Canada Immigration from the United States
Move from the USA to Canada with RCIC-led guidance — Express Entry, intra-company transfers, CUSMA professionals, H-1B holders and permanent residence pathways.
People moving from the United States to Canada usually arrive either on a work permit — an intra-company transfer, a CUSMA professional category, or an employer-specific permit — or through permanent residence under Express Entry. US-based professionals, including H-1B and other temporary visa holders, often rank well because of their education, English ability and skilled experience. Eligibility depends on citizenship, occupation and the specific program, not on US status alone.
Key facts
| Common temporary routes | Intra-company transfer, CUSMA professionals, employer-specific work permits |
|---|---|
| Common PR route | Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class) |
| Who this suits | Tech, healthcare, engineering and finance professionals based in the US |
| US citizens | Visa-exempt for visits; a work permit is still required to work |
| Third-country nationals in the US | Eligibility follows citizenship and program rules, not US visa status |
| Fees and processing times | Verify current figures with IRCC |
Who may qualify?
- Professionals employed by a company with a Canadian parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliate
- Citizens of the United States or Mexico working in a profession listed under CUSMA
- H-1B, L-1 and other temporary visa holders seeking a more stable permanent residence route
- Skilled workers whose profile is competitive under Express Entry
- Spouses and partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents
Eligibility requirements
- A qualifying job offer or intra-company relationship for employer-linked work permits
- Credentials matching the CUSMA profession where that category is used
- Approved language testing for permanent residence applications
- An ECA for education completed outside Canada
- Admissibility: medicals, police certificates and, where applicable, biometrics
How it works: step by step
- 1
Decide temporary or permanent first
Many US-based applicants move on a work permit while their PR application progresses.
- 2
Confirm the category
Check whether an intra-company transfer, CUSMA profession or LMIA-based permit fits your role.
- 3
Score your PR profile
Estimate your CRS and compare it against recent Express Entry cutoffs.
- 4
Prepare documentation
Language test, ECA, employment letters, corporate documents for transfers.
- 5
Apply and plan the move
File the work permit or PR application and plan status, tax and family arrangements.
Expert insight
For H-1B holders the deciding factor is usually sequencing. Entering Canada on an intra-company transfer or employer-specific permit while an Express Entry profile is active gives you Canadian work experience, which raises your CRS and opens the Canadian Experience Class — a materially stronger position than applying from abroad and waiting.
Alternative pathways
Frequently asked questions
Immigration programs, fees and processing times change frequently. This page is general information, not immigration advice. Verify current requirements with official Government of Canada sources or speak with our RCIC.