Lately, much has been said and written on how Google in the US exploded with “How to move to Canada” queries after the first presidential debate between President Trump and Joe Biden. If I were living in the US, I would probably do the same after having watched the first debate.
But setting aside all political, emotional and immigration-related feelings (because there’s enough dose of that mixture in the US), let’s look at how business owners, entrepreneurs, investors and professionals can move from the US to Canada in good times and bad times.
This article will highlight only some of the main pathways of immigrating to Canada from the perspective of “business immigration” and “professional immigration,” which covers the following possible scenarios:
Additionally, eligible candidates can enter the Express Entry pool and have their applications processed quickly, often within six months. The Federal Skilled Trades Program is another pathway for those with specific trade skills.
There are many variables that we cannot capture in one article. Therefore, if you fit into one of these categories, use our Business Immigration Assessment Tool now. We’ll analyze your information and tell you if we can help you to relocate to Canada.
So, here are some broad pathways that you can use to bring yourself and your business from the US to Canada.
If you have a US-based company that has been doing business for at least 12 months, you can transfer 3 categories of people from the US to Canada. These are referred to as “Intra-Company Transfers” or simple transfers between related/affiliated companies.
As your existing US company will, in fact, “expand to Canada”, your company must demonstrate financial capacity to realize a realistic business plan in Canada.
The final result of the ICT applications is a one-year work permit for the transferees. Their immediate family members can accompany them to Canada. Their spouses can get an open work permit or study permit, and children of school age can go to Canadian public schools for free. The transferee’s family can benefit from the free healthcare system in Canada.
The Canada-United States and Mexico Agreement (CUSMA, aka “new NAFTA”) is a great platform for USinvestorsto use. Under CUSMA, US citizens who can invest substantially in a new business in Canada (which can be their own new business) or an existing business in Canada (a partnership or joint venture or similar arrangements can work) can get a two-year work permit and move to Canada. Similarly, investors can bring their essential staff to Canada, too.
What can be considered “substantial investment” depends on the nature of the business venture and the total investment volume and must be argued on a case-by-case basis.
When you come to Canada as an investor under CUSMA, you may later seriously consider becoming a permanent resident in Canada. Why not? It is possible to gain a more solid status in Canada, and being a permanent resident could be a great thing considering your long-term objectives and the nature of your business. However, your primary goal as a CUSMA investor must be to develop and run your Canadian business. Achieving permanent residency can eventually lead to citizenship in Canada, which offers numerous benefits for those wishing to settle long-term.
Having said that, Canadian immigration is always changing. Therefore, before proceeding with any immigration step, please consult with our lawyers.
If you are an H1B visa professional in the US and your immigration future seems uncertain, you are not alone. Thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of foreign nationals do not have a clear vision of their future in the US.
Depending on your nationality, if you are planning to visit Canada, you may need a visitor visa. This visa is necessary for entry and allows activities such as tourism and short-term studies but restricts work-related activities.
What can be done if you don’t want to move back to your home country and want to stay in North America? Plus, your career and professional development are tightly connected with the US market. A simple answer is C.A.N.A.D.A!
Depending on your citizenship and your profession, you may find one or more of the following pathways suitable for your long-term immigration goals:
Do you have relevant experience and great achievements in the cultural or athletic fields? Then, self-employed immigration could be a right for you.
The whole process takes roughly two years, but that period can give you the flexibility to plan before your current status in the US expires and allow you to make a confident step towards Canada. If that’s the case, start acting now!
Having a criminal conviction doesn’t automatically disqualify you from moving to Canada, but it can complicate the process. Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), certain criminal convictions, such as impaired driving, theft, assault, and possession of controlled substances, can render you inadmissible to Canada. However, there are ways to overcome this hurdle.
One option is to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), which allows you to enter Canada for a specific period despite your inadmissibility. Another more permanent solution is to obtain a Rehabilitation Certificate, which effectively removes your inadmissibility status.
Navigating these options can be complex, so it’s crucial to consult with an immigration lawyer or expert who can guide you through the process and help you determine the best course of action for your specific situation. This way, you can still move to Canada and start a new chapter in your life.
Absolutely! If your spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they can sponsor you for permanent residence in Canada through the Family Class sponsorship program. This pathway is designed to reunite families and ensure that you can live together in Canada.
To be eligible, your spouse or common-law partner must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and able to provide for your basic needs. As the sponsored individual, you must also meet certain criteria, including being in a genuine relationship, meeting language proficiency requirements, and passing medical and security checks.
Family Class sponsorship is a wonderful way to move to Canada and build a life with your loved one. It offers a clear path to permanent residence and, eventually, Canadian citizenship, allowing you to fully integrate into Canadian society.
The cost of immigrating to Canada from the US can vary widely depending on the immigration program you choose and the services you require. Here are some estimated costs to help you budget for your move:
These costs are estimates and can vary based on your specific circumstances. Additionally, you may need to pay for services such as document translation, notarization, and courier services.
It’s also important to consider the cost of living in Canada, including housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. While permanent residents can access Canada’s universal healthcare system, you may still need to purchase private health insurance to cover certain expenses.
Overall, the cost of immigrating to Canada from the US can range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more. Proper planning and budgeting are essential to ensure a smooth transition to your new life in Canada.
These broad pathways can help various would-be immigrants achieve their immigration goals in Canada. There are many other different immigration solutions available for motivated companies and individuals.
Immigration requires a very individual approach and the implementation of the right strategy at the right time. Sobirovs Law Firm lawyers have over 25 years of combined experience in devising strategies for clients from various countries, including the US.
By following one of the pathways above, you could solve/address the following problems.
Transfer yourself and your family to Canada and get hired by Canadian companies or by the Canadian affiliates of the US-based companies. Make a solid step towards a more sustainable and predictable immigration status in Canada. There’s no rule (not anymore) that requires you to be physically present in the US. Depending on your citizenship, benefit from many immigration flexibilities that Canada offers to the citizens of certain free trade countries mentioned above. Bring your family to Canada and send your children to the best public schools in Canada for free. Then, let them enjoy a multicultural, multiethnic, and welcoming environment. At the same time, you and your spouse can work together to get permanent residency for the whole family. Additionally, Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto offer an excellent work-life balance, contributing to a high quality of life.
We listen to your goals, understand your priorities, and offer the right immigration solution. Contact us today by booking a Strategy Meeting with our lawyers!
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