Moving to Canada Checklist: Everything Americans Need to Know

Last Updated: January 8, 2026

Relative Ratings versus the United States

Why is Canada appealing for American relocators?

As of 2026, Canada remains the primary "Plan B" for Americans seeking a blend of cultural familiarity and enhanced social stability. It continues to lead global search interest for relocation, particularly among families in the Pacific Northwest and New England who value its proximity to the U.S. border. While the two nations share a language and integrated economies, Canada offers a distinct approach to governance and social welfare that many Americans find appealing in the current political climate.

Canada's appeal lies in its "peace, order, and good government" philosophy. While the cost of real estate in hubs like Toronto and Vancouver remains high, the overall quality of life and safety metrics continue to outpace many U.S. metropolitan areas.

What are the visa options for Americans?

Navigating the Canadian immigration system in 2026 requires a strategic approach, as the government has refined its targets to favor high-skilled workers and healthcare professionals.

1. Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker): This is the most common path for college-educated Americans. It uses a points-based system (CRS) that evaluates your age, education, and work experience. In 2026, candidates with backgrounds in STEM or healthcare receive priority invitations.
2. USMCA (Formerly TN) Professionals: Under the trade agreement, certain American professionals (engineers, management consultants, etc.) can obtain work permits relatively quickly if they have a job offer from a Canadian employer. This is a non-immigrant path but often serves as a bridge to permanent residency.

Available Visa Pathways:

• Education
• Work
• Entrepreneurship
• Study

How does the cost of living in Canada compare to USA cities?

While consumer goods are priced similarly, the cost of living in Canada is heavily influenced by the housing market and higher taxation. In 2026, living in a city like Calgary or Ottawa is roughly 10–15% cheaper than in Denver or Seattle, whereas Vancouver prices often mirror those of San Francisco.

Healthcare is publicly funded through taxes, meaning you will not face monthly premiums or $5,000 deductibles, though you may find higher costs for gasoline and imported goods compared to the U.S.

What is healthcare like in Canada?

Canada's universal healthcare system, Medicare, provides coverage for "medically necessary" services without point-of-service fees. Compared to the U.S., you will likely see a significant reduction in out-of-pocket costs, though you may experience longer wait times for elective procedures and specialized consultations.

Choose your destinations and get tailored visa recommendations, city-by-city budget breakdowns, and a clear guide to essential local services.

About Aaron

Aaron is a seasoned designer and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience building digital products for the SaaS and hospitality industries. In 2023, he navigated the complex journey of relocating from the U.S. to the Netherlands—a process that revealed a fragmented landscape of outdated visa blogs and "browser tab overload." After successfully launching a design studio in the Netherlands, Aaron co-founded Bring Me Abroad to solve the "Day 1" information gap. His mission is to democratize relocation by replacing expensive consultants with high-utility, data-driven reports that help early-stage explorers get situated quickly. When he isn't decoding immigration logistics, Aaron can be found cycling through the Dutch rain in search of the perfect apple pie or navigating the nuances of the Dutch language.