Why More People from the US Are Calling Canada Home

Canada has a long-standing tradition of welcoming newcomers from around the globe. Americans, in particular, have been steadily arriving and settling in Canadian cities, drawn by Canada’s supportive immigration policies, social supports, and natural resources.  

But over time, there has been a dramatic change in who is immigrating from the US to Canada. In the 80s, it was predominantly US-born residents of the US. But since 2010, Canada has seen a huge increase in non-citizens resident in the US who are immigrating to Canada. 

Key Takeaways 

• Immigration from the US to Canada has increased, especially since 2016.  

• Canada has been attracting greater numbers of US residents who were born outside the US in recent years, likely due to greater opportunities for immigration.  

• Canada has also seen an increase in the number of people who moved from Canada to the US returning to Canada in recent years.  

• You can view the data from Statistics Canada. 

Understanding US-to-Canada Migration

As we can see from this spreadsheet from Statistics Canada, there has been an upwards trend in the number of people immigrating from the US to Canada since 1980. The significant downward spike in 2020 was due to the lack of international flows in migration as a result of the pandemic.   

The chart shows a clear shift from ‘yellow’ (US-born residents of the US who immigrate to Canada) to green and blue over the past decade. The green data in the chart shows US citizens who were former temporary residents in Canada and blue data which shows the numbers of US non-citizen residents. From 2010 to 2019, the number of US non-citizen residents who moved to Canada quadrupled—from around 2,100 to more than 9,000 yearly—which is a significant shift. 

In other words, Canada is attracting significantly more people who initially moved to the US.  

So, what makes Canada so attractive to those on the move?  

The Rise of US Non-Citizen Residents Coming to Canada

The rise of US non-citizen residents arriving in Canada points to evolving immigration priorities. People on temporary US visas often face uncertainty about status renewals, which can be stressful and costly.  

Canada’s comparatively straightforward paths to permanent residency, like Express Entry and certain Provincial Nominee Programs, can be more appealing for those seeking stability. 

We’re interested to see the impact of Canada’s immigration instability on this data when it’s released in future years.  

Driving Factors Behind the Shift 

People rarely uproot their lives for a single reason. Instead, they weigh job prospects, family considerations, and social values.  

In the case of US-to-Canada migration, three major drivers stand out: political change, immigration policy, and economic or cultural incentives. 

Political Changes in the United States 

Shifts in US administrations can create wide variations in how immigration rules are enforced. Some individuals lose eligibility for work visas or face years of delay in obtaining permanent status. These obstacles often push international workers and students to explore Canadian opportunities, which have been seen as more predictable.  

Canadian Immigration Policy Upgrades 

Canada continually refines its immigration system to attract global talent. The Express Entry system, introduced in 2015, streamlined the application process for skilled workers. Targeted programs in key fields in recent years—such as technology, healthcare, and engineering—make it easier for in-demand professionals to find a secure path to permanent residency. 

And while the data from Statistics Canada doesn’t show the trends for 2023 or 2024, we can guess that 2023 figures for non-citizens of the US might be even higher. That’s because Canada accepted 10,000 applications for H-1B holders in the US who wanted permanent residence in Canada. This likely boosted the number of non-Canadian born, non-US born residents of the US who moved to Canada in 2023 and 2024.  

Economic and Cultural Incentives 

Canada’s favorable job market, ranked among the top in the world for stability, draws many newcomers. Beyond work, the country offers universal healthcare and community-based social services that newcomers often cite as key attractions. Combined with Canada’s reputation for tolerance and multiculturalism, these benefits align well with the values of many prospective immigrants. 

The Role of Returning Canadians 

Another factor shaping US-to-Canada migration is the return of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who previously settled in the United States. These individuals often possess advanced degrees and well-honed professional experience. Their decision to come back strengthens Canada’s workforce and boosts innovation across multiple sectors. 

Why They Left in the First Place 

Many Canadians depart for the US to pursue education at top universities or to accept high-profile job offers. Others move for family reasons or to experience a different cultural environment. While such moves can benefit them professionally, shifting US policies and personal preferences often lead these individuals to reassess their choices. 

Why They Came Back 

Returning Canadians may find that economic conditions, social programs, or job opportunities in Canada now outweigh any advantages of living south of the border. Studies show that those who come back are often in their prime working years and bring valuable skills home. Their return is a net gain for Canada, adding fresh perspectives in fields like finance, health sciences, and information technology.  

What Does This Mean for Future Migrants? 

Looking ahead, it’s likely that the steady flow of newcomers from the United States will continue. Political and economic changes in the US will still play a role, but Canada’s consistent approach to immigration also offers an attractive alternative for many. For prospective movers, understanding these patterns can be a game-changer when deciding to start a new life in Canada. 

Key Insights from the Data 

Statistics Canada data points to a growing proportion of highly skilled workers settling in Canada. The share of US non-citizen residents who eventually become permanent residents suggests there is real demand for tech, health, and other specialized skills. With each political shift in the US, more people re-evaluate their options, and Canada’s open-door policy can make all the difference.  

Navigating Immigration Pathways 

Anyone considering a move from the US to Canada should begin by reviewing Canadian immigration categories. Programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class reward specific skill sets and work experience, while Provincial Nominee Programs suit those with ties to certain provinces. Organizing language test results, educational documents, and reference letters before you apply can save time and stress. 

Building a Successful Transition 

After arrival, local newcomer services and community organizations can be essential first points of contact. They offer networking events, language instruction, and job-search workshops to speed up integration. These services are especially helpful if you’re still adapting to Canadian work customs, social norms, and financial systems. 

Practical Tips for Prospective Movers 

For US citizens, it’s important to check if your American educational credentials align with Canadian standards. Some provinces require additional certification or licensing in regulated fields like nursing and teaching. Proactively sorting out these requirements helps you avoid major delays once you’re on Canadian soil. 

Managing Finances and Healthcare 

Opening a Canadian bank account early will make it easier to pay rent, receive salaries, and manage other daily expenses. Many newcomers also need clarity on how provincial healthcare coverage works, since wait times for coverage can vary based on location. Planning for private insurance in the interim ensures you aren’t caught off-guard by medical bills. 

Embracing Cultural Differences 

Despite similarities in language and pop culture, Canada and the US have their own subtle distinctions. Regional accents, driving laws, and simple day-to-day routines can feel different at first. A bit of research and an open mind can help turn these small differences into a positive learning experience.