How to Move from the US to Canada and Get Canadian Citizenship

Many people in the United States say that they are moving to Canada, but what does it take to move from the US to Canada and get Canadian citizenship? It is not as simple as driving up through Michigan and crossing the border and declaring yourself Canadian. There is a procedure that must be followed.

The first step you need to take to work towards obtaining Canadian citizenship is to get yourself permanent residency in Canada. Some 200,000 people each year are granted permanent residency in Canada. Like immigration processes in all countries, this is a lengthy and complex process. When you apply for permanent residency you will have to do so under one of the following six classes: skilled worker, business, provincial nomination, family, Quebec selected, and international adoption.

The skilled worker class is probably the most common and easiest way to obtain your permanent resident card in Canada. Much like in the United Kingdom, applicants are evaluated using a points based system that looks at education, language proficiency, work experience, age, arranged employment and adaptability. The score range is from 0 to 100, with a minimum of 67 needed to qualify for permanent residency. You criminal history will also be checked into. And other considerations, such as the current state of the Canadian labor market will be taken into consideration when your application is being reviewed.

The business class is separated out further by investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed. Provincial nomination is when you know what specific province you want to live in, and then you contact the immigration office in that province to apply for nomination to that province. Family class is used when you have members of your family that are already permanent residents that can sponsor you. Quebec selected is a special evaluation process for those wishing to move to Quebec and is for permanent workers, business people, students, temporary workers, families and refugees. And international adoption is for permanent residents that are adopting a foreign child.

Once you are approved, you are awarded a Permanent Resident Card, which was formerly called a Landed Immigrant form.

After getting your permanent residency and living in Canada for 3 out of 4 years, you are able to apply for Canadian citizenship. You must be at least 18 years old, be proficient in either English or French and be well versed in how Canadian society works. You must also take a test that covers your knowledge of things such as Canadian politics and government structure. This process can take from 5 months to several years. Once your application has been deemed successful, you will attend a citizenship ceremony in about 6 weeks. There you will get your citizenship certificate, which means you can apply for a Canadian passport.