Work in Canada
A Guide to Immigrating to Canada from the U.S for Work
There are numerous immigration routes open to U.S. citizens and residents that lead to Canadian Permanent Residency. In large part because of the proximity of the two countries and the similarity of their work cultures, Americans have had success finding employment in Canada. Many immigrants have used their prior employment in Canada as leverage to get citizenship.
Let’s Briefly Review the Main Routes Americans Can Take to Get Employment in Canada.
Canada’s Express Entry System
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) manage the intake of these applications through the online application management system called Express Entry. The three programs are:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP);
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC); and
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The system has the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers a number of variables including age, education, English or French language ability, familial ties to Canada, and job experience in Canada, and is used by this application management system to rank candidates. Every two weeks or so, the applicants with the best CRS scores are chosen and sent an invitation to apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence (PR). However, with the assent of Bill C-19, the approach to getting selected through Express Entry is now changed.
Having Work Experience in Canada Can Offer a Competitive Edge
Working in Canada can provide the citizens of America with a major edge in the Express Entry pool, boosting their chances of being granted PR. Employers in Canada use the GTS, a streamlined software, to bring in foreign talent and let them put their abilities to work expanding innovative Canadian businesses.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which is a component of Canada’s larger Global Talent Strategy (GTS), expedites the processing of work permit applications and temporary resident visas. This will help the qualified applicants to begin working about two weeks right after the date of submission.
More Work Permit Options For U.S. Residents Coming to Canada
The alternatives for additional work permits that are open to Americans are shown below. Exploring these options for employment in Canada will assist Americans in gaining crucial job experience that will facilitate their application for Canadian PR through Express Entry.
Spousal Open Work Permits
Those Americans who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and are married to or in a relationship with a foreign national may sponsor that person to join them in Canada as permanent residents.
Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
The CUSMA attempts to benefit the trade between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The agreement ensures the abolishment of all tariffs and taxes related to the movement restrictions between the three countries. In addition, will not give rise to any barriers to doing work and business in Canada.
International Experience Canada
The program provides an opportunity to work and travel straight for two years in Canada.
