How to Work in Canada as an American: Tips & Insights

Are you going to switch to Canada for work? Have you ever realized that American and Canadian work cultures are quite different? If so, you must know how to adjust to a different environment. It’s easy to jump from America to Canada, but getting a work permit needs something more! 

United-States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a successful deal between Americans and Canadians for jobs in Canada. International students and temporary employees having H1B visas can get temporary work permits. Moreover, American citizens can get Canadian permanent residence through the Express Entry program to permanently work in Canada. A Canadian job offer is also necessary. 

Canada is the nation of warm people, figure skating, and a place of WORK! Who would not want to reside and work in a nation that offers work permits and a stunning lifestyle, a specialty of the region that consists of hundreds of millions of job opportunities? 

We’ll spill more tea as there is more to know. So, let’s start!

What is USMCA?

Before starting, you must know that in addition to encouraging and facilitating international commerce for the parties concerned, trade deals are a crucial part of lowering the obstacles and limitations that come with it. 

Dozens of trade treaties are currently in place. But the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is one example of how certain accords are more significant than others and how they affect global commerce.

On July 1st, 2020, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was enacted. The North American workforce, farmers, herders, and companies all stand to gain from the USMCA, which replaced the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). 

The Agreement promotes more fair, equitable trading, which helps to expand the North American economy and supports high-paying employment for Americans. Features of the Agreement include: 

• Improving the import regulations for cars, trucks, and other items, as well as enforcing penalties against market manipulation to make life easier for foreign workers
• Additional sections have been added that address technological trade, economic reform, better regulatory policies, and assuring that medium and small businesses profit from the pact
• Improving and enhancing the food and agricultural trade in North America to the favour of American farmers, herders, and feedlots
• Assuring possibilities for trade in American services and strengthening a 21st-century economy by strengthening rights for American property rights

The USMCA is a success for the three parties involved because it promotes trade that benefits them, resulting in more open markets, equitable trade, and strong economic development in North America.

The Agreement lowers costs and facilitates smoother and more consistent cross-border migrations. The USMCA:

• Forbids customs taxes on goods sold online
• Strengthens Intellectual rights protection and security
• Provides equitable and open handling when providing cross-border operations
• And promotes regulatory flexibility

Besides many obstacles, the Agreement is mutually beneficial for the parties and upholds its pledge of open and equitable trade for the area.

Check Out Introduction to the U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement

Can US Citizens Work in Canada?

Canada is a multicultural and compassionate nation with a robust job market, top-notch public schools, and free healthcare for all citizens. Several Americans may have the desire to work in Canada: A fantasy that some people have for decades, and others have as fast as they travel to the cold!

Also, we must acknowledge the socioeconomic affinity between Americans and Canadians. Yet, the government forbids US citizens from working in Canada if they do not match the standards. For American employees in Canada, a work permit is required.

You need a work permit to be qualified for employment in Canada unless your position is excluded. Regrettably, US residents must comply with this requirement just as other candidates. Yet you may submit an application for a Canadian work permit at an immigration office.

In certain rare circumstances, applying before travelling to Canada can benefit you. Thus, do better research before departing for Canada.

Open Work Permits for Americans

Some Americans can be eligible for an open work permit in Canada. You can serve any company in Canada with an open work permit. Be careful not to overexcite yourself. Sadly, the requirements for an open work permit are rather rigorous.

Under the International Mobility Program, there are no alternatives to open work permits (IMP). Applicants are excluded from an LMIA under this scheme.

Working Without a Canadian Work Visa

You may occasionally be eligible to work in Canada without a visa as an American citizen. Skilled presenters, for instance, can give presentations in Canada. However, the meetings you attend must last no longer than five days.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

Consider the Federal Skilled Worker Program if you want to work in Canada but want to use your work history as a route to a green card. To be eligible for the FSWP, You must have the following: 

• Completed a minimum of one year of full-time employment in a leadership profession
• A professional and associated employment
• A technical occupation
• A skilled craft
• Or a clerical occupation

The program’s scoring system, which evaluates certain characteristics like language competence, employment experience, age, and more, will also decide your eligibility.

Other Options

Even if you don’t qualify for any of the choices mentioned earlier, you may still be able to work in Canada. However,

• It would be best if you were extended a job offer by a Canadian company, and
• A favourable LMIA letter for the position must be provided by Service Canada

Canadian vs US Work Culture

Although the United States and Canada are neighbors, there are some significant disparities between the two countries’ commercial practices. Canada does away with many of the practices Americans find objectionable in its workplace culture. 

For instance, rules specify the hours employees must put in, and the amount of vacation time they are entitled to per year. Please continue reading to learn how Canadian employees vary from their American counterparts.

Working Hours

According to a 2015 National survey, the typical full-time American/temporary foreign worker puts in 47 hours per week, reinforcing the common perception that people depend on their employment.

The boundary hasn’t fully been crossed by that addiction yet. According to the Canadian government, most full-time employees in Canada put in between 36 and 40 hours a week.

Maternity Leave

However, the US does not mandate that new parents receive paid leave; instead, it leaves this decision to the decision of each employer. Many newlyweds experience pressure to go back to work sooner than they’d want to avoid seeming commitment to their employment.

In Canada, mothers are eligible for up to 15 weeks of paid break, and many expectant parents receive as much as 35 weeks of joint leave.

Vacations

Every country has different laws governing how much time employees may take off, and practically everybody else has it better than the US.

In Canada, employees who have worked for less than five years are eligible for two weeks of paid vacation every year, which increases to three weeks after being employed for five years.

In contrast, the US has no legal need for employers to provide paid time off. Many businesses give their employees 2 weeks off, but the typical employee only uses approximately half of that time.

Break

American staff members are stigmatized for being tied to their seats and seldom taking breaks, not even for lunch or a quick stroll.

Employees in Canada are allowed a 30-minute pause every five hours and a 24-hour break once every week, guaranteeing that they aren’t working nonstop.

Communication

Perceptions may sometimes be accurate! One of the main distinctions between working in Canada and the US is that Canadians value majority opinion and courteous and quiet communication. Remember that being a celebrity is less likely to advance you than a side score.

Taxation

The American and Canadian taxes systems are similar and different. Both nations have shared judicial systems founded on British common law, a similar economy, and strong trading links. 

The tax rates in Canada are greater than those in the US. While taxes only make for 28.2% of GDP in the US, they account for 38.4% of GDP in Canada. Different expenditure policies are to blame for this.

The US and Canadian taxes systems diverge significantly from one another. As a result, the tax systems of the two nations are equally complicated. For instance, the way income is determined by the US and Canadian tax regulations vary. 

The US is governed by the federal Income Tax Act, but each province and territory in Canada has its own set of tax regulations. In contrast to the US, Canadian taxes will often apply to Canadian residents.

Healthcare

In addition to insurance, there are significant distinctions between Canadian and US healthcare. Canada has more general practitioners (GPs) per person than the US. According to the NCBI, GPs make up around half of all medical professionals in Canada. 

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, just approximately a third of doctors in the US are general practitioners (AHRQ).

For non-urgent treatment, Canadians often require a recommendation from their primary care physician. Canadian specialists can face financial consequences if they see a patient without a referral from their general practitioner.

Due to this referral need, the long waits for specialized treatments in Canada are often greater than in the USA. According to the NCBI, Canadians often wait weeks more than Americans for various therapies, such as knee or eye replacement. But, if you need emergency treatment in Canada, you get it immediately.

Healthcare options differ between Canada and the US. Everyone in Canada is covered by health insurance, but Canadians keep expenses down by hiring fewer experts, which can result in lengthier wait times. Although the wait time may be shorter in the US, the patient usually has to pay more.

Last but not least, knowing a little bit about one another promotes healthier interpersonal relationships. The workforce in Canada is trained, multicultural, and accustomed to freelancing with other countries’ teams. 

And if you do your research before recruiting in Canada, that country is your hidden weapon in the struggle for brilliance. Companies are healthier, more durable, and more informed when they recognize and reward each member’s contributions.

Is It Worth Moving to Canada from the USA?

Canada is one of the most cosmopolitan nations in the world due to the years-long migration of vast numbers of immigrants. Also, it provides immigrants with a friendly environment and numerous advantages that other nations might not. The administration has kept up the support for its immigration-friendly policies.

A wonderful chance to start over is moving to Canada. For you and your family, it could be worthwhile for various reasons. The cosmopolitan environment and excellent standard of living in Canada make it the ideal destination for immigrants. 

Nonetheless, making the decision to relocate abroad might be difficult. The reasons below are for considering moving to Canada and making the brave move!

• Canada’s economy is among the most robust in the world, and its political climate is among the most stable
• The standard of living is good, and access to medical care is mostly free
• Canada is one of the healthiest countries to live in because of its relatively low rate of crime
• People from various cultures and faiths live in Canada
• The friendliest people you will ever see are in Canada, and the immigration procedure there is simple, inexpensive, and quick
• The seasons in Canada are varied, and the year-round temperatures range greatly
• Several different types of natural magnificence may be found in Canada, including countless lakes, glaciers, and the magnificent Canadian scenery
• Immigration to Canada offers several work prospects, particularly for experienced tradespeople

Can A US Citizen Work in Canada without a Permit?

A work permit, a legal contract allowing a foreign citizen to participate in work and receive payment from a Canadian employer, is necessary for most foreign nationals who want to work in Canada. 

Jobs That DO NOT Require Work Permits

An American may be able to work in Canada without a work visa in some exceptional cases. The following jobs may be performed by American citizens without needing a work visa in Canada. It should be emphasized that merely being listed on this list does not automatically entitle one to a employer specific work permit exemption. 

A person’s employment must be on this list, and they must complete any additional requirements listed on the International Mobility Program website for their particular job to be eligible for a work permit exemption.

• Judge or referee
• Foreign government officer or representative
• Investigator
• Examiner
• News reporter
• Emergency service provider
• Crew member
• Business visitor
• Athlete or Coach
• Students working on or off-campus
• Public speaker
• Performing artists

So you can see that all these members earn something while doing these jobs, but they don’t require any work permit to perform their duties.

What Do You Need To Work In Canada?

The granting of work permits in Canada is based upon the applicants meeting specific qualifying requirements. Before learning how to obtain a work visa for Canada from America, it is crucial to remember a few things:

• A potential immigrant must be able to demonstrate to an authority that they will depart Canada when their permission expires
• The applicant must provide documentation proving they have the necessary resources to maintain themselves and their families throughout the intended stay
• They shouldn’t have any prior convictions and shouldn’t constitute a security risk to Canada
• They should be in good health, and it could be necessary for them to undergo testing to prove it
• They need to be ready to offer any further documentation required for their admission into Canada
• Last but not least, all foreign countries (doesn’t matter it’s America or any other nation) are required to meet the relevant visa rules for their home nation

Paperwork Requirement

You must prepare for your work permit process and have a list of required documents on hand. The following set of papers is needed to apply for a work permit in Canada:

• A current passport
• Current passport-size photos of the applicant and any accompanying family members; all required academic credentials
• Evidence of professional experience and credentials
• Evidence of having enough money to support their stay
• Health certification
• Evidence of application fee paid

Express Entry

It is the fastest pathway to get into Canada for Americans. It allows you to live here permanently with a permanent work permit. Express Entry applications are submitted in two steps. To submit your profile, you must first gather the necessary paperwork.

• Outcomes of language tests
• Evaluation of educational credentials report
• A travel permit or passport

To apply for Canadian permanent residency, you must submit a more comprehensive application that includes the following:

• Letters of recommendation
• Supplementary identification papers
• Police clearance credentials
• The findings of a medical exam after submitting your profile and receiving an invitation to do so

One of the quickest immigration procedures in the world, Express Entry processes 80% of petitions for permanent status within 6 months. Three federal economic immigration routes are available:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

How To Get A Job In Canada As An American?

If you are not ready for your job hunt, getting a position in Canada from outside Canada may take some time. You should be familiar with the Canadian employment market, the format of a Canadian-style CV and the abilities employers are looking for in your field before you apply for employment in Canada. 

Here are some crucial actions to assist you in gearing up and boosting your prospects of finding employment in Canada from the United States:

Determine The Talents That Are Required In Your Sector

Boost yourself! Even if you have a number of years of professional experience from the United States or another country, you might need to develop new abilities to get employment in Canada. 

Examine relevant job ads to determine the talents that businesses in your field are seeking in candidates, as well as the skills that are in demand in Canada. This will help you to identify skill shortages and train and develop before searching for employment in Canada.

Develop Your Connections In Canada

In the Canadian business world, networking is key and may be helpful when looking for a job. Most open positions in Canada are hired through the networking of recruiters, and your network can assist you in accessing this untapped labour market. 

Your Canadian professional contacts can also aid in your understanding of the local employment market, in-demand talents, and various businesses’ hiring procedures. You may begin developing your Canadian network by using LinkedIn, virtual coffee talks, and networking events before travelling to the country. 

Keep in mind your LinkedIn profile must be prepared for your job hunt before you begin contacting potential companies in Canada. You could also establish contacts with seasoned experts who can serve as your mentors and guides.

Learn About The Canadian Employment Landscape

Even though the workplace environments in Canada and the United States are similar, there may be other differences in the Canadian labour market. For example, you’ll need to locate the best companies in your sector in Canada and become familiar with their hiring practices. 

Canada has a sizable untapped labour market, and between 65 and 80 % of open positions are filled through recommendations rather than advertised.

Choose The Sort Of Employment You Want

Choose the kind of job you’ll be searching for, as well as if you want to make your home in a certain area. Private market and infrastructure occupations are in high demand in Canada.

The state sector, property investment, banking, and insurance are a few in-demand careers. Despite the pandemic’s significant negative economic effects, there is still a need for competent personnel in numerous industries, including technology.

Apply For Open Positions

With your revised CV or resume, apply for positions to determine whether sponsorship is an option. If you fulfill their conditions, employers could sponsor your migration to Canada and give you the funds you need to do so. If an employer supports you, you can lawfully work in Canada as a citizen of the United States.

Learn Some New Languages

Understanding the native tongue and dialect will enable you to network more effectively online and after your relocation. It is essential to stress this! Your neighbours, possible employers, and coworkers will be able to tell that you want to stay in Canada if you even make an effort to pick up the language.

Following these suggestions and being aware of the criteria will ease the process of finding employment in Canada. Canada is a friendly nation with a liberal migration policy. The Canadian government and several provinces have programs in place to welcome employees from other countries.

Where To Find Jobs In Canada From the USA?

So where might an American get employment in Canada? Anybody seeking work in Canada can use the Job Bank, a resource provided by the Canadian government. If you’re unsure of where you want to settle, it also allows you to zero in on your search for a certain region. 

Other job-hunting websites include those that are well-known in the US as well, such as:

• Indeed
• Monster
• Google
• And others

What Are In-Demand Jobs in Canada for Americans?

Canada largely depends on new arrivals and foreign labour to fill skill gaps in various industries. The majority of provinces and territories provide their list of in-demand professions, and if you work in one of these fields, it can be simpler to get a work permit or permanent residence and find employment in Canada from the United States.

Jobs are plentiful in the industrial and construction industries. Also, there are many job openings in the information technology (IT) and technology sectors, including for:

• Web designers
• AI and development specialists
• And software engineers

The demand for skilled personnel in the services industry is also acute, particularly in the fields of:

• Finance
• Human resources
• Marketing
• Sales
• Hospitality
• Administration

In Canada, there is also a high need for medical practitioners, including physicians and nurses. To work as a schoolteacher, doctor, or nurse in Canada, you will require a provincial or territory license because these are regulated professions.

What Are The Best Companies To Work For In Canada?

According to Government Statistics, Canada’s unemployment level has gradually declined over the previous year. It has been going from 9.4% at the end of 2021 to 5% by the end of 2022. Here is a list of the best companies you can work for in Canada:

• Microsoft
• OpenText
• Grant Thornton
• Pratt & Whitney 
• Canadian Mental Health Association
• Hydro-Quebec
• Ericsson 

Moreover, several American companies are working in Canada. You can also choose these if you don’t want to switch to Canadian work culture. So, there are a number of changes that American businesses operating in Canada must undertake to thrive there. 

Most of them are required to establish new corporations under the same name, which turn into affiliates owned by their American parent firms. They can conduct business in their new nations thanks to their new firms.

Yet, Americans are proud of their affiliation with prosperous American businesses and work hard to enhance the brand. Let’s keep in mind, too, that these businesses are technically Canadian corporations under the law. Here, we spotlight them.

• IBM Canada
• Wendy’s
• Google Canada
• McDonald’s
• Lowes
• Amazon
• Microsoft
• Fed Ex
• Costco
• Cisco

FAQs

Final Thoughts

It’s exciting and worthwhile to work as an American in Canada. You’ll be setting out on your own in a nation renowned for its friendly citizens, laid-back way of life, hearty food, and world-class cities.

You have seen that America is a next-door neighbour of Canada, but still, there is a procedure to get a Canadian visa to get a job here. Although, you can visit Canada easily without having a visa, just driving by car and crossing the border.

Wake up and Get this bread! And you’ll see the success will be yours. Please feel free to ask us on OnTheMoveCanada anything you need clarification on. We’ll be pleased to help you out. Have a great journey!