Expats in Canada: Your Complete Resource for Life Up North

Maple syrup. Poutine. Ridiculously polite neighbors. Moving to Canada as an American means new adventures—and a few bureaucratic curveballs.  From tax season to toque season, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re relocating for work, love, or a fresh start (with better healthcare), we’ll help you make sense of the big stuff—money, visas, real estate, and raising bilingual kids who say “eh.”

Planning Your Move

Visas, proof of income, healthcare access, housing, and tax documents—it’s a lot. We’ll help you get your ducks (and paperwork) in a row so your move feels exciting, not overwhelming.

Planning Your Move What Americans Moving to Canada Need to Know in 2025 B!T Pick Start here Planning Your Move Cost of Living in Canada: What to Expect if You’re Moving North B!T Pick Start here Planning Your Move Canada Visa or ETA? How to Know What You Really Need to Enter Canada B!T Pick Start here Planning Your Move How the Canada Digital Nomad Visa Works (And What You’ll Need to Stay) B!T Pick Start here Planning Your Move U.S. to Canada Conversion: Handling Currency Exchange and Banking in Canada Planning Your Move Are Canadian Banks Safe? What U.S. Expats Should Know

Taxes and Financial Strategy

You’ve got cross-border obligations, but also cross-border opportunities. Learn how to avoid double taxation, open Canadian accounts, manage currency exchange, and keep your financial plan solid in both currencies.

Taxes and Financial Strategy Taxes in Canada: What No One Tells U.S. Expats (Until It’s Too Late) B!T Pick Start here Taxes and Financial Strategy From Salary to Side Hustles: What Counts as Taxable Income in Canada? B!T Pick Start here Taxes and Financial Strategy How to Avoid Double Taxation as a U.S. Expat in Canada Taxes and Financial Strategy The U.S.-Canada Totalization Agreement: Avoid Double Social Security Taxes Taxes and Financial Strategy What the Canada-U.S. Tax Treaty Means for U.S. Expats Taxes and Financial Strategy Canada Tax Residency: How It’s Decided—and Why It Matters Taxes and Financial Strategy From BC to Quebec: How Canada Province Tax Rates Stack Up Taxes and Financial Strategy How Canada’s Withholding Tax Affects Dividends, Rent and Freelance Payments

Life in Canada

From polite neighbors and poutine to city vibes and small-town charm, here’s how to settle in, find your people, and start feeling at home—without giving up your identity (or decent bagels).

Life in Canada Just Moved? Here’s What Life in Canada Feels Like During Your First Year B!T Pick Start here Life in Canada Best Places to Live in Canada for Americans—From City Life to Cottage Country Life in Canada The Cheapest Places to Live in Canada (And Still Love It) Life in Canada Canada’s Crime Rate: Safer Than the U.S.? Life in Canada How Canadian Law Enforcement Compares to the U.S.

Healthcare and Retirement

Universal healthcare is real—and yes, you can access it. We'll help you understand how the system works, when to apply, what to expect, and how to plan for long-term care and retirement in Canada.

Healthcare and Retirement How Healthcare in Canada Actually Works (From Doctor Visits to Wait Times) B!T Pick Start here Healthcare and Retirement How to Retire in Canada as an American (And Still Collect Social Security) B!T Pick Start here

Raising a Family

Whether you’re bringing kids, having babies, or supporting aging parents, we’ve got the info on schools, dual citizenship, family visas, and how to make this feel like home for the whole crew.

Raising a Family Can You Bring Aging Parents to Canada? Visa Options for Family Raising a Family What’s the Cost of Giving Birth in Canada for Non-Residents?

Business and Wealth Management

Thinking about launching a business or managing significant investments from abroad? Here's what to know about Canadian rules, smart tax planning, and keeping everything both profitable and compliant.

Business and Wealth Management Your Guide to Starting a Business in Canada (Even If You’re New to the Country) B!T Pick Start here Business and Wealth Management How Private Banking in Canada Works (And Who It’s For) Business and Wealth Management Wealth Tax in Canada: What High-Earning Expats Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need a visa to move to Canada from the U.S.?

    Yes. Even as friendly neighbors, Americans still need a visa or permit to live in Canada long-term. Options include work permits, student visas, family sponsorship, and permanent residency.

  • Is healthcare really free in Canada?

    It’s publicly funded, not free—but once you’re a resident, basic healthcare is covered through provincial plans. Until then, bring your own insurance.

  • What’s the weather actually like?

    It snows. A lot. But it also depends on where you are—Vancouver’s milder, Calgary’s colder, and Montreal somehow has all four seasons in a day.

  • Where do most American expats live in Canada?

    Top spots include Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa—urban hubs with jobs, culture, and thriving expat communities (plus decent bagels and espresso).

  • Can I bring my IRA, 401(k), or other investments to Canada?

    You can, but managing U.S. retirement accounts across borders gets tricky. You’ll want expert advice to avoid surprise taxes or penalties.