One Year After Trump’s Election: Are Americans Still Hellbound on Moving to Canada?

It’s been a year since Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, and I remember that night vividly. Canada’s immigration website crashed from the sheer volume of traffic. Google searches for “how to move to Canada” spiked by over 1,500%.

Fast forward to today, and I’m still getting consultation requests from Americans who are convinced they can simply pack up and relocate to Canada permanently. The interest hasn’t died down, but the reality check I have to deliver in those consultations? That never gets easier.

The Myth That Won’t Die

Here’s the conversation I have too frequently:

American client: “I want to move to Canada. When can I start?”

Me: “Great! Let’s talk about which immigration pathway makes sense for you. Have you looked into Express Entry or—”

Client: interrupts “Wait, what? I thought I could just… move. I’m American. I don’t need a visa to visit Canada.”

And there it is. The fundamental misunderstanding that’s costing Americans time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.

Yes, Americans can visit Canada without a visa for up to six months. No, that does not mean you can live, work, or stay permanently.

The Shock Factor: You Need to Prove You Speak English

The second bombshell I drop in these consultations? The language test requirement.

Me: “You’ll also need to take an English language test, either IELTS, CELPIP or PTE Core.”

Client: “I’m FROM America. English is my first language. Why on earth would I need to prove I speak English?”

I get it. It sounds ridiculous. But here’s the thing: Canada’s immigration system doesn’t care what passport you hold. Whether you’re from New York or New Delhi, the requirements are exactly the same. You need to demonstrate language proficiency through a standardized test because that’s how the system measures your ability to integrate into the Canadian workforce and society.

And honestly? Some Americans don’t score as well as they expect. Speaking English casually is different from achieving the CLB 7 or CLB 9 scores required for competitive Express Entry applications.

What’s Actually Happening One Year Later?

Are Americans still desperate to move to Canada? The data tells an interesting story.

The Interest Is Real

·       Refugee claims from Americans jumped to 245 in just the first half of 2025, compared to 204 for the entire year of 2024

·       Search interest and consultation requests remain elevated

·       Immigration forums and Facebook groups are flooded with Americans asking “how do I get out?”

But the Follow-Through? Not So Much

·       Only 3,785 Americans gained Canadian permanent residency between January and June 2025—that’s roughly 630 per month

·       For context, during Trump’s first presidency (2017-2021), an average of 771 Americans moved to Canada each month

·       Most Americans who reach out never complete an application

·       The gap between “I want to move” and “I’m actually doing this” is massive

Why the Disconnect?

After a year of consultations with American clients, I’ve identified the main reasons why interest doesn’t translate to action:

1. They don’t qualify Many Americans assume their citizenship is their golden ticket. When they realize they need to compete based on education, work experience, age, and language scores, just like everyone else, reality sets in.

2. The timeline shocks them “Wait, it takes HOW long?” Express Entry processing can take 6-12 months or more. Provincial programs can take even longer. Americans used to instant gratification struggle with immigration timelines.

3. The cost adds up Application fees, language tests, credential assessments, medical exams, police certificates, proof of funds; it all adds up quickly. Many aren’t prepared for the financial investment.

4. They’re running on emotion, not planning Wanting to leave because you’re upset about politics is not the same as being ready to uproot your entire life, leave your job, sell your house, and start over in a new country.

5. Age is working against them Many Americans considering the move are in their 40s or older. Unfortunately, the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) heavily penalizes age: - At age 30, you lose 5 points (dropping from 100 to 95 points for age) - At age 40, you’re down to just 45 points - At age 45 and older, you receive zero points for age

This is a huge barrier for older Americans who thought their professional experience would be an asset, only to discover that Canada’s system favors younger candidates.

6. Canada is targeting specific occupations Canada has shifted to category-based Express Entry draws, focusing on specific in-demand sectors:

- Healthcare workers

- STEM professionals (science, technology, engineering, math)

- Skilled trades (electricians, plumbers, welders, etc.)

- Agriculture and agri-food workers

- French-language speakers

- Transport occupations

- Education professionals

If you’re not in one of these priority categories, your chances of receiving an invitation to apply have dropped significantly. Many Americans in fields like marketing, sales, finance, or general business management find themselves locked out of the system entirely.

The Pathways Americans Actually Need to Consider

If you’re an American seriously considering Canada, here are your realistic options:

CUSMA Work Permits: The American Advantage

Here’s the good news: Americans actually DO have one significant advantage over other nationalities - CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) work permits.

Under CUSMA, qualified American professionals in specific occupations can obtain work permits without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

This is HUGE because:

- LMIA applications are expensive, time-consuming, and often denied

- CUSMA work permits can be processed much faster

- You can work in Canada for up to three years initially

- It’s a pathway to gaining Canadian work experience, which boosts your Express Entry score

Eligible CUSMA professions include: 

- Accountants

- Engineers

- Computer systems analysts

- Management consultants

- Lawyers

- Teachers

- Scientists

- Medical professionals

- And many more (63 professional categories total)

Why this matters: 80% of my clients who start with work permits eventually transition to permanent residence. CUSMA makes this pathway significantly more accessible for Americans than for most other nationalities.

Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program)

This is the main pathway for skilled workers. You need:

- A bachelor’s degree or higher (or equivalent)

- At least one year of skilled work experience

- Language test results (yes, even for Americans)

- Proof of funds

- A competitive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score

Reality check: 2025 draws have focused on Canadian Experience Class locking most applicants applying from outside Canada out, though category-based draws can be lower (430-490 range). You need to be highly qualified AND in a targeted occupation, or speak good French!

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Individual provinces can nominate candidates who meet their specific needs. Some provinces have lower barriers than federal programs, but: - Requirements vary by province - Processing times can be longer - You generally need a job offer or connection to the province

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

This is one of the most accessible pathways, especially if you have a job offer from an employer in Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador).

Work Permit First, PR Later

This is the route I recommend most often. Here’s why:

- 80% of my clients who get work permits eventually transition to permanent residence 

- It gets you into Canada faster

- You gain Canadian work experience, which boosts your Express Entry score

- You can “try before you buy” tomake sure Canada is actually the right fit

- CUSMA makes this pathway especially attractive for Americans

Family Sponsorship

If you have a Canadian spouse, common-law partner, parent, or child who’s a citizen or permanent resident, they may be able to sponsor you.

What About Refugee Claims?

I need to address this directly because I’ve seen a troubling trend: Americans filing refugee claims based on political disagreement or general anxiety about the direction of their country.

Let me be crystal clear: Political preference is NOT grounds for refugee status.

Refugee protection is for people ALREADY facing persecution based on:

- Race

- Religion

- Nationality

- Membership in a particular social group

- Political opinion (actual persecution, not just disagreement)

Being unhappy with election results, worried about policy changes, or generally anxious about your country’s future does not qualify you as a refugee. Filing a refugee claim when you don’t meet the criteria clogs up the system for people who genuinely need protection, and it will likely be denied.

My Advice After a Year of American Consultations

If you’re an American genuinely interested in moving to Canada, here’s what you need to do:

1. Get Real About Your Eligibility

Use the CRS calculator for Express Entry. Be honest about your qualifications. If your score is below 450, you need to improve your profile or consider other pathways.

Pay special attention to: 

- Your age (every year counts after 30)

- Whether your occupation is in a targeted category

- Your language test scores (aim for CLB 9 or higher)

- Your occupation

2. Take the Language Test Seriously

Yes, even though you speak English. Book your IELTS or CELPIP, prepare for it, and aim for the highest scores possible. Every point matters.

3. Explore CUSMA Work Permits First

If your profession is on the CUSMA list, this is often your fastest and most practical route. It gets you into Canada, gives you Canadian experience, and positions you for permanent residence down the road.

4. Get Your Credentials Assessed

If you have a degree from a U.S. institution, you’ll need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to prove it’s equivalent to Canadian standards.

5. Understand the Timeline and Costs

Immigration takes time and money. Budget for: - Application fees ($850-$1,700+ depending on pathway) - Language tests ($300-400) - Credential assessment ($200-300) - Medical exam ($200-450) - Police certificates - Proof of funds (around $13,000 for a single applicant)

6. Book a Consultation with a Licensed Professional

I can’t tell you how many Americans waste months or even years pursuing the wrong pathway or making mistakes on their applications. A Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) can assess your situation and create a realistic plan.

The Bottom Line

One year after Trump’s election, Americans are still interested in moving to Canada, but interest and action are two very different things.

The truth is this: Your American passport gets you a six-month visit. It does NOT get you permanent residence. You have to qualify, just like everyone else. You have to prove your language skills, just like everyone else. You have to wait, pay fees, and navigate a complex system, just like everyone else.

But here’s the reality of 2025: 

- Canada is prioritizing specific occupations through category-based draws

- Age matters more than ever in the CRS scoring system

- If you’re over 40 or not in a targeted profession, your path is significantly harder - However, Americans DO have the CUSMA advantage for work permits

The good news: If you’re genuinely qualified, willing to do the work, and committed to the process, Canada absolutely welcomes skilled American immigrants. I’ve helped some Americans successfully make the move. It’s possible—but only if you approach it with realistic expectations and proper planning.

If you’re still hellbound on moving to Canada a year after the election, that’s great. But let’s make sure you’re doing it right.

Ready to explore your options? Book a consultation and let’s talk about YOUR specific pathway to Canada—no myths, no shortcuts, just honest advice and a realistic plan.

About Crossing Oceans Immigration Services

We’re a licensed Canadian immigration firm based in Nova Scotia, specializing in helping individuals and families navigate the complex immigration process. Whether you’re pursuing Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Program, CUSMA work permits, or family sponsorship, we provide honest assessments and full-service support.

Contact us: 

Email: info@crossingoceansimmigration.com - Website: www.crossingoceansimmigration.com

Book your consultation today and get clear answers about your immigration options.