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How to Immigrate to Canada from the USA in 2025

The Best Canadian Immigration Pathways for Americans in 2025

Straight to Canadian Citizenship Options

  • Citizenship by Birth

  • Citizenship by Descent

  • Resumption of Citizenship

  • Citizenship for Services of Exceptional Value to Canada

Straight to Permanent Residence Options

  • Federal Immigration Programs

  • Provincial and Territorial Immigration Programs

  • Quebec Immigration Programs

Temporary Residence to Permanent Residence Options

How U.S. Corporate Executives, Investors, and Entrepreneurs can immigrate to Canada

Why Americans Are Moving to Canada in 2025

Family Reasons

  • To reunite with close family members

  • To be closer to relatives

Social and Political Factors

  • Less political polarization

  • More social cohesion

Safety and Security

  • Higher global safety ranking

  • Lower crime rates

Healthcare Access

  • More accessible public health care system

  • Better public health infrastructure

  • Lower medical costs

Education Opportunities

  • Lower tuition fees

  • Stronger public school system

  • Pathway from study permit to permanent residence

Economic Factors

  • Economic stability

  • Job opportunities in some sectors

Business Factors

  • Business opportunities in some sectors

  • Proximity to the U.S.

  • Strong trade ties

  • Ease of doing business

  • Free trade agreement (USMCA / CUSMA)

  • Tax treaty (tax convention)

Quality of Life

  • More work-life balance

  • Better environmental quality

  • Better public services and infrastructure

Diversification of Residence and Citizenship

  • Opportunity to obtain permanent residence

  • Opportunity to obtain citizenship

  • Cross-border mobility

  • Plan B strategy

Frequently Asked Questions About Immigrating to Canada from the USA

How many Americans live in Canada?

  • According to the 2023 estimates relied by the Association of Americans Resident Overseas (AARO), there were 1,050,898 Americans living in Canada at that time. It is probably safe to assume that the number of Americans living in Canada is even higher in 2025 than in 2023, based on apparently growing relocation trend from the U.S. to Canada. Furthermore, based on the same source of estimates, AARO believes that Canada is home to the second largest community of Americans living abroad (only behind Mexico, which has the largest community of Americans living abroad).

Can a U.S. citizen just move to Canada?

  • If a U.S. citizen does not have Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status in Canada, such person would not be able to legally move to permanently reside in Canada.

  • However, if a U.S. citizen would like to visit Canada for business reasons or for personal reasons, such person may be allowed to enter Canada for up to 6 months without a visa, at the discretion of Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer, who would have the authority over decisions related to entry to Canada. Extension of stay in Canada may be granted in cases where justifiable grounds for extension exist.

Can a U.S. company transfer their staff to work in Canada?

  • It may be possible for a U.S. company to transfer its staff to work in Canada.

  • A Canadian work permit would be required in many cases, depending on circumstances.

Can a U.S. entrepreneur start a business in Canada?

  • It may be possible for a U.S. entrepreneur to start a business in Canada.

  • A Canadian work permit would be required in many cases, depending on circumstances.

Where are Canadian immigration / visa offices located in the USA?

  • New York - Consulate General of Canada: 466 Lexington Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, New York, U.S.A., 10017

  • Los Angeles - Consulate General of Canada: 550 South Hope Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., 90071-2327

Is it possible to submit Canadian immigration or citizenship application online?

  • Yes, most Canadian immigration and citizenship applications can be and should be submitted online.

Start Your Canadian Immigration Journey Today!

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Let us help you navigate the complexities of Canadian immigration and global mobility processes to achieve your business, investment and personal objectives in Canada and around the world.

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