The number of Americans exploring their options on how to get PR in Canada from US has increased dramatically in recent months. As a result, we've put up this step-by-step guide on immigrating to Canada from the United States.
Moving to Canada can present you and your family with a plethora of work, health, and educational prospects. You'll need to know your options for legally entering and staying in Canada before visiting, studying, or working there.
Discover your Canadian immigration choices as a US citizen, as well as the best routes to permanent residence in Canada.
How to get PR in Canada from US?
The Express Entry system in Canada is one of the easiest ways to immigrate to Canada from US.
The bulk of Canadian immigration applications for three of the country's economic immigration programs is processed through Express Entry. If you meet the requirements for one of the programs below, you may be eligible for permanent residence in Canada through Express Entry.
Express Entry processes 80 percent of permanent residency applications in less than six months, making it one of the world's quickest immigration procedures.
There are three federal economic programs currently being managed by the Express Entry system.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Candidates with at least one year of work experience who meet the minimum CELPIP/IELTS band required for Canada – and a score of 67 points out of 100 on the FSWP points grid may be eligible for this program.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Candidates with at least two years of work experience who meet the minimum CELPIP/IELTS band required for Canada – and have either a Canadian certificate of qualification to practice your trade in Canada or a job offer in your skilled trade in Canada may be eligible for this program.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Candidates who meet the minimum CELPIP/IELTS band required for Canada and have worked in Canada for at least one year in a skilled position in NOC 0, A, or B – on a valid work permit may be eligible for this program.
These three programs are point-based and competitive. Candidates are assigned a score based on certain human-capital and economic factors including Age, Education, Work Experience, and Spousal Sponsorship, among others. Obtaining a qualifying score will effectively guarantee an Invitation to Apply for Canadian permanent residency.
Learning the steps on how to get PR in Canada from US and acquiring a Canadian job offer is an effective booster to Canadian permanent residency.
How to work in Canada from US?
If you plan to work in Canada from US, there are different types of work permit programs that may be available to you.
Under the terms of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), formerly known as NAFTA– there are three key ways to obtain a work permit using this agreement:
- USMCA/NAFTA Professional: Candidates applying under this category must have pre-arranged work experience and qualify in one of the in-demand eligible occupations (including lawyers, bankers, nurses, accountants, teachers, and medical. Self-employed work is not eligible.
- USMCA/NAFTA Intra-Company Transfer: The staff of an American company can transfer to a Canadian branch of the firm. The candidate must also have been in continuous employment at the firm for at least one of the last three years alongside being employed by the company when applying, working in a specialized or managerial role.
- USMCA/NAFTA Traders and Investors: Suitable for candidates who plan on investing in a Canadian business, and are seeking to work in Canada from US or Mexico to grow that business. Under Canada’s Express Entry immigration system, USMCA workers in Canada may benefit from additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for a valid job offer.
How to study in Canada from US?
There are numerous benefits of studying in Canada rather than the US. Lower tuition fees, shorter visa processing times, and the ability to work while studying are just to name a few. Acquiring a Canadian study permit gives you the freedom to work 20 hours a week when school is in session and 40 hours a week during holidays and breaks.
US students planning on studying in Canada will need to meet the prerequisites of the university or program they choose to apply for. There are however certain general requirements if you plan on studying in Canada from the US. Some of the key ones include:
- High school diploma (for the undergraduate program)
- Academic Transcript of your passed degree
- Certificates and letters of recommendation
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (for masters’ program)
- Master’s degree or equivalent (for postgraduate program Ph.D.)
- Letter of Intent written by the candidate describing the reason to choose that program or university in particular.
- Resume
- CELPIP/IELTS band required for Canada
- Interim transcript or mark sheet if you are going for a post-secondary course
- Bank Statement showing the applicant can foot the tuition and living expenses while staying in Canada
- Employer’s Reference Letter (if applicable)
Steps to study in Canada from US is an easy 2-step process.
STEP 1: Apply for Admission to a Canadian University / Program
You will first need to get a letter of admission from the university or program you seek to apply for. You will also be required to submit certain mandated documents. If the university or program accepts your application, you will receive your offer letter.
STEP 2: Visa Application Process
You can apply for a Canadian study permit both online, and by visiting the visa office. You will also be required to submit biometrics alongside the following documents:
- Visa Application Form
- Original National valid passport with a photocopy of the Biodata page
- Proof of Financial Support
- Admission offer Letter
- Use of Representative Form
- Evidence of Proficiency in the English Language
- Academic Documents
- Tuition fee Payment Receipt
- Confirmation of GIC purchase
- Medical receipts/certificates
You might be called for an interview at this stage. Be prepared.
Once you know you’re how to get PR in Canada from US, you’ll need a plan to get settled in: find a place to live, find schools and/or work, and arrange your finances and healthcare. Luckily Canada has some of the best newcomer services in the world that free of charge!
