Can I Work in Canada and Live in the US?

Canada is flooded with work opportunities for people from various fields. Knowing of such exposure, working professionals from neighboring countries are often delighted to cross borders and work for Canadian employers. While there are no limitations on working in Canada and living elsewhere, it is important to know about various legalities, visa approvals, and the working dynamics of Canada and their country of origin.

This blog particularly focuses on the professional relationship between Canada and the US. We will look at the work visa and permit requirements for US citizens working in Canada.

Can You Work in Canada and Live in the US?

US citizens can visit Canada for work, provided they follow the legal procedures. People living in the US bordering cities often seek job opportunities in Canada. Trade agreements like the CUSMA and work permits have made it easier for them to commute across borders regularly.

US citizens must also consider factors like tax filing, health coverage, and traveler programs like NEXUS to make everyday communication faster and hassle-free.

Working in Canada as a US Citizen

Many individuals living in US-Canada border cities like Detroit, Windsor, Buffalo, or Niagara Falls often find jobs across borders. A US citizen can live in the US but work in Canada because work permits, visas, and government agreements allow them to access opportunities, making cross-border commuting accessible.

Work Visa and Permit Requirements

US citizens working in Canada must apply for a work visa. To get one, they must fulfill the following criteria:

• Job Offer: A Canadian employer must offer a legitimate job in a relevant field.
• Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Most jobs require an LMIA from the employer, which proves that hiring a foreign worker will not adversely impact the Canadian labor market.
• Work Permit Application: If the LMIA is approved, you can apply for a work visa or work permit at any Canadian border entry port or a Canadian consulate.

What is CUSMA?

Engineers, scientists, and accountants may be admitted to Canada without an LMIA under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The benefits of this agreement are simple: if you’re a US citizen and want to work in a high-demand occupation in Canada, the wait time to process the work permit is fastened.

US citizens working in Canada can typically stay on a work permit for up to three years, after which it can be renewed. However, that does not mean the individual is granted permanent residency. Anyone interested in staying longer must apply for permanent residency following a completely different procedure.

What Attracts US Citizens to Work in Canada?

The reasons why US citizens seek jobs in Canada vary, and the number is increasing each day. Many professionals find work in Canada an exciting opportunity in a welcoming environment. These are some of the reasons they consider when deciding to work in Canada:

1. Job Market Opportunities

The Canadian population comprises more aged people than skilled workers. There is a massive shortage of talented workers in many industries. Canada extends opportunities for people worldwide to visit and work to meet the labor market demand.

2. Work-Life Balance

Canada’s work policies are more liberal than those of many other countries. They emphasize the need to balance employees’ professional and personal lives. 

3. Cultural Similarities and Proximity

As bordering countries, the US and Canada share many cultural similarities. For people in the US, working in Canada seems more feasible than traveling elsewhere. Adapting to the Canadian lifestyle is much easier for them.

4. Comprehensive Healthcare

One thing that attracts Americans from the US is Canada’s public healthcare system. Medical services are relatively expensive in the US, but the government funds various healthcare services in Canada, making them affordable.

Understanding the Work Culture: US Vs. Canada

Canadian and US work cultures share some differences. The most significant difference is balancing employees’ professional and personal lives. In many industries, Canada has shorter work hours, more vacation days, and longer parental leave, allowing employees time to relax. The US work culture puts longer work hours, fewer vacation days, a faster pace, and a competitive work culture.

Both countries value teamwork and collaboration. However, Canadian workplaces are considered more inclusive, consensus-driven, diplomatic, and less individualistic in making decisions. US workplaces follow the norm of being collaborative but somewhat individualistic, anticipating results, competition, and personal achievements.

In Canada, the government provides and funds healthcare universally so that employees do not have to worry about medical coverage. Healthcare in the US is mainly employment-based, with companies offering insurance as a large portion of employee benefits.

Both countries highly value professionalism and productivity. However, the common belief is that the US has a more results-driven and highly energetic workforce.

Future of Cross-Border Employment in the US and Canada

Visions of the future of cross-border employment between the United States and Canada are bright as the two economies continue to grow and integrate. Remote work technology continues to improve, and agreements such as the CUSMA mean it’s getting easier to work across borders. The need for a flexible work culture is only rising after the pandemic, giving more and more people the choice to live in one country and work in another. Cross-border employment is boosting IT, healthcare, and finance, while the government is working to amend its visa application processes to catch up with the labor market needs.

Practical Considerations for Cross-Border Work

There are several factors to consider when working across borders. They include:

• Taxes: Generally, a US citizen working in Canada is liable to pay taxes in both countries. However, tax treaties between Canada and the US help prevent double taxation. You may have to file tax returns in both countries based on your situation.
• Health Coverage: The healthcare policies in the US and Canada are different. As a frequent cross-border traveler, you must apply for health coverage in both countries.
• Cross-Border Commute: For regular cross-border commuters, having a trusted traveler program such as NEXUS will shorten wait times at the border.

Conclusion

Canada welcomes fresh talents from anywhere in the world. Because the US shares borders with Canada, many professionals travel across borders daily for work. Getting a Canadian work permit makes working in Canada more accessible for US citizens. However, several other factors must be considered when working in another country. 

Canada offers an inclusive work culture while providing employees with peace of mind when health needs are considered. As a fast-developing country, Canada consistently tries to simplify complex legal procedures so that more talented people can come and contribute to its economy.

If you are a US citizen seeking a job in Canada, this blog might be a starting point for answering your queries. However, to answer more complex legal questions, an Immigration Lawyer can be your best companion.