Can a U.S. Green Card Holder Move to Canada? Legal Ways to Immigrate
Discover how U.S. Green Card holders can legally move to Canada. Learn about Express Entry, work permits, family sponsorship & more.
1. General Rule: U.S. Green Card ≠ Canadian Residency
Being a U.S. Green Card holder does not automatically entitle you to live or work in Canada. You are treated like any other foreign national under Canadian immigration law. However, your U.S. status may give you some advantages in areas like language proficiency, education, or experience—important for Canada's points-based system.
2. Legal Immigration Pathways to Move to Canada
A. Express Entry System (For Skilled Workers)
The Express Entry system is the fastest and most popular way to move to Canada permanently as a skilled worker.
Programs Under Express Entry:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Eligibility:
- Age (18–35 ideal)
- Education (high school minimum, higher is better)
- Skilled work experience (at least 1 year full-time in last 10 years)
- English or French proficiency (tested via IELTS/CELPIP for English)
- Proof of funds (unless you have a valid job offer or apply through CEC)
Process:
- Take a language test (IELTS or CELPIP for English)
- Get Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for non-Canadian degrees
- Create a profile on Canada’s IRCC Express Entry system
- Receive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
- Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Submit full permanent residence application if invited
Timeline: Around 6–12 months after ITA.
B. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Each province in Canada has its own immigration programs based on labor market needs.
Examples:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- British Columbia PNP (BCPNP)
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
Key Features:
- Often requires a job offer from an employer in the province
- May accept candidates already in the Express Entry pool
- Good option if your CRS score is too low for Express Entry
C. Family Sponsorship
If you have family in Canada, they may sponsor you.
Eligible Sponsors:
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Must be 18+
- Must meet income requirements
Eligible Relatives:
- Spouse or common-law partner
- Dependent child
- Parents or grandparents (more limited)
- In some rare cases: orphaned siblings, nephews/nieces
D. Study Permit (Student Visa)
If you want to study in Canada, you can apply for a Study Permit and later transition to permanent residency.
Requirements:
- Acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Proof of funds
- Clean criminal and medical record
Benefits:
- Can work part-time while studying
- Eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduation
- Many international students later apply through Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)
E. Work Permit
You can apply for a temporary Canadian work visa, usually through:
Options:
- Employer-Specific Work Permit: Needs a job offer and often a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Open Work Permit: Limited to certain cases like spouses of international students/workers or candidates under specific agreements
Steps:
- Find a job in Canada
- Employer may need to apply for LMIA
- Apply for work permit
- Work in Canada, then apply for PR under Canadian Experience Class or PNP
F. Startup Visa Program (For Entrepreneurs)
If you're a businessperson with an innovative idea, you may qualify for this.
Requirements:
- Have a qualifying business
- Get a letter of support from a designated Canadian organization (venture capital, angel investor, or incubator)
- Meet language and financial requirements
3. Legal Considerations for U.S. Green Card Holders
A. Maintaining Your U.S. Green Card
If you move to Canada without taking proper steps, you could lose your U.S. Green Card. You must:
- Reside in the U.S. at least 6 months per year (unless you apply for a re-entry permit)
- File U.S. taxes as a resident
- Show you haven’t “abandoned” your U.S. residency
Solution: Apply for a Re-entry Permit before moving
- Allows absence from the U.S. for up to 2 years without losing Green Card
- Must apply while physically in the U.S.
4. Advantages of Being a U.S. Green Card Holder
Although it doesn’t give you direct access to Canadian immigration, it offers benefits:
- Closer geographical access for travel and interviews
- Stronger economic profile (likely stable income, education, and English skills)
- May already have U.S.-Canada border crossing experience
5. Special Canada–U.S. Programs (Not for Green Card Holders)
Some immigration pathways like NAFTA/USMCA (CUSMA) provide work permits for U.S. citizens, not Green Card holders. So these options are not available unless you naturalize as a U.S. citizen.
Summary: Steps to Move to Canada from the U.S. as a Green Card Holder
- Choose an immigration stream: Express Entry, PNP, family sponsorship, student, work, or business
- Meet eligibility: Test scores, education credentials, job offer (if required), proof of funds
- Submit application to Canadian immigration (IRCC)
- Get approval and move to Canada
- Take care of your U.S. Green Card if you plan to return later