Moving from US to Canada

Do you want to trade the American dream for the Canadian one? This Great White North Country is known for its beautiful scenery, natural parks, northern lights, maple syrup, and ice hockey. These downplay the very cold winters experienced in Canada.

The good news is this Great White North is open to immigrants. As an immigrant, you will contribute to alleviating the labor shortage crisis that is prevalent in Canada. It is a great way to contribute to the economy. In Canada, you are welcome. By the way, Canada has a reliable cross country train, which makes commuting from coast to coast easy. You will love exploring this great nation!

Benefits of Moving from the US to Canada

Political Climate

Canada has a shorter campaign period compared to the US, which has an 18-month campaign cycle. Therefore, its citizens are not constantly bombarded with political messaging all the time, which can be exhausting. In addition, as a resident, you will escape the vicious and polarizing politics in America. You will be able to hold sober discussions without the attending personal attacks on candidates or other people of opposing opinions and political persuasions experienced in the US.

Crime Rates are Low

Canada is one of the safest places to live on planet earth. Canada allows its citizens to have guns with less restrictive regulations and legal frameworks on gun usage. However, guns are normally used for hunting. In rare cases, they are used in committing violent crimes. According to data from the United Nations, Canada has 5.1 homicides per 1 million people compared to the US, which has a 29.7 rating.

Quality Education

Canada has a unique education system in the world. Each province governs and funds its schools. Think of it as a decentralized school system. The only unifying factor in all schools is equity- providing equal chances to all. Migrant children are motivated to learn. The teachers are one of the best paid in the world hence their productivity is high. According to tests done by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), its students appear in the top 10 for mathematics, reading comprehension and sciences. The University of Alberta, The University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, Humber College, McGill University, Centennial College, University of Windsor, University of Waterloo, York University, and the University of Saskatchewan are some of the universities and colleges from which you can access quality education.

Universal Healthcare

Canada's healthcare system is one of the best in the world. Its healthcare system is superior to that in the US. It is a single-payer system funded by taxes collected by the government. It is free at the point of use and highly accessible. It is not dependent on a resident's income meaning that both the rich and the poor have the same access. Each province is given a budget by the government to administer and issue health cards to all eligible residents. As an immigrant, the Visa you have been issued determines the kind of access you may get. You may be issued with a health card or advised to take medical insurance.

How to Move from the US to Canada

Moving from the US to Canada can be an exciting life-changing moment but also a daunting experience. However, becoming a Canadian citizen is not a walk in the park. You will have to stay in the country for at least 6 years, be well behaved, and be knowledgeable about the country if you want to be considered for citizenship. 

• Verify your eligibility to move to Canada. Human or internal rights violations, criminal records, health, financial reasons, and non-compliance with the Immigration Refugee Protection Act are some of the reasons you may not be eligible.
• Be at least 18 years of age. For a minor, your parent or guardian will be required to fill out an application for you, which is a process.
• Be fluent in either French or English. Canada has those two languages as official languages. You need to be able to hold a conversation, describe yourself, or give directions in either of the two languages.
• Know the history, values, institutions, and symbols of the country well. An oral or written questionnaire is administered where you are expected to demonstrate your knowledge of the country.

Avenues which You Can Use to Move to Canada

• Be Skilled at least in one trade. Canada has the Express Entry program, which will help you, settle quite well into the country without hassles. However, you will be ranked alongside other competing applicants. Those who score the highest for a particular trade are invited to become permanent residents in the country.
• Be an Entrepreneur. This shows you can invest in a business that will spur economic growth in Canada. There is a catch, however. You must be worth more than 10 million Canadian dollars.
• Provincial Status: This one is rare. A province in Canada may invite you to reside in it.
• Family-Sponsored: If you have family members, who are Canadian citizens ask them to vouch and sponsor you to migrate.
• Spouse Sponsored: Your Canadian spouse who is a citizen or a permanent resident can sponsor you to live in Canada provided you prove to the authorities that the marriage was not a sham aimed at getting entry to Canada.
• International Adoption: Parents who have adopted children who are not citizens of Canada may apply for their residency.
• Refugee Program: This is available to people fleeing political upheavals in their countries.

Application Stage

• Choose the most appropriate avenue for you and apply for a visa.
• Pay the application fee in full.
• Wait for your visa to arrive. This may take time.

Steps to follow when moving to Canada:

• Gather all the documents that you need. A Canadian immigrant visa and confirmation of permanent residence for each person traveling with you, copies of all household items you are carrying, two copies of items to follow you with their monetary value and valid passports.
• Identify a place to live within your means in the city you want to live in.
• Purchase private health insurance to cover you until you receive government health coverage.
• Find a job if you don't have one already.
• Apply for Canadian citizenship after you settle for at least 6 years if you so wish.

Most Popular Areas in Canada

Ontario

This is the second-largest province in Canada. Toronto, Ottawa, London, Thunder Bay, Hamilton, Kingston, Windsor, and Sudbury are some of the most important cities in Ontario. Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. Ontario is the economic hub for Canada. It is endowed with natural diversity, which includes Niagara Falls, four of the five great lakes, beautiful provincial parks, and vast forests. On average, residents in Ontario earn some of the highest incomes in Canada. The cost of living is high in the cities especially in the housing sector but this is offset by the high incomes. Ottawa and Toronto are consistently voted as the most livable cities in the world in terms of standards of living, safety, cleanliness, and availability of social amenities.

Toronto

This is a multicultural city since it has many immigrants from around the globe. It is Canada's largest city and the Capital of Ontario. It sits on the Northwest shore of Lake Ontario. Toronto is the heartthrob of Canada in terms of culture, entertainment, and financial sectors. It is about 90 minutes away from the US border. Half the population in the United States is within an hour's flight or one day's drive from Toronto. Toronto has the warmest spring and summers in the country. Princess of Wales Theatre, the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, The Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Royal Ontario Museum are some of the cultural hotspots in the city

Quebec

Quebec is the largest and the only French-speaking province in Canada. Quebec City is its capital. It is home to the St. Lawrence River. Montreal is in the far south about an hour from the US border and is located on an Island. Montreal attracts those interested in art, music, and fine dining. It is the most cosmopolitan city in Quebec.

Vancouver

Vancouver is found in British Columbia province on the western coast of Canada, which is bike-friendly. It is home to the magnificent Stanley Park. The city offers opportunities for diving, year-round boating, outdoor recreation, and golfing. Klahowya village offers a comprehensive experience of indigenous culture through performances and arts.

The Cost of Moving from the US to Canada

Generally, the cost of moving to Canada from the US is between. $1,625 and $7,000.  The cost of an international move from the US to Canada will depend largely on your current location and intended destination, the number of belongings you have, special items, packing and unpacking. The best way to know the true cost is to fill out the Instaquote above or contact us for a moving quote.