How Difficult Is it for a U.S. Citizen to Become Canadian?

The U.S. and Canada allow their citizens to hold dual citizenship.

It May Prove Difficult for Unskilled Persons

You may find it difficult to immigrate from the United States to Canada unless you are a skilled worker or already have a job set up, according to Canada Visa. In 2010, the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Department placed an extra emphasis on getting skilled federal workers into Canada in their immigration quotas.

It Is Relatively Easy for People with Job Skills

If you have job skills, especially business experience, it should not prove hard to move to Canada from the United States. As of 2010, the Canadian government wants to get skilled workers into the country to help the country get out of an economic recession. In addition, former Canadian citizens may have dual citizenship in the United States and Canada.

Bottom Line

As long you have an employer ready to sponsor you or skills desired by the Canadian government, moving from the United States to Canada should prove relatively easy, as the countries have friendly relations. Having a criminal record, however, may hurt your chances of immigrating to Canada or even make you inadmissible.

References

• CanadaVisa.com: Eligibility and Qualifications FAQ
• Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Department: Government of Canada will Welcome More Economic Immigrants in 2010
• U.S. Embassy Consular Services Canada: Americans Entering Canada