Recent months and weeks have put considerable focus on the relationship between Canada and the United States. The future of this relationship is not exactly clear. As of this writing, both countries are going through massive political changes, and these changes may alter the trajectory of both nations to a considerable degree. With so much uncertainty, many Americans are deciding to head to the True North for a new life. This could be a positive choice for many American citizens – but how easy will the move be? How do you relocate to Canada in the most seamless, effective manner? Could an immigration lawyer in Canada help with this transition?
Potential Benefits of Moving to Canada From the United States
Americans are attracted to the prospect of living in Canada for many reasons. First, some US citizens want to enjoy Canada’s nationalized healthcare system, which provides treatment for everyone without any costly insurance issues.
People are also attracted to Canada because of the nation’s safe reputation. Compared to many American cities, violence and shootings may be much less common in Canada. In addition, Canada is famous for its great outdoors. In this country, you can find sunny beaches, snowy mountains, dense forests, and enchanting islands.
Do I Have to Renounce My U.S. Citizenship Before Moving to Canada?
No, you do not have to renounce your American citizenship before relocating to Canada. You can maintain citizenship in both nations, which many people do. Even if you move to Canada and become a Canadian citizen, you can return to the United States at any time if you like. Generally speaking, you do not have to “burn any bridges” if you want to move from the United States to Canada.
That being said, you may voluntarily renounce your US citizenship at any time. Some individuals choose to do this for political reasons. You may also find that renouncing your U.S. citizenship allows you to “start fresh” from a psychological perspective. There may be certain tax benefits associated with renouncing your U.S. citizenship, but this is something worth discussing with a financial professional or immigration lawyer.
Do I Still Owe Taxes to the IRS After Moving to Canada?
One of the most unique things about being a U.S. citizen is your obligation to file income taxes with the IRS regardless of where you live. Virtually no other country follows this system, and it means that you will always need to file your taxes with the IRS – even after leaving for Canada. Fortunately, this does not necessarily mean that you’ll owe taxes to both American and Canadian tax authorities.
There are various tax credits, programs, and treaties that prevent this “double taxation.” The most obvious is the Canada-U.S. tax treaty, which aims to limit double taxation in these situations. You might also want to consider the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or “FEIE.” One of the benefits of renouncing your U.S. citizenship is that you’ll no longer have to file tax returns to two different countries each year. That said, having dual citizenship can be highly advantageous. If you’re concerned about tax issues after moving to Canada, continue this conversation with your Canadian immigration lawyer.
Do Americans Get Special Treatment When Moving to Canada?
No, American citizens do not necessarily get “special treatment” when trying to relocate to Canada. There are no special immigration programs set aside for U.S. citizens, and you will need to navigate the immigration system like any other person. That said, American citizens may raise less “red flags” compared to people from certain other countries.
What Is the Best Way to Emigrate to Canada as an American?
The best way to move to Canada depends on your unique circumstances. Perhaps the most obvious and effective option is to pursue permanent residency through a family member or spouse who already has Canadian citizenship. Like the United States, Canada strives to keep families together as part of its immigration policy.
If you do not have a Canadian relative or spouse, consider the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Each province or territory has its own special programs that attract specific immigrants. Many of these programs involve certain skills, qualifications, or trades. Review all of the PNPs and determine whether you fit into any of them. An experienced immigration lawyer in Canada can help you review the various PNPs.
Is it True That You Need to Learn French in Order to Emigate to Canada?
No, you do not necessarily need to learn French in order to emigrate to Canada. While Canada is a bilingual country, it does not require its citizens to become fluent in both languages. If you are fluent in English, this may be more than enough.
That being said, French mastery could be advantageous in certain situations – especially if you plan to settle in Quebec. This province has a long history of being independent, and it values its French heritage. Quebec has its own distinct immigration system, and the province may be more inclined to allow French speakers into the country.
Can I Claim Political Asylum in Canada as an American Citizen?
No, you cannot claim political asylum in Canada as an American citizen. Americans do not qualify as refugees in Canada, no matter how much you disagree with the current ruling party in your country. If you want to move to Canada, it is best to highlight your merits rather than your disagreements with your country’s political system.
Can a Canadian Immigration Lawyer Help Me Move?
An experienced immigration lawyer in Canada may be able to help American citizens relocate to the True North in a streamlined, confident manner. The truth is that while Canada’s immigration policy has recently become stricter, it is still more open than that of the United States. You may be surprised at how easy it will be to become a permanent resident of Canada, and you may become a citizen in a relatively short amount of time. To learn more about your next steps, speak with Ackah Law today.
