Moving to Canada from the US or the UK

For skilled workers, younger Britons and Americans on a working holiday, and US professionals with a Canadian job offer. The main routes, the money each one asks for, and what closed in 2026.

Canada is close to home for Americans and familiar to many Britons, but moving there is a skills-based process. Most people who settle get permanent residence through Express Entry, Canada’s points-based system. Younger people can try Canada first on a working holiday. US citizens also have a treaty route for professionals with a job offer. The routes differ between US and UK passports, so this guide flags which applies to whom.

The main ways in

Express Entry (US and UK citizens). This is the main path to permanent residence. You create a profile online with your skilled work experience and approved English or French test results. Canada ranks profiles with a points score called the Comprehensive Ranking System. Only people invited in a draw can apply, and cut-off scores change from draw to draw. If you are approved, you get permanent residence on arrival. Your spouse or partner and dependent children can be included.

Federal Skilled Worker applicants without a valid job offer must show proof of funds. From 7 July 2025, the figures are:

You do not need proof of funds for the Canadian Experience Class, or if you are already authorised to work in Canada and hold a valid job offer.

Working holiday through International Experience Canada. UK citizens aged 18 to 35 can get an open work permit for up to 24 months, and can take part a second time for up to 12 months. You need at least CAD 2,500 for initial expenses, health insurance for the whole stay, and a return ticket or the money for one. You enter a pool and wait for an invitation. Dependants cannot come with you.

Americans have a different path. Canada has no youth mobility agreement with the US, so Americans need the support of an IEC “recognized organization”. Secondary sources describe ages 18 to 35 and stays of up to 12 months. Terms vary by organization, so confirm with the one you use.

CUSMA professional work permit (US citizens only). Under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, US citizens with a pre-arranged job in one of 63 listed professions can get a work permit with no labour market test. The list includes engineers, accountants and scientists. You still need the education and any licence the profession requires. There is also an investor option for people committing substantial capital in Canada, with no set minimum. Secondary sources report that most applicants apply at the border and that permits run up to three years. IRCC notes that repeated renewals are not approved routinely.

Study permit. Students accepted by a designated learning institution can apply. For applications from 1 September 2026, outside Quebec, you must show CAD 23,448 a year for living costs, on top of tuition and travel. Quebec has its own rules.

See every route below for full details.

What closed

The Start-up Visa stopped taking new applications after 31 December 2025. The Self-Employed Persons Program is also paused. IRCC has said a new entrepreneur pilot is planned, but we have not confirmed a launch.

Money and tax

Once you are a Canadian tax resident, Canada taxes your worldwide income. US citizens must also keep filing US returns. The Canada-US tax treaty and foreign tax credits limit double tax. UK citizens should check how and when they stop being UK tax resident. A cross-border tax adviser can help you plan the year you move.

Express Entry fees and processing times change often. Check IRCC’s current figures before you apply.

Timeline and the path to citizenship

1. Book a language test. Express Entry needs approved English or French results.
2. Get your education assessed. Federal Skilled Worker applicants need an Educational Credential Assessment to claim points for foreign education.
3. Create your profile and wait for an invitation. Only invited candidates can apply for permanent residence.
4. Land and keep your status. Your PR card is renewed every five years, and a residency obligation applies.

For citizenship, IRCC asks for 1,095 days physically present in Canada in the five years before you apply. You must also have filed taxes, and people aged 18 to 54 take a test.

A working holiday or CUSMA permit is temporary. A year of skilled work in Canada can later count toward Express Entry through the Canadian Experience Class, so many people use a temporary permit as a first step.

What catches people out

• The US and UK routes differ. CUSMA is for US citizens only. UK citizens apply to IEC directly; Americans go through a recognized organization.
• A green card is not enough for CUSMA. Secondary sources say US permanent residents who are not citizens are not eligible.
• An invitation is not guaranteed. Express Entry is competitive. A strong profile helps, but draws decide who is invited.
• Licensing still applies. CUSMA removes the labour market test, not the licence rules for regulated professions.

This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Confirm each requirement with IRCC before you apply.