expats who are yet to get permanent residence need to cover some medical costs themselves.

Canada has a generous public health system with top-notch medical care. Although the hospitals in Canada are owned by private companies, the bills are paid through federal funds and provincial taxes.

As soon as you get permanent residency, you should apply for Medicare, a medical card issued by the government. It takes around three months to process the card. Each family member needs to apply for a separate Medicare card.

There is no national health care system. Each province or territory has its separate health systems that are fully publicly funded. If you move from one place to another, you may need to re-register in your current province according to local guidelines.

The public healthcare system is a preferred method of treatment for Expats living permanently in Canada. Because waiting times can be long, many Expats have supplementary private health insurance to cover their needs. Expats without permanent residence also need private health insurance to cover their medical expenses.

Finding a Place to Live in Canada

When moving to a new country, finding suitable accommodation is one of the first things to consider. 

Renting an apartment/house

Expats often prefer renting over buying due to its flexibility. In Canada, the typical lease period is one year. Short-term agreements are also possible. Both furnished and unfurnished apartments and houses are available. Owners generally ask for proof of income and a bank statement to check financial stability.

If you are new to Canada, a credit history record from your home country may be useful. Some landlords will want a guarantor who has Canadian documents. People who do not have a job, references, or a credit history in Canada, may seek help from immigrant-serving organizations. 

Rent in Canada varies widely according to the location, amenities, and quality of the accommodation.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Rental Market Report published in January 2021 estimates the average monthly rents for housing in Ontario as follows:

• Bachelor style apartment: $1,000 CAD.
• 2-bedroom apartment: $1,517 CAD.
• 3-bedroom apartment: $1,850 CAD.

Toronto is one of the most expensive cities in Canada. The average monthly rent in Toronto is:

• Bachelor style apartment: $1,202 CAD.
• 2-bedroom apartment: $1,622 CAD.
• 3-bedroom apartment: $1,837 CAD.

Purchasing a property

In Canada, both residents and non-residents can legally purchase a house. While buying a home, you must pay upfront fees called closing costs. You are expected to pay these costs by the time the sale is completed. Closing costs are typically 1.5% to 4% of the total purchase price.

Additionally, you need to pay legal fees on the day of completion. These can range between $400 CAD to $2,500 CAD depending on your lawyer and notary fees. 

According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, your monthly housing cost must not exceed 30% of your gross income. This includes mortgage and utilities. Your total monthly debt load should always be under 40% of your gross monthly income.

Should you move to Canada?

In a recent Expat satisfaction survey, Canada ranked in the Top 10 countries for Expats to move to.

The survey found Canada to be the most tolerant and welcoming to people from diverse races, nationalities, faith, gender, and sexual orientation. 

Canada is a progressive society with ample opportunities. The country offers political and economic stability, mental well being, and general satisfaction in career and life. For more about living in Canada see our guide.

How to move to Canada >> next steps

Now you know the basics of how to move to Canada, what comes next? You can use our Moving Abroad Checklist to start planning your move. And, to get the best visa or residency option, we suggest speaking to a quality Canada Immigration Lawyer  – they’ll make the immigration process a lot easier and less stressful.