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From Work to Study: How Americans Can Start Their Canadian Journey

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With another election cycle approaching in the United States, online data indicates that Americans and U.S. residents are increasingly considering Canada as an immigration destination.

Every year, Canada welcomes a small yet significant number of immigrants from the United States, many of whom are motivated by political developments back home. So, how can U.S. citizens and residents prepare for and embark on their journey to Canada? CIC News has compiled the following guide to address many of the most relevant questions.

What is the simplest way for Americans to move to Canada?

There are several ways for U.S. citizens to move to Canada, which can be broadly categorized into:

  1. Temporary Resident Pathways
  2. Permanent Resident/Citizenship Pathways

Temporary Resident Pathways: These are typically tied to a specific purpose, function, or task, such as a study permit, work permit, or tourist visa. These pathways allow Americans to live, work, and/or study in Canada for a temporary period.

Permanent Resident Pathways: These enable Americans to become permanent residents of Canada, allowing them to live and settle in Canada while retaining their American citizenship. Sometimes, eligibility for these pathways is built through a temporary resident pathway.

Pathways to Citizenship: These allow Americans to become Canadian citizens. American nationals can hold dual citizenship with both the United States and Canada, so they do not need to give up one citizenship to attain the other.

Common Temporary Resident Pathways to Canada

This question can be further detailed by considering the type of temporary resident status one might seek: student or worker.

How Can Americans Move to Canada for Studies?

Each year, around 15,000 U.S. citizens choose to study in Canada, drawn by its high-quality education system and diverse cultural experiences. Canada is home to over 1,500 universities and colleges.

To study in Canada, Americans must first be accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Once accepted, they can apply for a study permit by 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 information on studying in Canada, visit our dedicated webpage here.

How Can Americans Move to Canada for Work?

Americans looking to work in Canada have several options, each catering to different circumstances and types of employment. A Canadian work permit is essential for working legally in Canada on a temporary basis, and these permits can be broadly categorized into two main types: LMIA-based (closed) work permits and open 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 labour 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 the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for graduates of Canadian educational institutions.

Work Permit Options for Americans:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 specialised knowledge roles, can come to Canada with their families.
  4. 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 labour market.
  5. 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.

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