Can American Retirees Move to Canada? (2021)

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Abundant natural wonders, great people, multicultural, and good food — Canada has all that. It also has one of the best healthcare, economies, and education in the world. Many Americans want to retire and move to Canada because what’s not to love about the country; however, can they?

American retirees can move to Canada, but it will not be as easy as many people think. Being the top country for quality of life in 2020, Canada is undeniably a great place to spend your retirement. However, you will need to pass through Canada’s strict immigration process first.

The Canadian government is very particular about who they allow into their country. You will have to show the Canadian government that you are financially secure or capable of contributing to the country. Keep reading to find out how American retirees (like you) can move to Canada.

Visitor Visa

Getting a visa for a full-time retirement in Canada is not going to be so easy. Fortunately, you have the option to apply for a Visitor visa. You can apply for a Visitor visa and retire part-time in Canada first. The Visitor visa will enable you to stay in Canada for up to 6 months — you get the chance to extend it.

If you wish to extend your Visitor visa, you need to apply for an extension at least 30 days before reaching the end of your stay. Some retirees lived in Canada and bought a second home and stayed in it for up to 6 months as tourists. That’s not a bad idea, after all.

Parent and Grandparent Super Visa

If you have children or grandchildren living in Canada who are also Canadian citizens, you can apply for a Parent and Grandparent Super visa to help you move to Canada. Otherwise, you cannot apply for this visa. This long-term visa will allow you to visit your child or grandchild and stay with them for up to 2 years for ten years.

The Canadian immigration will decide whether or not you can enter Canada when you apply for a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or when you reach the port of entry. You will not be able to travel to Canada if you are inadmissible. You’ll also need to prove that you meet the minimum income that Canada requires and have Canadian medical insurance that meets the requirements and covers you for at least a year.

However, if you are from a country where a visa is required to enter Canada as a visitor, the process will be different.

Parent and Grandparent Super Visa vs. Multiple Entry Visa

You can enter Canada with a Visitor visa that lets you stay in Canada for up to 6 months when you first enter the country. If you want to stay longer, you can pay a new fee to get an extension. A Visitor visa is beneficial for visitors who do not have children or grandchildren in Canada.

Those who have a Canadian child or grandchild can apply for a Parent and Grandparent Super visa that will allow them to visit their family living in Canada for up to 2 years without renewing their status.

The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is a multiple entry visa that lets you enter Canada multiple times within ten years. So, if you want to retire and move to Canada to be close to your family, a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is the best visa for you.

What makes the Parent and Grandparent Super visa different from the multiple-entry visa is the length of stay you’re allowed per visit. The difference:

Using the Parent and Grandparent Super visa, you can stay up to 2 years at a time.
A multiple entry visa for 10 years only gives you six months per entry.

Family Sponsorship

Moving to Canada to retire full-time in the country is a lot more complicated than visiting the country and living for months or years. Don’t worry; there are ways to do it. American retirees who want to move to Canada can opt for Family Sponsorship.

American retirees who have a family member living in Canada may be eligible to be sponsored to become a Canadian permanent resident. As of January 2021, Canada is still accepting and processing family sponsorship applications. If you become a permanent resident, you can live, work, or study in the country.

Work Permit

If you can still work, the simplest way to move to Canada to retire is not entirely retiring and get a work permit first. Sure, this is not an ideal situation, but it will help you kickstart your retirement journey in Canada. To work in Canada, you can apply for Express Entry that allows skilled and qualified immigrants to work in Canada.

If there is a lack of skilled Canadian workers in specific industries, you can fill in the role and apply to be a permanent resident. Fill out the form for applying for Express Entry. The Canadian government will invite you (if successful) and process a permanent residency for you within six months. You must present evidence that you have enough money for you and family members you wish to bring to Canada.

There’s also the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) that lets employers hire skilled workers abroad to fill out Canada’s lack of skilled workers. Skilled workers can then apply for permanent residents. Applicants working under this visa will live in beautiful places like Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, or New Brunswick.

Investors

Another option for retirees who want to move to Canada is to become an investor and contribute to the country. American retirees can try to apply for a Start-up Visa.

Applicants must have a business, be able to speak in both English and French (CBL5), obtain a supporting letter from a designated institution (with fundings from a Venture Capital Organization or an authorized Angel Investor) and have enough money to live in Canada to apply for the visa.

There are several investment avenues through PNPs (Provincial Nominee Programs) available in Canada that can help you start a business in Canada. If you are successful, you will get a work permit and invest the amount of money required within 1-2 years.

Best Places To Retire in Canada

There are many lovely places to live in Canada. Whether you like to live in cities, by the beach, or in the mountains, Canada has it all for you. Some of the best locations to live in Canada are Quebec City, Moncton, Saint John, and St. John’s.

For retirement, Canada’s best places are Ottawa, West Vancouver, Collingwood, Calgary, and Clarington. American retirees who want to live close to museums, galleries, local attractions, and conveniences will find Ottawa the best for them. For the sunniest weather in Canada, Calgary is the best place to be — listed as one of The Economists’ most liveable cities.

Final Thoughts

Canada is a beautiful country to live in — because of that, Canada earns its rank as the country with the top quality of life. No wonder many American retirees want to move to Canada. Moving to Canada takes time and patience — and it is not as easy as many might think.

But with the right visa, American retirees can enjoy their retirement in Canada. If they cannot have permanent access yet, there are always visas for part-time retirement. After that, retirees can aim for a visa that will allow them to stay much longer or indefinitely.

Can American Retirees Move to Canada?