Migrate to USA

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Why migrate to the US?

  • 7.7 million job vacancies
  • 11.5 million visas were issued in 2024
  • Access to world-class education
  • Earn an average salary of $40,000 - $50,000/annum
  • Enjoy the benefits of world-class healthcare

US immigration from Canada

The US offers diverse reasons to immigrate from Canada, including seeking better job opportunities, reuniting with family, pursuing educational goals, or escaping persecution or conflict. As a Canadian citizen, an applicant can visit and stay in the United States for up to 6 months without a visa. The USA is considered the fourth largest country in the world and the most preferred destination for immigration. The country is backed up with numerous opportunities for aspirants across the globe. To migrate to the USA from Canada, an applicant will need either an immigrant or non-immigrant visa, depending on the reason for migrating.

Thousands of Canadians migrate to the US annually to enhance their lifestyle. According to Statistics Canada, around 49,769 Canadians immigrated to the USA in 2021-2022.

Below are some prominent states in the USA to migrate to:

  • New York
  • Las Vegas
  • Orlando, Florida
  • Atlanta
  • Miami
  • Washington
  • Washington, D.C.
  • San Francisco
  • Denver
  • Louisville, Kentucky
  • Houston

Benefits of US visa

  • Explore the job market in the US
  • Education opportunity
  • Travel opportunity
  • Business and investment opportunities
  • Tax and financial benefits
  • Improve the quality of life
  • Gain easy citizenship opportunity (if eligible)

Types of US visas for Canadians

For Canadians, the US visa can be categorized as non-immigrant and immigrant visa.

Non-immigrant visas: A non-immigrant visa allows foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States temporarily for tourism, business, medical treatment, and certain types of temporary work

Here are non-immigrant US visa types:

  • Visitor Visas
  • Student Visas
  • Treaty Traders and Investor
  • Transit visa
  • Intra-company transfer
  • Student visa
  • Temporary Work Visas
  • Diplomatic and Official Visa

Immigrant visa: An immigrant visa is issued to a foreign national who intends to live and work permanently in the United States. Here is the Immigrant US visa type. There are four ways a Canadian can settle in the USA permanently:

  • Employment Green Card
  • Investor Green Card
  • Family sponsorship

Eligibility to migrate to the US from Canada

To migrate to the US from Canada, there are different eligibility criteria that an applicant must fulfill:

  • Valid passport
  • Complete the online application (DS-160)
  • Intention to stay in the country
  • Education qualification
  • work experience
  • Job Offer

Requirements to migrate to the US from Canada

 An applicant must fulfill the requirements to migrate to the US from Canada:

  • Valid passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Medical Examination
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Police Clearance certificate
  • Proof of education qualification
  • Work experience
  • Evidence of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

How do you immigrate to the US from Canada?

Here are the steps to immigrate to the US from Canada:

Step 1: Determine the type of visa category

Step 2: Sort out the visa requirement

Step 3: File a petition

Step 4: Apply for a Visa

Step 5: Wait for the approval

Step 6: Once approved, migrate to the US

Processing fees of US visa

The processing fee for a Non-immigrant visa is $185, whereas for an Immigrant visa, the fee differs, but the general visa fee is $325.

Processing time of US visa

For Canadians applying for a US visa, processing times can vary significantly. Visa appointment wait times currently exceed one year in most classifications and take approximately 5-7 working days after an upbeat interview to process the visa.

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is well–known for being the No.1 overseas immigration consultancy. Y-Axis has provided unbiased and personalized immigration assistance for 25+ years. Our team of visa experts provides the following:

  • Arranging the immigration document checklist
  • Filling out application forms
  • Documentation and petition filing
  • Getting your updates and follow-ups
  • Learn more about Overseas Job opportunities
  • Obtaining Permanent Residence
  • Sign up with Y-Axis to learn more about Canadian immigration

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Canadian citizen move to the US?

Yes, Canadian citizens can move to the US with a proper visa or permit based on the purpose of the visit. A Canadian can apply for a temporary or permanent visa depending on their intention to stay there.

How to apply for US citizenship?

A Canadian can apply for US citizenship but must reside there for 5 years. Below are the steps to apply for US citizenship:

Step 1: File and submit Form N-400

Step 2: Attend biometrics appointment

Step 3: Sit for the Citizenship exam

Step 4: Wait for the USCIS decision

Step 5: Receive a Certificate of Naturalization

How do I get a US Green Card as a Canadian?

A Green Card is a permanent visa granting unlimited access to live and work within the US. A Canadian can get a US Green Card via different pathways, such as:

  • Family sponsorship pathway
  • Employment-based pathways
  • Longtime-resident Green Card
  • Investment-based Green Card
How to immigrate to the USA from Canada?

To migrate to the USA from Canada, an applicant can follow these steps

Step 1: Determine the type of visa category

Step 2: Sort-out the visa requirement

Step 3: File a petition

Step 4: Apply for a Visa

Step 5: Wait for the approval

Step 6: Once approved, migrate to the US

What are the pathways to immigrating to the US from Canada?

There are two ways a Canadian can immigrate to the US, either through an Immigrant visa or a Non-immigrant visa.

A Canadian can migrate to the US through specific pathways temporarily:

  • Visitor Visas
  • Student Visas
  • Treaty Traders and Investor
  • Transit visa
  • Intra-company transfer
  • Student visa
  • Temporary Work Visas
  • Diplomatic and Official Visas

A Canadian can migrate to the US through four pathways permanently:

  • Family Sponsorship
  • Employment-Based Visas
  • Investment-Based Immigration
Can I be a dual citizen of the US and Canada?

Yes, you can be a dual citizen of the US and Canada, as both countries will allow their citizens to enjoy the privileges of both countries. Dual citizenship of the US and CA will enable citizens to travel back and forth freely, vote, and otherwise take advantage of the rights of citizens on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border.

What are the documents required to apply for a US Visa from Canada?

Below are the documentations required to apply for a US visa from Canada:

  • Valid passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Medical Examination
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Police Clearance certificate
  • Proof of education qualification
  • Work experience
  • Evidence of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Can I move to the USA from Canada without a job?

Yes, you can move to the USA from Canada without a job offer via two pathways:

  • Family-Based Immigration: If any of your immediate family members (spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21) who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents can sponsor you for the visa
  • Investment-Based Visas: If you have a substantial amount to invest in the country in a U.S. business that will create jobs.
What is the cost of Applying for US Citizenship?

As of now, the cost of applying for US citizenship (Form N-400) is $760, but if an applicant applies online, they will receive a $50 discount, bringing the cost down to $710.

How long should I live in the US before applying for Citizenship?

To apply for US Citizenship, you must have lived in the US for at least 5 years and continuously resided in the country. However, if you are a partner or spouse of a US Citizen, then you must reside in the country for a continuous 3 years.