The final months of 2024 saw the beginning of a turbulent period in Canada’s history, with seismic political changes stemming from former PM Justin Trudeau’s declining approval and departure after nine years in office. Canada’s rising inflation and trade disputes contributed to Trudeau’s exit.
Now, with U.S. President Trump waging an economic war against Canada, the country’s prospects are increasingly bleak. Trump has threatened to annex Canada and to “permanently shut down automobile manufacturing business in Canada.”
With a 25% duty from the Trump administration on many Canadian imports, Canada is struggling to avoid a recession and massive job losses. And even more may be at stake.
In his victory speech, current PM Mark Carney warned that “The Americans want our resources, our water, our land, our country. Think about that for a moment. If they succeed, they will destroy our way of life.”
Former PM Trudeau echoed these concerns, saying the following: “This is a nation-defining moment. Democracy is not a given. Freedom is not a given.”
“Even Canada is not a given.” Ouch. Talk about uncertainty.
Unsurprisingly, Canadian sentiment toward the future is becoming increasingly cynical. Canada’s current economic climate is especially limiting to entrepreneurs and young people looking to begin their careers.
As a result, a growing number of Canadians are looking to move south of the border. A 2025 survey by consulting firm Ipsos found that 43% of Canadians aged 18-34 would favor becoming U.S. citizens.
And in April 2025, Bloomberg Canada reported that 37% of automobile businesses were considering moving operations to the United States.
It’s no wonder that many Canadians would like to relocate to the world’s leading economic power. “America First” is quickly becoming the norm across international trade and finance, and the United States offers a degree of stability that countries like Canada could never match.
Oh, and don’t forget the warmer weather in America.
In an increasingly restrictive environment for immigration under Trump, one of the easiest paths to move to the United States is the EB-5 visa.
EB-5 visa investors can receive their U.S. Green Cards in a matter of months after applying and remain in America as permanent residents—able to work, travel internationally, and live anywhere in the United States.
“During the second Trump administration, we’ve seen a sharp upturn in demand for the EB-5 visa from Canadian nationals,” says Sam Silverman, managing partner of EB5AN. “For most Canadians, there’s simply no faster way to get a U.S. Green Card.”
In this article, we’ll analyze the challenges that are driving many Canadians to think about relocating to America—and how the EB-5 visa is the most direct path to becoming a U.S. permanent resident.
Trump Declares Economic War on Canada
Canada’s Political Instability
The Best Destinations in America for Canadian Expats
Time to Escape To America—How the EB-5 Program Works
Interviews with Canadian EB-5 Investors
Canadians Get a Free Consultation With EB5AN
Further Reading
Trump Declares Economic War on Canada
President Trump’s imposition of a 25% tariff on Canadian imports—excluding a 10% rate on energy—has disrupted Canada’s economy. The automotive sector, crucial to Canada’s manufacturing base, has been particularly affected. Stellantis, for example, temporarily closed its Windsor plant, impacting both Canadian and American workers. Ford CEO Jim Farley warned that a 25% tariff across the Mexico and Canadian border would severely damage the U.S. industry as well.
Canadians are already seeing economic consequences. Canada lost 33,000 jobs in March, marking the worst performance in over three years. The unemployment rate rose to 6.7%, with projections suggesting it could reach 8% by year’s end. The Bank of Canada responded by lowering its key policy rate to 3%, aiming to mitigate the downturn.
Trade tensions have also affected Canadian investments in U.S. real estate. Since 2015, Canadians have invested approximately $184 billion in U.S. commercial properties. However, the current political climate has led to increased hesitancy among Canadian investors, with some considering shifting their focus to European markets.
Canadian entrepreneurs are facing shrinking business opportunities. Additionally, the outlook for a successful long-term career in Canada seems increasingly less promising.
Canada’s Political Instability
Canada’s political landscape is experiencing one of its most turbulent periods. Trudeau’s abrupt resignation in January, coming shortly after Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s departure, plunged the Liberal Party into internal chaos. Trudeau’s approval rating had bottomed out at just 28%, with over twenty Liberal MPs openly demanding his resignation.
Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of Canada, stepped in as PM in March, quickly calling a snap federal election for April 28 to stabilize governance. However, this move intensified the uncertainty rather than resolving it. Recent polling indicates a tight race, with Carney’s Liberals maintaining a narrow five-point lead, underscoring the fragility of public confidence during this turbulent transition period.
Canadian sentiment reflects increasing anxiety over economic stability and governance capability.
The Best Destinations in America for Canadian Expats
These challenges are driving many Canadians to look into relocating to the United States. Florida, Texas, and Georgia stand out as top destinations, thanks to their economic opportunities, favorable tax climates, and vibrant communities.
In 2023, Florida welcomed nearly 634,000 new residents, with over 45% originating from foreign countries. Florida’s appeal lies in its lack of a state income tax, affordable cost of living, and a diverse economy encompassing tourism, aerospace, clean technology, and healthcare. The state’s warm climate and pristine beaches also attract new residents.
Texas continues to experience significant population growth, adding over 560,000 residents in 2024, marking the 14th consecutive year of leading the nation in population increase. The state’s affordability, absence of an income tax, and robust job market are key factors drawing both domestic and international migrants. Dallas-Fort Worth, for instance, is home to 1.6 million foreign-born residents, reflecting the state’s growing diversity.
Georgia has also become a popular destination, particularly for those relocating from Florida. In 2022, over 51,000 Floridians moved to Georgia, attracted by its lower cost of living, scenic environment, and affordable housing market. The state’s appeal extends to foreign nationals seeking a balance between economic opportunity and quality of life.
Time to Escape To America—How the EB-5 Program Works
The U.S. immigration system currently offers a number of temporary visas with significant limitations on work, study, and international travel. These visas include the H-1B, EB-2, E-2, and F-1.
But many consider the EB-5 visa to be the most practical way to relocate to the United States. As an EB-5 investor, you will receive a U.S. Green Card and become a permanent resident.
EB-5 investors can receive their U.S. Green Cards in a matter of months. With the U.S. placing increasing pressure on the Canadian economy, EB-5 offers a comparatively fast way to enter the United States.
For Canadians already living in the U.S. on temporary visas, the EB-5 program also offers a fast path to work and travel documents.
EB5AN’s own investors have received their U.S. Green Cards in as fast as 10 months—and work and travel documents in as fast as 33 days.
“While countries with a backlog of EB-5 petitions face significantly longer wait times,” explains Silverman, “Canadian EB-5 investors have an advantage. Unlike applicants from China or India, Canadian investors do not face an EB-5 visa backlog.”
Interviews with Canadian EB-5 Investors
We are pleased to present two interviews with Canadian nationals who invested in EB5AN’s projects. James and Mike were both motivated by the United States’ stability and excellent career opportunities.
James from Canada
In the following interview excerpts, James explains why he chose to pursue a U.S. Green Card through EB-5 instead of other visa options. He invested in EB5AN’s Twin Lakes rural EB-5 project (still open for investment).
- “First and foremost would be opportunities for our children: economic opportunities, a larger labor market, more choices of place to live, better weather, better medical care. That’s the reason we have been considering moving down to the States. EB-5 is the best and most secure way to obtain a Green Card—and have the security of knowing that you will end up with a Green Card.”
- “There aren’t that many interim steps, and you don’t have to reapply. Initially, it’s a conditional Green Card for two years, but as long as the job creation standards and requirements are met (and the forms are filed in a timely manner prior to the end of the two-year conditional process), you should be getting a permanent Green Card for your family.”
- “We felt that EB-5 was really the most secure way of ensuring that we would end up with a Green Card and not an interim or an employment type of visa which could expire, might not be renewed—and then you might have to leave the country. That’s the reason we settled on EB-5.”
Watch James’s Full Interview
Mike from Canada
With his son studying in a U.S. university, Mike wanted him to access expanded career opportunities and a better future in the United States. He explains why he chose to make an EB-5 investment in our ONE Tampa urban EB-5 project (still open for investment).
- “I actually studied in the U.S. I went through every single visa there is. I went through the H-1, F-1, TN. If it was out there, I probably had it at some point.”
- “And I don’t know that there was the option for the EB-5. There was the option to get sponsored by a company, but I was always very entrepreneurial. and I didn’t want to be held down to a company. So eventually came back to Canada.”
- To circle back, my son is studying in the States. His dream is to be in the States, and I just want to make life a little bit easier for him. We came across the EB-5, which is, in our estimate, one of the speediest ways to get a Green Card, and that’s really where we came to the EB-5
- “There were other options, but they had other risks associated with them that was really not on the table with an EB-5.”
Watch Mike’s Full Interview
Canadians Get a Free Consultation With EB5AN
Canadians currently enjoy the opportunity to invest in the EB-5 visa with no backlogs—and the potential to become U.S. permanent residents in only months.
“EB5AN is committed to helping our investors fulfill their immigration goals,” says Silverman. “Our varied portfolio of EB-5 projects is tailored to meet our investors’ needs.”
“We have successfully worked with multiple Canadian investors in the past. Now is an ideal time to make an EB-5 investment and enjoy the stability the United States has to offer.”
If you are a Canadian considering your immigration options to the United States, schedule a free consultation with EB5AN.
