Visa Options That Work: A Guide for Canadians Moving to the U.S.

A plain-English guide to the best US immigration paths for Canadians - from professionals to business owners and investors.

Looking to make a move across the border? Whether you're aiming to live in the U.S. temporarily or permanently, the process can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: as a Canadian, you actually have some of the most accessible U.S. visa options in the world.

Below we break down four of the most popular and realistic U.S. visa options that Canadians are using right now - and how they compare.

1. TN Visa – For Professionals With a Job Offer

If you have a university degree or a diploma and work in a qualifying profession (like engineering, accounting, nursing, teaching, etc.), the TN visa under USMCA could be your fast lane to working in the U.S.

This visa doesn’t require company sponsorship in the traditional sense - just a job offer letter. No lottery, no waitlist, no green card needed.

Key Benefits:

• Can be approved at the border

• Valid for up to 3 years (renewable indefinitely)

• Spouses and kids can accompany you (though your spouse can't work on a TN-dependent visa)

2. L-1 Visa - For Canadians Who Own or Work in a Business

If you’ve worked for a company in Canada for at least 1 year in the past 3, and that company wants to expand to the U.S. (or already has a U.S. branch), the L-1 visa might be the perfect fit.

This visa allows managers, executives, or specialized employees to transfer to a U.S. office - and even helps Canadian business owners open a new office in the U.S.

Key Benefits:

• Can lead to a green card (especially L-1A)

• Spouse can apply for a work permit

• Fast processing for Canadians (border or premium options)

3. E-2 Visa - For Canadians Investing in a U.S. Business

Want to launch or buy a U.S. business and move there to run it? The E-2 visa lets Canadians do exactly that - as long as you're making a “substantial investment” and actively directing the company.

Whether you’re opening a franchise, buying a business, or launching your own startup, this visa gives you a real shot at life in the U.S.

Key Benefits:

• No minimum investment set by law (typically $100K+ is advised)

• Fast processing (often under 90 days)

• Spouse can work anywhere in the U.S.

4. EB-5: The Investor Green Card

Want permanent residency and don't want to run the business yourself? The EB-5 investor visa gives you and your family green cards by investing $800,000 USD in a government-approved project (or $1,050,000 in your own business).

This is a popular option for high-net-worth Canadians who want U.S. permanent residency through investment - without the need for day-to-day management.

Key Benefits:

• Green card for you, your spouse, and kids under 21

• No job offer or employer needed

• Investment can be passive

Which Visa Is Right for You?

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you make sense of it all:

Visa Type	Best For	Requirements	Work Rights	Spouse Work Eligibility	Path to Green Card
TN	Professionals with a job offer	Degree + job in 1 of 63 fields	Yes	No	No
L-1A/B	Business owners or transfers from a Canadian company	1+ year work in Canadian entity	Yes	Yes (via open permit)	Yes (L-1A)
E-2	Entrepreneurs investing in a U.S. business	“Substantial” investment + control	Yes	Yes (open permit)	No (but can switch later)
EB-5	High-net-worth investors	$800K+ investment	Optional (passive ok)	Yes	Yes (green card)

Need Help Deciding?

Each visa has its own strategy, process, and paperwork - but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Book a free consultation with one of our U.S. visa experts and we’ll help you figure out which option fits your background, goals, and timeline.

You’re closer than you think. Let’s get you moving.