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Relocation or Immigration? What's the Difference?

  • Writer: Lola Oduwole
    Lola Oduwole
  • Aug 16
  • 2 min read

1. Immigrating to Canada: Making Canada Your Permanent Home

Immigration means establishing Canada as your permanent home.

Immigrants are granted Permanent Resident (PR) status, which allows you to:

  • Live, work, and study anywhere in Canada

  • Access most social benefits Canadians receive (like healthcare)

  • Apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements


📌 Main Pathways for U.S. Citizens

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  • Express Entry System: Skilled workers evaluated on age, education, work experience, and language ability.

  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Provinces select candidates who match local job market needs.

  • Family Sponsorship: If you have a spouse, partner, or family member who is a Canadian citizen/PR.

  • Business/Investor Programs: For entrepreneurs who want to establish or invest in a Canadian business.


2. Relocating to Canada: Short- or Long-Term Stays

Relocation is often the first step before deciding whether to immigrate permanently. Many Americans relocate for work, study, or lifestyle reasons.

Options include:

  • Work Permits (e.g., under USMCA/NAFTA for professionals in specific roles)

  • Study Permits (for students pursuing education in Canada)

  • Intra-Company Transfers (if your U.S. employer has a Canadian branch)

  • Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa) (if you plan to stay longer than the visa-exempt six months)

📌 Relocation doesn’t grant permanent residency, but it can be a stepping stone.


3. Temporary Residency: Living in Canada for a Season of Life

Temporary residency means you’re in Canada for a limited purpose or period of time. This is suitable for:

  • Work Permit Holders

  • International Students

  • Visitors (Tourism, extended stays, or family visits)

Temporary residents must maintain valid status and may later transition into permanent residency through pathways like Canadian Experience Class (CEC).


4. Permanent Residency: Building a Future in Canada

Permanent Residency is the gateway to citizenship. Unlike temporary permits, PR gives you:

  • Indefinite right to live and work in Canada

  • Access to healthcare and social services

  • Ability to sponsor eligible family members

  • Protection under Canadian law and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms

📌 PR cards must be renewed every 5 years, and you must reside in Canada for at least 730 days within 5 years to maintain it.


5. Steps Required for Each Pathway

✅ Immigration (Permanent Residency)

  1. Choose a pathway (Express Entry, PNP, Family, Business)

  2. Create an online profile and submit documents (education, work experience, language test results)

  3. Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA) if eligible

  4. Complete medical and security checks

  5. Receive PR approval and move to Canada

✅ Relocation (Work/Study/Temporary Stay)

  1. Secure a job, school acceptance, or qualifying reason for entry

  2. Apply for the appropriate permit (work permit, study permit, or visitor visa if required)

  3. Submit biometrics, medical, and background checks

  4. Receive approval and relocate

  5. Explore pathways to transition to PR if desired

✅ Temporary Residency

  1. Determine length and reason for stay

  2. Apply online or at the port of entry (if visa-exempt)

  3. Provide proof of funds, travel intent, and ties to the U.S.

  4. Comply with Canadian entry requirements

✅ Permanent Residency(Same as Immigration above – this is the end goal for most relocators.)


6. Government Resources You’ll Need

For official guidance and applications:

  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): www.canada.ca/immigration

  • Express Entry Information: IRCC Express Entry

  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Check each province’s website

  • Work Permits (USMCA/NAFTA): IRCC Work Permits

  • Study in Canada: IRCC Study Permit

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