Moving to Canada from the US: every route compared

Most people start with immigration paperwork. Start instead by checking whether you already have a citizenship claim — for many Americans the cheapest route is a CA$75 certificate rather than an application.

The four realistic routes

• Citizenship by descent — for anyone with a Canadian parent, grandparent, or earlier ancestor: CA$75, about five to ten months, no selection criteria.
• Spousal sponsorship — married to or in a common-law relationship with a Canadian: CA$1,205, eleven to fourteen months to permanent residence.
• Express Entry — skilled workers with education, experience, and language scores: CA$1,525 and up, six or more months after an invitation.
• CUSMA work permit — US professionals in a listed occupation with a Canadian employer: from CA$155, fast but temporary status only.

Why descent beats every other route when it is available

• No selection criteria — age, education, language scores, and job offers are irrelevant.
• Nothing to maintain: permanent residence requires 730 days in Canada every five years; citizenship requires nothing.
• It passes down — documenting your own citizenship opens the same door for your children.
• You keep your US citizenship, because Canada permits dual nationality and the US does not require renunciation.

Practical planning

Provincial health coverage starts after a waiting period, so arrange private insurance for the gap. US tax filing obligations follow you for life, and cross-border retirement accounts need professional advice before you move. Canadian credit history starts from zero, so keep a US card open while you establish local credit.

Canada Citizen Center is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.