Exploring Canadian Immigration Options for Americans
Updated July 7, 2025
As political landscapes shift and elections yield impactful results, it’s natural for some individuals to reassess where they envision their futures unfolding. For those whose ideals and beliefs may not align with the direction in which they see the United States heading, Canada offers a fresh and inviting alternative. With a reputation for diversity, inclusion, and a progressive social framework, Canada remains a popular destination for Americans seeking a new environment. At Doherty Fultz Immigration, we’re here to provide guidance for those who may want to explore the possibility of calling Canada their new home.
While there’s no need to rush into a major life decision, it’s worth learning about the options available should you find yourself contemplating a move across the border. Below, we outline a few immigration pathways to help you understand if Canada could be your next chapter.
Are you Canadian through a Parent or Grandparent?
If you have been following all our recent updates and IRCC news releases you will be aware of the latest government updates on Canadian citizenship eligibility and its changes that have been implemented allowing not only citizenship to be passed on to children born outside of Canada to Canadian parents but also to children born outside of Canada to Canadian grandparents.
How We Can Help: Doherty Fultz Immigration can assess your eligibility for Canadian citizenship and assist you with the submission of the application.
Express Entry for Skilled Workers
Canada’s Express Entry system is designed for skilled workers who wish to contribute to the Canadian economy. This point-based system assesses candidates on various criteria, including education, work experience, language proficiency, and age. If you’re a professional with work experience in a skilled occupation, you may be eligible for this fast-track program, which can lead to Canadian permanent residency.
If you have intermediate French language ability, there are even more options available for both work permits and permanent residence (a green card) through Francophone Mobility, French Language Category Specific Draws [Express Entry], and other PR programs.
How We Can Help: Doherty Fultz Immigration can assess your eligibility for Express Entry, guide you through the points assessment, and help you build a strong application to increase your chances of success.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Canada’s provinces and territories each have their own immigration programs tailored to meet regional labour market needs. If you have skills in high-demand sectors such as technology, healthcare, or skilled trades, a Provincial Nominee Program may be an excellent choice. Many provinces actively seek professionals to fill gaps in their workforce, offering streamlined options to those looking to relocate.
How We Can Help: Our team will match your skills and qualifications to the provinces where demand for your expertise is highest, assist with application requirements, and help you build a strong application to increase your chances of success.
Family Sponsorship
If you have a spouse, common-law partner, parent, or child who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, family sponsorship may be a viable option for you. Canada has a family reunification policy that encourages loved ones to live together in Canada.
How We Can Help: Our firm can help families navigate the often complex requirements of family sponsorship, ensuring applications meet the necessary criteria and are thoroughly documented.
Student Visas and Post-Graduate Opportunities
Canada is home to some of the world’s top universities and offers an inviting atmosphere for international students. Obtaining a study permit is one way to immerse yourself in Canadian culture and education while building pathways for longer-term residence. After graduating, many students can apply for work permits and may even transition into permanent residency through specific programs.
How We Can Help: Our team provides comprehensive support for students and their families visa applications and guiding students through the post-graduation immigration options.
Entrepreneur and Investor Visas
Canada’s Start-Up Visa program invites entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas and those willing to invest in Canadian companies. This pathway offers permanent residency for qualified businesspeople who aim to establish businesses in Canada, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
How We Can Help: At Doherty Fultz Immigration, we work closely with entrepreneurs to craft viable business plans that align with Canada’s Start-Up Visa requirements. We also assist with investor applications and advise on navigating the process.
LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)
For those seeking employment in Canada, an employer-sponsored work permit backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is one possible route. The LMIA is an approval issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), which confirms that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill a job because no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available. If you possess skills and experience in demand in Canada, you may qualify for a work permit through an employer who is willing to undergo the LMIA process.
Canada’s economy has consistently required skilled talent in sectors such as technology, engineering, healthcare, trades, and more. If you have a potential job offer from a Canadian employer in one of these sectors, they may be eligible to apply for an LMIA, which would then allow you to work in Canada and potentially transition to permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class or other pathways.
How We Can Help: At Doherty Fultz Immigration, we assist both employers and employees in navigating the LMIA process. From gathering necessary documentation and supporting employer compliance to ensuring your application meets all requirements, our team offers expert guidance throughout. We help employers demonstrate the necessity of hiring a foreign worker and support candidates in transitioning to Canada smoothly.
Intra Company Transfer
For individuals working in multinational companies, the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program offers a pathway to live and work in Canada. This program allows international companies to transfer qualified employees to their Canadian branches or subsidiaries without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The ICT program is designed to support business growth and facilitate the movement of skilled professionals, managers, and executives across borders, strengthening Canadian operations and contributing to Canada’s economy.
The ICT program is ideal for experienced employees, such as executives, managers, or specialists, who have worked with their company for at least one year and have specialized knowledge or skills beneficial to the Canadian office. This type of work permit can be a stepping stone for foreign workers, as Canadian work experience gained through an intra-company transfer often opens pathways to permanent residency.
How We Can Help: Doherty Fultz Immigration provides dedicated support for both companies and employees navigating the ICT program. Our team will assist in preparing applications, ensuring that all eligibility requirements are met.
Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
Also known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in the United States and T-MEC in Mexico, is a trade agreement that replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). CUSMA was signed on November 30, 2018, and came into force on July 1, 2020. The agreement is designed to enhance trade and economic cooperation among the three countries, with several updates and changes compared to NAFTA.
CUSMA facilitates temporary entry for citizens of the United States (U.S.) or Mexico who are engaged in the trade of goods, the provisions of services, or the conduct of investment activities.
CUSMA:
- does not assist permanent admission
- has no effect on universal requirements related to passports and identity documentation, medical examinations and safety and security
- does not exempt workers from meeting licensing or certification requirements respecting the exercise of a profession
- does not extend special privileges to spouses and members of the family. Entry of family members is governed by the provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations
How we can help: At Doherty Fultz Immigration, we guide U.S. and Mexican clients through the CUSMA process, ensuring eligibility, preparing applications, and advising on the best strategy for entry. Our team’s experience with cross-border business immigration means we can help you avoid costly delays and achieve a seamless entry to Canada.
IEC Work Permit for US Citizens: Studying or Working Through the International Experience Class (IEC) Mobility Program
Canada and the United States currently do not have a bilateral agreement to facilitate youth mobility such as in place between Canada and Ireland, UK, and many others. However, both U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply to programs to move to Canada through one of the International Experience (IEC) programs, to either study or work.
The process consists of applicants creating a candidate profile online, which is then entered in one or multiple programs or “pools”. Candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in “rounds” to each country/category. (At the end of each season, the profiles are removed from the pool). Once an ITA is received, the American candidate needs to apply for the appropriate work permit.
Recognized Organizations (ROs) are agencies who provide applicants with support in finding an opportunity to study and/or work in Canada, facilitating travel and securing accommodations. These organizations assist American applicants to submit a candidate profile for one or multiple programs. Since the positions for these programs are LMIA exempt, once an ITA is received, the candidate just needs to apply for the appropriate work permit.
Work permits can be applied for online through the IRCC account (recommended). If the applicant has a valid Invitation to Apply letter and a copy of the confirmation letter from the RO, Americans and legal Permanent Residents of the U.S. can also apply for their permit at a Port of Entry (POE).
The IEC programs that ROs assist American citizens and legal Permanent Residents with are the following three:
1) The Working Holiday Program
2) The Young Professionals Program
3) The International Co-op (Internship) Program
Note: While the International Co-op (Internship) Program is a study-based program, the Young Professional and Working Holiday programs are work-based.
How we can help: At Doherty Fultz Immigration, we guide clients through the International Experience Canada (IEC) process when applying via a Recognized Organization. We ensure you meet eligibility requirements, assist with preparing and submitting your application, and advise on the most effective strategy to secure your work permit. Our experience with IEC programs helps you avoid costly delays and achieve a smooth entry into Canada.
Why Doherty Fultz Immigration?
Doherty Fultz Immigration has spent a decade helping clients navigate Canada’s immigration pathways, offering personalized services to individuals from all walks of life. Whether you’re a professional, a student, a family member, or an entrepreneur, we’re here to ensure your journey is as smooth as possible. Our team will work with you to assess your eligibility, assist with documentation, and provide ongoing support throughout the immigration process.
A New Beginning Awaits
As you reflect on your future and consider your options, remember that Canada offers diverse opportunities for those looking to make a meaningful change. If Canada feels like the right fit for you, Doherty Fultz Immigration is ready to help you explore your possibilities and guide you on your path to a new beginning.
