Commonwealth_ Every election season in the United States, a familiar trend resurfaces: dissatisfied voters—often those whose preferred candidate didn’t win—take to the internet in droves to explore the idea of moving to Canada. Following President-elect Donald Trump’s recent victory and his promise to usher in a “golden age for America,” it appears that some Americans remain skeptical. On Tuesday night and throughout Wednesday, Google searches on topics like “moving to Canada,” “how to legally move to Canada,” and “moving to Canada requirements” surged, particularly in states that had voted heavily in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris, such as Oregon, Washington, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Similar to 2016, when Trump secured his first term, the surge in traffic caused the Canadian government’s immigration website to temporarily crash. This time, Canada.ca’s Immigration and Citizenship page has managed to stay functional despite the increased interest.
Users were busy sharing their intentions, or at least their musings, about moving north on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). While many of these posts were clearly in jest, others displayed a more serious tone, reflecting a real apprehension about the political climate under Trump’s potential second term. Some Americans are especially concerned, as it looks increasingly likely that Republicans will secure a majority in the Senate next year, while control of the House remains uncertain. If Republicans do end up controlling both chambers, it could pave the way for Trump to make significant legislative changes, further fueling the sense of urgency for those considering relocation.
Publications like Fortune have issued cautionary advice, reminding readers that while Canada may seem like an appealing alternative thanks to its universal healthcare system and perceived high quality of life, the transition is far from simple. Canada’s immigration process is known to be rigorous, and gaining permanent residency or citizenship involves fulfilling several requirements. Furthermore, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced a reduction in Canada’s immigration targets. Next year, the country plans to admit 395,000 permanent residents, down from the previous goal of 500,000, a decrease of 21 percent. This adjustment could make it even more competitive for Americans looking to move north.
For those serious about making Canada their home, there are a few viable pathways. Canada offers federal immigration programs that prioritize skilled professionals in fields with high demand, such as healthcare, engineering, and technology. Individuals who already have employment lined up may also benefit from the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), formerly NAFTA, which allows Americans to work in Canada with a temporary work permit. However, these work permits don’t automatically lead to permanent residency or citizenship. Temporary workers would still need to apply for residency through other programs if they wish to stay long-term.
It’s worth noting that even those granted permanent residency face several hurdles before becoming full-fledged Canadian citizens. The country’s public healthcare system covers permanent residents, granting them the right to work, study, and travel throughout Canada. However, they cannot vote, run for office, or hold certain jobs requiring high-level security clearances. To apply for citizenship, permanent residents must reside in Canada for at least 1,095 days (or roughly three years) within the first five years of residency. Additionally, they are required to demonstrate proficiency in either English or French, file income taxes for three of those five years, and pass a Canadian citizenship test covering topics like Canadian history, values, and political structure.
