There are many time-honoured traditions in the U.S. presidential election cycle: the theatre of the party conventions, the presidential debates, the Al Smith dinner, and a chorus of American voices pledging to pull up their roots and move to Canada if their preferred candidate does not win. This year is no exception; however, interest in leaving the country may be more intense than ever. After Donald Trump’s victory on Super Tuesday, Google searches about moving to Canada surged to an all-time high. Comedians like Stephen Colbert have eagerly joined in the hype, hailing Canada as “America’s safety school”. Spotify has even curated a “Moving to Canada” playlist. Interest in crossing the Canadian border surfaces in casual conversation and in the media during each election cycle but there is seldom a discernible change in the actual pattern of immigration to Canada. This time, however, people could be serious. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are two of the most disliked presidential candidates in at least the last century. Our firm, Segal Immigration Law, specializes in both US and Canadian immigration, and we have been receiving a stream of calls from disgruntled Americans, Republicans and Democrats alike, looking to immigrate to Canada. For those who intend to follow through on their threats to leave, exactly how hard is it for Americans to immigrate to Canada?
Canada’s provincial and federal governments offer several programs to apply for either temporary or permanent immigration. If you are looking for a temporary getaway until the dust settles, most Americans can visit Canada visa-free for up to six months. If you intend to wait out the president’s entire term of office, you’ll be looking for a work or study permit. It is easier to come temporarily as compared with permanently. Under NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), Americans who wish to work in Canada or to open a business in Canada may do so with relative ease. Depending on your situation, you could qualify for a work permit under NAFTA as an Intracompany Transferee (transferred to Canada to work for a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of your US employer), a Designated Professional (be qualified to work in one of approximately 60 targeted professions) or as a Trader and Investor (make a substantial investment in a new or existing Canadian business and seeking entry to develop or direct the business). If you have a genuine interest in working in Canada, begin your inquiries now, as one of the presidential candidates has threatened to tear up NAFTA during his term of office.
If you wish to make Canada your permanent home, many Americans may qualify through Canada’s Express Entry system or one of the Provincial Nominee Programs. Applicants are selected as permanent residents based on their education, work experience, age, abilities in one of Canada’s official languages, and ability to become established in Canada. In 2017, Canada expects to welcome 300,000 immigrants, with economic immigrants planned to make up over half of this number.
Another route to permanent residence in Canada is through family class sponsorship. For example, under the Spousal Sponsorship category, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may sponsor a spouse or common-law partner. Perhaps it is time to reconnect with your old Canadian fling or simply fall in love with a new one. It shouldn’t be too hard; we are lovely. There is a common misconception that a marriage certificate is sufficient for sponsorship. There are strict criteria in place to prevent fraud and proper evidence must be provided to demonstrate that the relationship is genuine.
With this historic election and all its fallout in our midst, it will be interesting to see just how many Americans take the plunge and actually move to Canada. The increased interest this year in post-election emigration suggests there may be more follow-through than normal by dissatisfied Americans. With free healthcare, world-leading universities with affordable tuition, and a genuine welcome to new immigrants from all cultures, Canada is one of the best countries in the world to build a new life in.