Move Your Business to the United States
For a great many Canadian businesses, American customers were the business. Tariffs have made serving them from Canada slower and more expensive. Establishing your company inside the United States removes the border from the transaction.
Five immigration routes can get you there. Which one fits depends on what you already have, capital, an existing trade relationship, an existing company, or a job offer.
Five Ways In
E-2 Treaty Investor: for the owner investing in a US business, no fixed minimum, but the investment must be substantial and the business active.
E-1 Treaty Trader: for a business already trading with America, at least 50% Canadian-owned with more than half its trade going to the US. No new capital required, and the most overlooked route on this list.
L-1 Intra-Company Transfer: for an existing Canadian company opening a US operation and moving its own people into it. The only route here with a direct green card path, through EB-1C.
TN Status: for a professional with a US job offer in a USMCA-listed occupation. Fast to obtain at the port of entry, but requires an employer and has no direct path to permanent residence.
Which Route Fits You
Route | Best for |
|---|---|
C11 Significant
Benefit
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Intracompany Transferee (ICT)
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CUSMA and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Work Permits
C20 Reciprocal
Agreement
Discover other immigration solutions for professionals and businesses
Francophone
Mobility
Employer
Compliance
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International Experience Canada (IEC)
What Changed for Canadian Businesses
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Tariffs & Fees: Tariffs and brokerage fees have slowed or lost American customers who used to order without thinking.
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US Suppliers: Materials and equipment bought from US suppliers are caught by counter-tariffs heading north.
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De Minimis Exemption: The end of the de minimis exemption means low-value parcels into the US are now dutiable unless they qualify under CUSMA.
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US Competitors: Competitors already operating inside the US carry none of this friction.
Discover business and work visa pathways to the United States.
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