Can American Citizens Work in Canada? Updated Guide & Notes
Updated in May 2025
The U.S. and Canada share one of the world's most amicable borders, facilitating various agreements that allow American citizens to work in Canada and vice versa.
Although certain changes have been made by the Trump administration in 2025, there are still opportunities for prospective expats to explore.
Like most cross-border relocations, you’ll need to find the right pathway for your specific situation.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about working in Canada as an American citizen, the different permits available to you, and the next steps we recommend.
What Work Permits Are Available For Americans in Canada?
While Americans can easily cross the border into Canada for a visit of up to 180 days without a visa, working in Canada is a whole different story.
For any type of employment in Canada, you’ll need a work permit. It’ll be generally easier to get a work permit if you’re being hired by a Canadian employer or relocated to Canada by your employer, since the permit can be tied to your existing job. On the other hand, if you’re planning to search for work once you’re in Canada, you’ll need an Open Work Permit, which can be a bit more challenging.
💡 If you’re unsure, the Canadian Government has a simple step-by-step quiz to help guide you to the correct permit type.
Employer-Specific Work Permit
This permit is tied to a specific employer in Canada who has offered you a job. To get an employer-specific permit, your employer will also need to conduct a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This type of assessment helps the employer explain why there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job, rather than a Canadian.
You will need the LMIA number and a copy of your employment contract from your employer in order to apply for this type of work permit.
Open Work Permit
This allows you to work for any employer in Canada, though it's typically harder to obtain and requires meeting specific eligibility criteria.
Open Work Permits are generally limited to:
International students who graduated from a designated learning institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers or international students (restrictions apply)
Individuals applying for permanent residence in Canada.
Family members of certain foreign workers in Canada.
Alternative Pathways for Working in Canada
Traditional work permits are not the only way for an American to legally work in Canada. There are a few special programs that might apply to you if you’re exploring a more permanent relocation to Canada, if you have specific skills, or if you want to try a working holiday.
Express Entry System
For those seeking permanent residence while working, the Express Entry system manages applications for three federal immigration programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program: A program for professionals with foreign work experience, a university degree, and strong language skills in English or French.
Federal Skilled Trades Program: A program for skilled tradespeople with training and/or certification in specific trades, such as electricians, plumbers, welders, or chefs.
Canadian Experience Class: For individuals with Canadian work experience.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Each Canadian province has its own nomination program for skilled workers, which can lead to both work permits and permanent residence.
For example, Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has 9 immigration streams of its own. Many provinces have streams focused on International Students, Skilled Workers, and In-Demand Skills.
If you are hoping to relocate to a specific province, start by researching that province’s specific immigration streams.
Recent Changes to American-Canadian Immigration
With the Trump administration’s platform hinging heavily on immigration policy, you may be wondering if anything has actually changed between Canada and the U.S.
Although the situation is constantly evolving, there have only been a few concrete changes this year:
In January 2025, Canada limited Family Open Work Permits to the spouses of only certain types of international students and foreign workers.
For most American citizens relocating to work in Canada, there have been no other changes in regulation. However, it’s relevant to note that heightened tensions and trade issues have led to reports of increased difficulties at Canada-U.S. border crossings.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It depends. The length of your work permit depends on the job offer, the validity period of the Labour Market Impact Assessment, and the validity period of your passport. There is no “limit” to the amount of time American citizens can work in Canada.
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While French is not always required in most provinces, it can be beneficial, especially in Quebec, where French is the primary language.
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Yes, your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit, and dependent children can attend school while you work in Canada. However, there are limitations.
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Yes! Many temporary workers successfully transition to permanent residence through various immigration programs, particularly if they gain Canadian work experience.