📚 Comprehensive Guides
Visas & Entry
TN visas under USMCA, work permits, LMIA requirements, and visitor status for Americans.
Permanent Residency
Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, family sponsorship, and the path to citizenship.
Property Ownership
Foreign buyer bans, provincial restrictions, mortgage options, and land transfer taxes.
Tax Planning
Cross-border taxation, US-Canada tax treaty, departure tax, snowbird rules, and FBAR/FATCA.
Healthcare
Provincial health insurance, waiting periods, prescription coverage, and private options.
Banking & Finance
Opening Canadian accounts, Big Five banks, cross-border banking, and investment accounts.
Safety & Security
Low crime rates, regional considerations, winter safety, and emergency services.
Business Setup
Federal vs provincial incorporation, business immigration, and cross-border structures.
Legal System
Canadian criminal law, DUI consequences, cannabis rules, and inadmissibility issues.
Cost of Living
Housing costs by city, comparison to US cities, and realistic monthly budgets.
🍁 Why Canada for US Expats?
Canada offers Americans a familiar yet distinct experience—close proximity, shared language (mostly), strong economy, and high quality of life. The US-Canada relationship creates unique opportunities.
- TN Visa: USMCA professionals can work without sponsorship lottery
- Proximity: Easy to maintain US ties, visit family, manage US business
- Safety: Consistently ranked among safest countries globally
- Healthcare: Universal coverage once you qualify as resident
- Quality of life: Clean cities, excellent education, outdoor recreation
- Dual citizenship: Both countries allow it—keep your US passport
⚠️ Critical Considerations
US citizens living in Canada face the most complex tax situation of any expat destination. You must file taxes in both countries, navigate the tax treaty, and understand which country has primary taxing rights. FBAR, FATCA, and PFIC rules add additional compliance burden. Expert cross-border tax advice is essential.
TN Visa Basics
- Available to US and Mexican citizens under USMCA
- 63 qualifying professions (accountants, engineers, scientists, etc.)
- No cap or lottery—apply at border or airport
- Valid for 3 years, renewable indefinitely
- Spouse/children get TD status (no work authorization)
US-Canada Tax Treaty
- Determines which country taxes what income
- Foreign Tax Credit prevents most double taxation
- Different rules for employment, self-employment, investments
- RRSP contributions not deductible on US return without treaty
- Social Security totalization agreement exists
Express Entry System
- Points-based PR immigration system
- CRS score determines invitation likelihood
- Age, education, language, work experience scored
- Canadian experience gives significant bonus
- Processing time: ~6 months after invitation
Property Restrictions
- Federal foreign buyer ban through 2027
- Exemptions for PR applicants, work permit holders
- BC: 20% foreign buyer tax in certain areas
- Ontario: 25% Non-Resident Speculation Tax
- Provincial rules vary significantly
📞 Key Contacts
US Embassy & Consulates
- Ottawa: +1 613-688-5335
- Toronto: +1 416-595-1700
- Vancouver: +1 604-685-4311
- Calgary: +1 403-266-8962
- Website: ca.usembassy.gov
Canadian Government
- IRCC: canada.ca/immigration (immigration)
- CRA: canada.ca/revenue-agency (taxes)
- CBSA: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca (border services)
- Service Canada: canada.ca/service-canada