Under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), American professionals in eligible occupations can obtain a work permit without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This is one of the quickest options, as it allows for same-day processing at a Canadian port of entry.
If you work for a multinational company with offices in both the U.S. and Canada, you may qualify for an ICT work permit. This allows employees in executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge roles to transfer to a Canadian branch without an LMIA, speeding up the process.
For highly skilled tech professionals, the GTS offers an expedited LMIA process, with work permits processed in as little as two weeks. Canadian employers must apply, but this program is ideal for those in IT, engineering, and specialized technology roles.
For U.S. citizens who do not qualify for LMIA-exempt work permits, securing a job offer from a Canadian employer who can support an LMIA application is another viable option. An employer must demonstrate that no suitable Canadian worker is available for the role before hiring a foreign worker. While the LMIA process can take a few months, certain high-demand occupations and programs, such as the Global Talent Stream, offer expedited processing.
Although Canada and the U.S. lack a bilateral youth mobility agreement, U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply for work or study opportunities through Canada’s International Experience Canada (IEC) program. Recognized Organizations (ROs) assist with placements, travel, and accommodations.
Since IEC positions are LMIA-exempt, applicants can apply for a work permit online via IRCC or at a Port of Entry (POE) with a valid ITA and RO confirmation letter.
If you’re married to or in a common-law relationship with someone who holds a study or work permit in Canada, you may qualify for an open work permit, allowing you to work for any employer in Canada.
If you’re currently in the U.S. and looking to move to Canada as a permanent resident, there are several pathways available depending on your qualifications, work experience, and family connections. Here’s a quick overview of the most common routes:
Canada’s Express Entry system is the fastest and most popular way for skilled workers to obtain PR. If you have work experience, education, and strong English or French language skills, you can create an Express Entry profile and be ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). High-scoring candidates receive invitations to apply (ITAs) for PR.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Each province in Canada has its own PNP, which allows them to select candidates based on local labor needs. If you have skills that match a province’s job market demands, you can apply directly or be invited through Express Entry with a Provincial Nomination, which boosts your CRS score.
Many U.S. residents choose to study in Canada first and later apply for PR through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and programs like Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This route is ideal for younger applicants looking for a long-term pathway.
Get Canadian Citizenship Through a Parent or Grandparent
Through a Parent
If you were born outside of Canada to a Canadian citizen parent, or if you were adopted outside of Canada by a Canadian citizen parent, you may already be a Canadian citizen. In this case, you do not need to apply for immigration to come to Canada. Instead, you can submit an application for a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (also known as proof of citizenship).
Once your citizenship is confirmed and your certificate is issued, you will have full rights as a Canadian citizen. This means you can live, work, and study in Canada without needing a visa or permit. Additionally, you will be eligible to apply for a Canadian passport, which will allow you to travel freely as a recognized Canadian citizen.
Processing times for proof of citizenship applications can vary, so it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible if you plan to move to Canada.
Canada will no longer limit citizenship by descent to just the first generation born abroad. A new law, Bill C-71, will allow second-generation children born outside Canada to claim citizenship if they have a Canadian grandparent.
This change reverses a 2009 rule and means more people may now qualify for Canadian citizenship. Once in effect, eligible applicants can apply for a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, giving them the right to live, work, study in Canada, and get a Canadian passport.
Americans With a Canadian Spouse or Common-Law Partner
If you have family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, they may be able to sponsor you for permanent residency through Canada’s family sponsorship program. This program is designed to reunite families and provide a pathway to permanent residence for eligible relatives.
Family sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner, as well as their dependent children, ensuring that families can live together in Canada. In addition to immediate family members, other relatives—such as parents and grandparents—may also be sponsored under specific programs, like the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program.
Stay in Canada on Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds
Applying for permanent residency in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds provides an opportunity for individuals facing exceptional situations that make it difficult for them to return to their home country. This type of application considers the applicant’s unique circumstances and the challenges they would face if forced to leave Canada.
Many applicants for humanitarian and compassionate grounds have strong connections to Canada, such as family members, long-term residence, or deep integration into Canadian society. These factors are taken into account by the Canadian government when reviewing applications. This process is designed for individuals who may not qualify under other immigration pathways but have compelling reasons to stay in Canada or require protection.
The United States and Canada are both signatories of the Safe Third Country Agreement, a bilateral accord that recognizes both countries as safe destinations for refugees seeking protection. Although the Supreme Court of Canada recently ruled the agreement unconstitutional, it remains in effect for now. The agreement ensures that both nations are considered secure enough to process refugee claims, which has been in place for nearly 20 years.
While it is rare for individuals in the U.S. to successfully claim refugee status in Canada, there are certain situations where it could be possible. If the circumstances are particularly compelling, there may be a chance for approval.
