Relocating From US to Canada: How Hard Is Moving to Canada? (Is It Worth It to Relocate/Move to Canada)

Do you hear about the issue of culture shock? While Canadians and Americans share a lot of commonalities, there are also significant differences that may take some getting used to. 

Ultimately, there is no easy answer to the question of whether or not it’s worth moving to Canada from the USA. It depends on a variety of individual factors and preferences.

The cost of living is one important consideration一while salaries in Canada are generally higher than in the USA, and so are the costs of rent, food, and other necessary expenses. Additionally, Canada’s climate can be quite different from what Americans are used to, with long winters and shorter, cooler summers. 

This article will help you to make a decision for yourself, is it worth moving to Canada for you? So, stay with us!

How To Move From the US to Canada?

Being a US citizen, you can easily visit Canada on your US passport. You can stay in Canada for up to 6 months based on your US passport. But, if you want to immigrate to Canada, then you have to follow a specific procedure, and you have to fulfill some requirements accordingly.

If you want Canadian citizenship, you can only apply for this after holding permanent resident status for a minimum of 5 years. You can consider different options as a US resident through which you can immigrate to Canada. Let’s discuss them briefly.

Have a Permanent Job after Moving to Canada

You should hunt for a permanent job in Canada. Once you have successfully landed a permanent job in Canada, you can move and settle there permanently. Canada is known as the land of opportunities.

You will find great working options there. There are different categories through which you can apply. Once things get into a routine, you can also apply for Canadian immigration to get Canadian citizenship.

Getting a Job in Canada after Migrating

There are several resources to search for a job in Canada. If you get a job offer from Canada, there are several immigration programs through which you can apply.

Once selected through your preferred immigration program, you can immigrate to Canada. The top picks from the list of Canadian immigration programs include Canada Express Entry. It is the best option through which you can quickly move to Canada.

Apply for Family Sponsorship after Moving

Once you reside in Canada, you can also call your family there. You can apply for the family sponsorship program based on your Canadian citizenship.

There are a few requirements for the family sponsorship program. Once you have fulfilled all the requirements and your application gets approved, you can easily call your family in Canada.

How to Bring Your Family to Canada?

You cannot sponsor any of your family members in Canada. There are a few exceptions. You can only sponsor the following family members in Canada:

• Spouse
• Common law partner
• Conjugal partner
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Certain relatives
• Dependent children.

You can sponsor any of your family members mentioned in the list above. Other than these, you cannot sponsor any of your family members to Canada, including 

• Brothers
• Sisters
• Friends

To sponsor eligible family members in Canada, you must apply through the family sponsorship program. Once your application is approved, you can easily call them in Canada. 

Have a Startup Visa

If you have any innovative startup ideas. The startup visa is a special program offered by the Canadian government to entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas.

It is a great opportunity for you as a US citizen if you are planning to move to Canada to start a business there. There are a few requirements and justified eligibility criteria for this program. If you fall on the eligibility list and fulfill all the requirements, you will easily get the startup visa to move to Canada.

Apply for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Provincial Nominee Programs is another great way to immigrate to Canada. It is a highly regulated program through which Canada’s provinces can nominate applicants they consider fit to move to that particular province.

The are several Canadian provinces included in the Provincial Nominee Program:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon

As a US citizen, you can apply through the Provincial Nominee Program if you want to immigrate to any of the above-mentioned Canadian provinces. There are two methods to get into this:

• By contacting the province directly.
• Through the Express Entry system.

If you get selected in any provincial nomination, soon they will send you an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence by the Canadian government.

It is one of the best methods for US citizens who want to immigrate to Canada. And also for those with the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of that province.

Apply for Express Entry After You Move to Canada

The Express Entry program is one of the fastest ways to immigrate to Canada. It was first introduced in 2015. Presently, it is the most followed method for regulating immigrants to any country.

Express Entry in Canada is an application management system. It is regulated by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada). IRCC uses the Express Entry system to regulate and manage all the immigrant applications received through three of Canada’s federal economic immigration programs for skilled workers.

The Express Entry system allows many individuals and families to immigrate to Canada easily and quickly. The selection of the applicants is based on the rankings. The regulatory body ranks the applicants based on the evaluation of different parameters. The things which are considered for ranking include

• Age
• Education
• Language proficiency
• Work experience
• Other factors

The applicants with higher rankings have greater chances of selection. Through the Express Entry system, families can quickly immigrate to Canada and get permanent residence there in a short time.

Relocate/Move to Canada, Why Do U.S. Residents Do It?

There are a lot of benefits for which a US resident might decide to move to Canada. Canada offers a lot of opportunities to its residents and its people. It is famous as the land of opportunities.

Apart from its beautiful landscape, it has a strong economic system, which greatly attracts people worldwide. The strong regulated economy, monitored by a well-established government, has made Canada a land that most US citizens wonder about having as their homeland.

Among the multiple benefits that a US citizen will enjoy after immigrating to Canada, we have discussed a few of them in detail here:

Work-life Balance

Do you know? Workers in Canada enjoy shorter hours. It is a great system where you can easily maintain a great work-life balance. The standard number of weekly work hours in Canada is 40 hours a week. On the other hand, a full-time U.S. worker works an average of 47 hours a week.

Affordable Healthcare

High-quality but affordable healthcare is one of the best benefits that Canada offers to its people. Canadian citizens can see a doctor, go to the emergency room, and even get their eyes checked without paying any fees. Remember that everything is not completely free. You will be subjected to taxes you must pay on a few occasions. But it is very convenient, especially during emergencies.

Job Opportunities

Canada has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world, at only 6.5% in 2022. However, its strong economic outlook also comes with its share of problems, such as a labour shortage.  It is the main reason Canada needs many foreign workers as they are looking to fill skill shortages in different industries.

If you want to start a business in Canada, you are also welcome in Canada. If you have any business ideas, you can easily apply for a startup visa to quickly move to Canada and start a business there.

Low Crime Rate

Canada is a peaceful country with quite a low crime rate. It offers the safest and the best environment where you can comfortably raise your family. Canada is an ideal country for you when it comes to peace and stability.

It has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Violent crimes are rare in Canada. Its crime rate has been steadily declining since 1991, which makes it one of the safest countries to live in.

Great Educational System

In Canada, you will get a great educational system you can trust for your children. It has a well-balanced educational system. The government also provides funding so children can study for free until they turn 17.

Education is compulsory up to 16 years old in all Canadian provinces except for

• New Brunswick
• Manitoba
• Nunavut
• Ontario

In the provinces mentioned above, the compulsory age is up to 18. Children with a residence permit can also study at public schools for free.

Social Welfare Programs

The Canadian government is running many social welfare programs to help improve the lives of its residents. There are several different training programs for Canadian citizens if you want to develop a new skill which can lead to more job opportunities.

There are also programs dedicated to education to help you to become more qualified for better job opportunities in Canada.

Beautiful Outdoors

Nature has blessed this piece of land with immense beauty. The natural scenery in Canada has always been known as diverse and breathtaking.

Here you will see beautiful outdoors all around. Canada has oceans, lakes, snow-covered tundra, mountains, and other scenic spots. There are so many outdoor activities that you can do in Canada, like:

• Boating
• Skiing
• Hunting
• Fishing
• Hiking, and a lot more.

Migrants are More Welcome in Canada

Canada is a country which welcomes a large number of migrants every year from all over the world. It is the country where migrants are more welcome. Every year, a swamp of immigrants enters Canada to settle there. You can also be one of them, for which you can apply through any Canadian immigration program that best suits your case.

What are the Disadvantages of Migrating to Canada (Besides Winter)

Before you plan to immigrate to Canada, remember that there are some disadvantages to migrating to Canada. Not everything is perfect there. Several major issues are not tolerated able by every person. So, evaluate the scenario first, then plan accordingly. 

Cold Weather

One of the major drawbacks of living in Canada is its harsh cold weather. Not everyone can tolerate the extreme cold weather there.

Winter in Canada starts as early as November and ends as late as April. The coldest city in Canada during winter is Winnipeg, Manitoba, which experiences an average temperature of -30 degrees Celsius.

On the other hand, the warmest places during winter are Ontario and the Maritime provinces. The average yearly snowfall in Canada ranges from 82.5 inches to 131.9 inches.

Although the infrastructure and management are quite active there, you cannot stand against nature. Many people resist moving to Canada because of this reason.

Expensive Living

Canada’s expensive lifestyle is another big disadvantage if you are planning to migrate to Canada. Living cost in Canada is quite high.

It is usually more expensive to live in highly populated Canadian cities such as

• Vancouver
• Toronto
• Victoria
• Calgary
• Mississauga
• Edmonton
• Ottawa

Relocate/Move to Canada, Where Should You Go?

There are different places where you should relocate to Canada. The best places to live in Canada are the ones with relatively affordable housing, which are safe, keep you entertained, have good schools, have good job opportunities, and are family-friendly. 

Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada and is located in the province of Ontario. It is a great place to live for many reasons. The city has a population of over 1 million people and is home to many different nationalities and cultures. 

Ottawa is also a very clean and safe city. It has a low crime rate and is ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world. There are over 200 parks in Ottawa, and the city is home to the Rideau Canal, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Ottawa also has a cost of living that is lower than many other major Canadian cities. Lastly, Ottawa has a very strong economy, and job prospects are excellent. The unemployment rate in Ottawa is below the national average, and there are many different opportunities for employment in a variety of industries.

Calgary, Alberta

Located in the heart of Alberta, Calgary is a vibrant city with exciting nightlife and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. The city is also home to some of the best schools in the country, so you can be sure your children will receive a top-quality education. 

When it comes to finding a job, Calgary has plenty to offer. With a thriving economy and plenty of opportunities for growth, the city is an ideal place to start your career. 

The city is also a hub for arts and culture, with many museums, art galleries, and festivals to enjoy. And, of course, Calgary is famous for its outdoor lifestyle. 

There are plenty of opportunities to get out into nature, whether you enjoy hiking, biking, or skiing. With its great quality of life, it’s no wonder that Calgary is rated as one of the best places to live in Canada.

Burlington, Ontario

Burlington has a lot to offer, from great schools to a variety of cultural activities. Burlington is also a very welcoming city, with a large number of immigrant-friendly services and organizations. 

And, of course, the city is also conveniently located near Toronto, which is Canada’s largest city. There are plenty of things to do in Burlington, from exploring the outdoor trails to visiting the many shops and restaurants. 

There is also a great school system, which makes it a perfect place for families. If you’re looking for a safe, welcoming, and vibrant city to call home, Burlington is a perfect choice.

Quebec City, Quebec

Quebec City is the perfect place to call home after moving to Canada. The city is teeming with historical and cultural attractions, as well as all the modern amenities that make life comfortable. 

Quebec City is also very welcoming to new arrivals, with plenty of resources and support available to help you settle in. The people of Quebec City are friendly and proud of their culture, which makes it a great place to learn about French Canadian history and customs. 

If you’re looking for a vibrant and multicultural city with a strong sense of community, Quebec City is a perfect choice.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Saskatoon is often rated as one of the best places to live in Canada, and it’s easy to see why. The city has a low cost of living, plenty of job opportunities, and a wide range of activities and amenities. 

Saskatoon is also home to a number of post-secondary institutions, making it a great choice for those who are looking to further their education. 

The city has an extensive public transit system and is also walkable and bikeable, making it easy to get around without a car. And, of course, Saskatoon is known for its friendly people一you’re sure to feel at home here in no time!

Other Metropolitan Areas

Check Out The 10 Best Places To Live In Canada – Affordable, Job, Retire, Family:

Canada is a large and multicultural country with something to offer everyone. If you’re looking for a big city experience, you’ll be spoiled for choice. 

Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are all major metropolitan areas with plenty to see and do. Each city has its own unique vibe, so you’re sure to find one that’s a perfect fit for you. 

In addition to being cultural hubs, these cities also offer great job opportunities and a high standard of living. 

• If you’re looking for a more fast-paced lifestyle with plenty of nightlife and entertainment options, these cities would be a good fit for you. However, keep in mind that living in a large city can also be expensive and crowded. 
• If you’re looking for a more affordable option or a slower pace of life, you may want to consider moving to a smaller town or village. 

No matter what you’re looking for, Canada won’t disappoint you!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

So, what is the verdict? We ask you! Is it worth moving to Canada? Do your preferences and choices say yes? If so, congratulations on getting a new place to call home! If you have any other concerns about moving to Canada, don’t hesitate to explore On The Move Canada.

For many people, the thought of moving to a new country is both exciting and daunting. Canada is a popular destination for immigrants, and it is easy to see why. The country is renowned for its natural beauty, its diverse population, a wide range of educational and employment opportunities, and its high standard of living. 

So, what are you waiting for?