With Donald Trump getting closer and closer to a credible run for presidency, many citizens of the United States are asking, “How do I move to Canada?”
While it’s not our job to critique the American electoral system, we can provide expert advice on starting a new life in Canada. Living in Canada is much like living in the northern part of the United States. We have the same cold temperatures and warm summers. English is spoken widely, even in Quebec. The grocery stores carry all the same foods, but you might find some familiar brands are not available. The biggest difference you will likely find is in the price of items. Canada is much more expensive, but if your income is in US dollars it will go far. About 8,000 to 10,000 Americans immigrate to Canada each year.
Skilled workers
If you have professional skills and are planning to find work in Canada, you may be in luck. The skilled worker class is one of the easiest and best ways to immigrate to Canada. Applicants who qualify as skilled workers are entered into the Express Entry pool. Some professions, such as medical doctor, are greatly prized in Canada as the country has fewer family doctors and specialists than it needs, but immigration officials are also open to managers and trades people. The list of eligible professions changes every year, so you’ll need to check to make sure you qualify.
If you are part of a regulated profession, such as accounting or engineering, check to make sure your credentials will be accepted in the province where you want to settle. This might involve some equivalency tests and paperwork.
Unskilled workers
There are also options for unskilled workers, but these are fewer and are currently being reviewed. The live-in caregiver program used to be extremely popular as a doorway to permanent residency, but changes made it more restrictive. The Temporary Foreign Worker program is also under review due to negative publicity from both foreign workers and Canadians. With the exception of caregivers, entering in an unskilled class is not a door to permanent residency.
Invest in Canada
Canada views investors and entrepreneurs as possible job creators and will welcome viable companies that have the potential to contribute to the economy.
Family ties
If you have a family member living in Canada, they may be able to sponsor you.
Study
While student visas are temporary, immigration officials will view Canadian experience living in Canada favourably. If you demonstrate that you have spent time in the country as a student or worker, you might qualify for the Canada Experience Class. You might even be able to network your way into a job offer that will boost a work visa down the road.
Provincial nominee programs
Maybe you’ve always wanted to live next to a mountain and ski every day in British Columbia, or you are attracted to the Maritime culture of Nova Scotia. If you already know which province you want to settle in, there are provincial nominee programs under which you can apply. This helps the provinces align economic goals with immigration. Thus, the priorities are normally to attract skilled workers and investors.
Could you be a Trump refugee?
Surprisingly, this has been tried, but, as it stands, trying to claim refugee status in Canada as a US citizen is a better way to get in the news than into the country.