Moving to Canada from the USA
Here are some other articles that might help you plan your move:
- Best International Movers: The international moving industry is full of scammy movers, and when all of your belongings are at stake, don’t take chances. These are the top international movers.
- Ship your car overseas: Taking your car with you? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.
- International Moving Costs: Moving internationally comes with its own set of expenses. Learn more about the specific costs associated with an international move.
What are the best International Movers?
| Company | Price | Vendor Type | Quoting options | Storage | Minimum Move Size |
| JK Moving Services | $$ | Carrier | Phone/virtual estimate | Yes | 1 bedroom |
| North American Van Lines | $$$ | Carrier | Phone/virtual estimate | Yes | 1 bedroom |
| Allied | $$$ | Carrier | Phone/virtual estimate | Yes | 1 bedroom |
How to move from the USA to Canada
The fundamental question of how to move to Canada from the US, simply put, must be addressed as such: before you even think about packing up your belongings and making the haul, certain legal aspects need your attention. You have to organize many documents, popularly known as visas.
You might be wondering what visas are? It is essentially an endorsement on a passport that indicates the holder is permitted to enter, leave or stay for a certain period of time in a country. In Canada, more than 80 visa and immigration programs are offered for you to achieve permanent residency.
Granted, each program has its own eligibility requirements that you must fulfill and the application process that you must follow. Given you are a skilled worker, recent graduate, semi-skilled or even unskilled worker, entrepreneur, or just looking for basic residency, there are ways to help make the transition smooth.
How to move your things from the USA to Canada
You always want to do your research when it comes to moving. First, gather your belongings and take a detailed inventory. From there, you can assess what you will either bring with you or discard before you pack up. Once you are set with your belongings, then you enter the actual moving process phase.
To get the most out of your money, be sure to evaluate and compare all different types of moving companies, like international moving and container companies, sea freight, and shipping companies, if applicable.
Some of the top international moving companies we gathered from our findings are United Van Lines, Allied Van Lines, Atlas Van Lines, PODS, and Mayflower Transit. Take the time to contact and speak with each company you consider using to get a better idea of their prices and services.
The process of how to move to Canada from the US is a big commitment that you want to get right. Otherwise, you will be in way over your head with costs, services and stress.
Why are people moving from the USA to Canada?
To this day, Canada remains one of the most popular destinations for relocation. It offers wide open spaces and safe cities, education, economic strength and stability, universal healthcare, culture, and natural wealth. The overall reasons we see US residents moving to Canada all relate to free universal healthcare, better work-life balance, paid statutory holidays, paid maternity leave, and Canada’s acceptance of migrants.
In the US, healthcare is a touchy subject, and you don’t want to be on the wrong end of it. Meanwhile, in Canada, permanent residents don’t have to worry about those high medical bills that US residents are exposed to often.
We see foreign workers in Canada enjoy shorter hours in the workplace. Research gathered suggested that full-time US employees work an average of 47 hours a week. In Canada, the standard number of weekly work hours is 40.
Workers can enjoy paid statutory holidays, like Canada Day in July. In the US, it is the exact opposite. Employers are not required to pay employees for time not worked.
Above all else, Canada is more accepting of migrants. It is the world’s most accepting country for migrants because Canada believes migrants help the economy.
What are some of the best places to live in Canada?
Our list of the best places to live and work in Canada is based on income levels, housing costs, estimated cost of living, current unemployment rate, and crime rate.
The table below demonstrates the top five cities to move in Canada:
| Rank | Median household income | Average house price | The average rent for a one-bedroom apt. | The estimated cost of living per month | Minimum wage | Unemployment Rate (As of 2020) | Crime rate per 100,000 |
| 1. Quebec City | $66,200 | $254,700 | $883 | $2,009 | $13.10 | 4.1-8.6 | 3075 |
| 2.Moncton | $74,240 | $213,000 | $883 | $1,924 | $11,70 | 5.3-8.2 | 8220 |
| 3. Saint John | $52,132 | $200,961 | $814 | $2,016 | $11,70 | 7.0-9.8 | 4215 |
| 4. St. John’s | $69,455 | $239,500 | $854 | $2,264 | $11.65 | 8.1-11.7 | 5508 |
| 5.Hamilton | $88,124 | $504,101 | $1,367 | $2,280 | $14.00 | 4.9-11.3 | 3953 |
Quebec City is not only a beautiful place to live and work, but it offers rich history and culture. Moncton is a city on the rise,one-bedroom with many people moving there from either other parts of Canada or the US. The reason being, the low cost of living and house prices.
Then, there is Saint John. It is one of the oldest cities in Canada but is rapidly expanding into technology and other modern forms of doing business. It doesn’t hurt either that it offers some of the lowest real estate prices in Canada too.
For St. John, it is highly regarded as a top tourist spot and party town. The city has a median income on the lower end as well as house prices too. Hamilton, more commonly referred to as its nickname of “Steel Town,” is transforming into a more modern city as we speak. While previously, Hamilton lacked restaurants and entertainment, it is now a place full of life and riches beyond imagination.
Just make sure that you have the right type of work permit before you get a job in Canada and aren’t a Canadian citizen.
FAQs
Can I live in Canada if I am a US citizen?
The short form of the answer is yes. You can live in Canada if you are a US citizen, and unless you apply for citizenship in Canada, you will still be considered an American citizen. This holds even if you are a permanent resident of Canada.
How hard is it to move to Canada from the US?
In terms of the actual physical move on how to move to Canada from the US, it may not be too difficult. This is because you can drive across the border with all your belongings. A more in-depth response will involve applying for the right immigration program, collecting all the documents, and filling out paperwork. The fastest and shortest way recommended is to apply via CanadianVisa.org. It will guide you throughout the entire visa application process.
Can I move to Canada from the USA right now?
Currently, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has affected the entire world, it wasn’t until recently that fully vaccinated non-essential travelers from all countries were permitted to enter Canada. Those US citizens and permanent residents who currently reside in the US were eligible to enter Canada not too long ago either.
How much money do you need to immigrate to Canada?
To immigrate to Canada, you would need about $23,000. This amount is for one person only. Rental accommodations, cost of living, transportation, and other necessities come with this number.
How can I get a job in Canada?
The best way to get a job in Canada is to research companies where you want to work. Attending job fairs in your city or town is highly recommended, and if you already live in Canada, meet employers and discuss jobs at local job fairs. Keep a lookout on the job posting websites and use employment agencies to your advantage. There are private and government-based agencies in Canada that can assist you. Lastly, you can always talk to family and friends about jobs near you. This will help you to have information on jobs that aren’t advertised.
How do I immigrate to Canada as a US citizen?
You can enter Canada on a simple visitor visa, but immigrating there is a different story. To immigrate to Canada as a US citizen, you are required to pass the Canadian language test. You can test for either English or French. Then you have to apply for a permanent visa. It is suggested that you apply even if you are still living in the US. Visit Canada to work or study before deciding to move. Expand your network of friends and potential colleagues. Finally, you can apply for citizenship. When you have lived in Canada for 4-6 years after receiving your permanent residency, can you apply for citizenship?
How do you apply for Canadian citizenship?
The easiest and fastest way to apply for Canadian citizenship is by using online services. To begin the process, you want to obtain proof of Canadian citizenship by signing up online and selecting the “Adult Citizenship Certificate” option.
What are the best ways to move to Canada from the US?
The best ways to move to Canada from the US are to gather all necessary documents before you move. Moving to Canada requires you to have certain official documents in your possession. Then you want to identify apartments and houses in the area you plan to live. Next, you should purchase private health insurance. Canada does offer free health insurance to residents and citizens, but you still need to ensure coverage for up to three after you first arrive in Canada. Work on your language skills, find a job, and apply for Canadian citizenship.
What are the steps to immigrate to Canada?
It is essential to follow these seven steps when you immigrate to Canada. First, you want to check if you are not inadmissible to Canada. Secondly, you want to find a Canadian immigration program that you qualify for then collect your immigration documents. Following that, you will be required to give your biometrics at a local center. After that, you will have to fill out government forms and submit your application to the correct department. Finally, after all the leg work has been completed, you wait for your results.
It is a good idea to start the immigration process as soon as possible to beat the rush of applicants and get ahead of any potential long wait times.
The information offered in this article is strictly to ease your moving process and provide the proper insight on how to move to Canada from the US.
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