Moving to Canada: What You Need To Know

Moving to Canada from the U.S. can be an exciting opportunity for those looking to experience a new culture and way of life. With its stunning natural landscapes, multicultural cities, and friendly communities, Canada offers a high quality of life that draws people from all over the world. For Americans, the move is especially appealing thanks to the proximity, shared language (in most regions), and similar lifestyle comforts.

But before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand the basics of Canadian immigration, what life in Canada looks like, and how to plan your relocation.

Key Takeaways Canada offers multiple pathways to residence, including programs for skilled workers, families, entrepreneurs, and students. Every immigrant will need customs documentation and proof of funds before moving to Canada. U-Box portable storage containers can simplify your move to Canada by keeping your belongings in one place for inspection by law enforcement.

What to Know About Canadian Immigration

Canada is known for its welcoming immigration policies, and each year, thousands of people make the move to become permanent residents. According to the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada will welcome 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027. The goal is to support economic growth and community development, so many Americans are well-suited for these pathways.

Main Ways to Immigrate to Canada

Economic Programs (Express Entry & Provincial Programs): This pathway is designed for skilled workers with professional experience, education, or in-demand skills. Express Entry uses a points-based system that assesses one’s skills, education, language ability, work experience, and other factors to identify those most likely to succeed economically and integrate into the Canadian job market. Provincial programs, on the other hand, allow provinces to nominate applicants based on local labor needs.

Family Reunification: Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor spouses, children, parents, or grandparents to join them in Canada. This consists of an “undertaking” period when sponsors are responsible for financially supporting their family members and providing basic necessities and health needs that aren’t covered by public health programs.

Business Immigration: Entrepreneurs and investors may qualify through specific programs like the Start-up Visa Program aimed at those who want to start or grow businesses in Canada.

Temporary Residence (Work & Study Permits): Many Americans begin with a work permit or study visa, which can later transition into permanent residence through economic programs.

Living in Canada Overview

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Canada varies depending on where you live. In general:

• Rent: $880–$1,920 per month for an apartment in one of the major cities, and $860-1,600 in more suburban areas. 
• Groceries: $200–$400 per month per person
• Overall monthly expenses: $1,400–$2,900 for a single person, depending on lifestyle and location

Average Cost of Living: U.S. vs Canada
	U.S.	Canada
Rent (city center)	$1,724	$1,320
Basic Utilities (per ~1000 sq. ft.)	$210	$148
Groceries	$427	$300
Gas (per gallon)	$3.39	$4.22
Monthly Expenses	$1,199	$2,150

Costs are listed in USD per person per month. Sources: Numbeo, Ramsey Solutions.

Quality of Life & Employment

Canada consistently ranks high in global quality of life surveys, thanks to clean cities, natural beauty, and a strong work-life balance. Job opportunities exist in tech, healthcare, education, and skilled trades.

Healthcare

Canada’s universal healthcare system provides most essential medical services for free, funded through taxes. Permanent residents and citizens are eligible, but newcomers may experience a waiting period of up to 90 days before coverage begins.

Public Transportation 

Most major cities have reliable public transit systems, including buses, trains, and subways. In smaller towns, driving may be more convenient.

How to Relocate to Canada

Once you’ve found your pathway to residence in Canada, it’s time to start the relocation process. Gather your customs documentation and paperwork and proof of funds, then follow the timelines for whichever program you chose. Before you know it, it will be time to plan the logistics of your move. 

Every move has its complexities, but international moves require extra steps because you have to declare your belongings and have them cleared by the destination country’s law enforcement. This is where U-Box containers make the process simpler. These portable storage containers can be loaded at your local U-Haul facility, delivered directly to your home, or handled by Moving Help®, who can load and return the containers for you.

Keep in mind: Certain items (like food, alcohol, and spices) cannot be packed due to Canadian regulations and U-Box policies. You’ll need to create a detailed inventory of everything inside, along with receipts for newer, high-value items.

Learn more about what you can pack in a U-Box® container.

All documents must be submitted prior to shipping commencing. Once approved, you’ll need to be in Canada for the duration of the shipping process. Your U-Box containers will be transported to a government-bonded warehouse, where you’ll clear them in person with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). After clearance, your containers can be delivered to a U-Haul facility, sent directly to your home, unloaded with the help of Moving Help, or kept in storage as long as you need.

With proper planning, U-Box containers provide a flexible and stress-free way to manage your relocation to Canada.

If you’d rather DIY your move, U-Haul offers a wide variety of moving trucks that will give you total control of your belongings. If you’re packing the truck yourself, make sure to use these tips to pack it correctly to make sure that everything makes it in one piece.