Checklist: How to Move to the U.S. from Canada in 2023

Moving to the U.S. from Canada - USA flag on a house house

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Moving to the U.S. from Canada – Over the years, thousands of Canadians have moved to the US from Canada. In fact, according to Statista, approximately 49,770 people emigrated from Canada between July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023. That’s a whole lot of numbers. And the number keeps rising as the day goes by.

There is a good reason for the increased immigration of Canadians or international residents to the United States. Possible reasons are career advancement, greener pastures, better job opportunities, family ties and maybe escape from the cold atmosphere in Canada.

However, whatever the reason, traveling or moving to the US is more than just packing your bags and heading for the adventure. No! There is more to it. First, you need to understand Canadian policies as regards immigration and travel.

The visa type you must acquire depends on your need or purpose of traveling and the necessary documents to make your application. You must get all of these rights if you are considering moving to the USA from Canada in 2023.

Now, if you are ready to begin this thrilling adventure, let’s dive right in as we discover the various visa options to move to the USA from Canada.

Table of Contents

Types of Visa Options to Immigrate to the USA from Canada

Before you start your travel plan, the first thing is to know the purpose of your traveling. Is it for business, education or pleasure? Answering these questions will help you know the visa type to apply for.

There are various visa options available for you if you wish to move to the United States. Each of these visas serves different purposes and as such, you can only apply for the one that fits your need and purpose of emigrating.

Let’s briefly have a look at these visa types before going any further:

1. Education Purpose: Student Visas USA for Canadian

If your purpose of moving to the US from Canada is for education, you need a student visa. This visa type comes in four different types. They are:

The F-1 Visa: This visa type allows foreigners to attend academic programs in U.S. colleges or universities.
M- 1 Visa: This visa type allows Canadian citizens to undertake vocational studies in the U.S.

2. Work Purpose: U.S. Work Visa for Canadian Citizens – Moving to the U.S. from Canada

If you are moving to the U.S. from Canada because of work, what you need is a U.S. work visa. There are 5 types of U.S. work visas for Canadian citizens. Let’s take a quick look at all of them:

The Temporary Work Visa (H – 1B Visa): This visa type is valid for up to three years. The Canadian temporary work visa as the name implies allows skilled Canadians to work temporarily in the U.S.

The Extraordinary skill visa (O-1 Visa): This allows both Canadians and other international visitors who are highly skilled in sciences, education and business into the U.S

The Treaty Trader of Business Visa (E -1 or E-2): This visa type allows Canadian citizens to engage in simple trade activities or carry out some investment activities in the U.S.
The Intra-company Transfer Visa (L-1): this visa type allows Canadian citizens who are employed by a company with its branch or affiliate located in and out of the U.S. to move into u.S.

NAFTA Work Permit (T.N Visa): This is a special visa type which permits Canadian citizens to take up special professional jobs in the U.S. Learn more about the T.N Visa Here.

3. Family Tiles: Family-Based Immigration U.S. Visa for Canadians

Another reason why you may be considering moving to the U.S. from Canada could be due to family ties. Maybe you are about to become an American or you’ve got some relatives there. Here are the visa options available for this purpose of visitation:

Marriage visas (K-1 visas): This is for Canadian citizens who want to marry an American residence.
Immediate Relative Visas: this visa type is for Canadian citizens who wish to join close family members who are based in the US. It is of three categories

IR-1 Visa – this allows the Spouse of a U.S. Citizen from Canada entrance to the county
IR-2 – Given if you are a parent or child of a U.S citizen
IR-3 – Govern to orphan that is adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen

Family Preference Visa: This visa type allows Canadians whose family members already live in the U.S, to move to the U.S. It is also of three categories:

F-2A
F-3
F-4

4. Business Purpose: Immigration Based on Investment

You may wish to move to the U.S. for some exciting business deals. If so, you need to apply for the EB-5 visa. This visa type is for Canadian citizens with enough cash who are looking for opportunities to invest in the U.S. stock or financial market.

There are so many types of US immigration Visas but these are just the few most important visas for Canadian citizens looking to move into the US. Even if you can’t afford these visas, you can find some credible USA Visa Sponsorship jobs online to ease your application fee.

However, while these visa conditions may differ from time to time, because the U.S Government may choose to change its policies for better operations, some things never change. These are the documents required for visa applications and the procedure for these applications.

Required Documents for Moving to the U.S. from Canada

If you wish to have a successful transition into the U.S. from Canada, you should have the following documents in place for your visa application.

Valid passport: Must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry into the United States.
Birth Certificate: Must have your correct age and identity to prove your ties with family members in case you’re traveling for that purpose.
Medical Examination: This must be from a registered medical center
Photographs: For each visa application, you must present two clear and recent photographs of yourself at the U.S. Embassy
Financial Evidence: This should include your account balance with (must contain enough as deemed necessary, a statement of account and evidence of tax payments.

You must provide the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant travel document
Marriage Certificate: This is required if you are traveling for marriage and applying under a marriage-based visa.
Police Clearance Certificate
Employment Authorization Document (EAD): You will be required to submit the EAD File from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services form if your If you are applying for employment-based visas.

Additional Documents: You may be required to provide more documents not listed here depending on the purpose of your travel and visa need. E.g. you could be requested to provide an affidavit of support from the sponsor, A statement of Purpose and or proof of work qualification.

The Fasthire Services can help you with a professionally written Statement of purpose So you don’t get to worry your mind over it when the time is right. Contact us today.

Need our Assistance for your LOE/SOP? Contact Fasthire today.

Please note that the final verdict lies with the U.S. Embassy. Upon submission of these documents, they will conduct a review section to assess if you are eligible to move to the U.S. from Canada. Hence, ensure you provide the right document and avoid errors and any form of omission as this can delay the processing of your document and application altogether.

How to Immigrate to the USA from Canada?

Since you know the various visa types and required documents to get a U.S. visa. It’s time to answer the question of How to Immigrate to the USA from Canada? First, nothing takes the place of research and planning in any travel expenditure, so you want to be sure you’ve got everything in place.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to immigrate to the U.S. from Canada

#1: Do your Research

Before you set out on your travel plans, you must research and understand the U.S. immigration law or policy. This will help you understand your rights and restrictions attached to the kind of visa you intend to get. Once you are clear on the immigration law, the rules and the requirements, you can proceed to the next step.

# 2: Gather all Required Documents – Moving to the U.S. from Canada

If you are comfortable with the immigration policy, it is time to gather all the required documents for your visa application. As already mentioned, you will need your Passport, Birth certificate, your financial evidence and the rest. Ensure you make the right enquiries so you are sure you’ve got all the required documents right.

#3: Proceed with your Visa Application

Once you have all your required documents in place, you can now proceed with your online application. Make sure you impute your details correctly because any error or omission observed can delay the approval of your application. Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, the processing time for a U.S. visa application may vary.

#4: Arrange for Accommodation – Moving to the U.S. from Canada

Once your visa application is approved, the next important thing is to prepare or arrange your accommodation. You don’t want to arrive in the U.S. and get stranded. To do this, you can book a real estate agent to help you get a conducive accommodation or better still browse a local housing agent to do that.

#5: Prepare for Customs Process

You should know all the rules and laws regulating the U.S. customs agency before you cross the border. Keep your documents handy so you don’t experience any form of harassment.

#5: Arrive in the USA – Moving to the U.S. from Canada

Once you arrive in the U.S., you clear customs at the borders. Make sure your documents are in order. You can now settle down in the U.S. and explore the beautiful city.

Checklist for Moving to the U.S. from Canada

Once you get to the U.S. and you are settled, there are several other things you would have to keep in check. Because we care about you and how well you enjoy your stay, here is a simple checklist to enjoy your stay in the U.S:

Create a US-based bank account
Secure a Social Security Number
Look into healthcare options
Please familiarize yourself with U.S. tax laws
Find suitable accommodation
Transfer your driver’s license
Register your vehicle
Research job opportunities in your area
Learn more about U.S. culture and customs

Bottom Line on Moving to the U.S. from Canada

Moving into the U.S. from Canada is an exciting journey but it comes with lots of procedures and planning which can be tiring. However, with proper planning and strict application of the procedures outlined in this article (And the official U.S visa application website of course) You can begin this adventure in no time.

FAQs

1. How to Apply for a Green Card as a Canadian?

As a Canadian, you can only apply for U.S. citizenship if you are born abroad to a U.S. citizen. However, Canadian citizens can apply for green cards through marriage, business investment or family sponsorship.

2. Can a Canadian citizen move to the USA?

Yes, a Canadian can move to the USA but to receive permanent residence or become a citizen, they must possess a green card.

3. How much does it cost for a Canadian to move to the US?

For an individual, you could spend around CAD 15,500 to immigrate to Canada. However, the fee is more for Couples. Couples and families would need around CAD 21,000 to CAD 30,000.

4. Can I move to the USA from Canada PR?

Yes, you can live in the USA even with a Canadian Permanent residence status. However, to validate your stay, you must apply for a green card or valid visa and apply for the U.S. PR.

5. How can a Canadian get a Green Card?

You can get a green card if you have a family sponsorship, you are married to a U.S. citizen, get employment in the U.S. or you have a business investment.