< This is a portion copied from a google answers link. You can see the entire link here: (Google Answers: Retirement in Canada by US citizen) >
Q: What is required, (by either government) of a US citizen and spousewho wish to move to Vancouver,Canada and retire there permanently, andwho can demonstrate a net worth of US$750,000?
A: The Government of Canada provides an excellent website which willanswer most questions:Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC):
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.htmlTo immigrate to Canada, you need to fall into one of these groups:1. Skilled Worker Class Immigration2. Business Class Immigration3. Family Class Immigration4. International Adoption5. Provincial Nomination6. Quebec-Selected ImmigrationSince you will be retired, that leaves you with one option, number 3.Do you have any relatives in British Columbia who can sponsor you?Even though you have enough money to support yourself, you will stillneed to be sponsored by a relative."If you wish to become a permanent resident of Canada, your relativeor family member in Canada must first apply to sponsor you."
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/sponsor/index.htmlThere are many advantages to becoming a permanent resident, as youwould have most of the rights that Canadian citizens have under theCanadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (except run for politicaloffice or vote) and that includes Canada's health care system. You canapply for Canadian Citizenship after three years, but it is notmandatory, and, it is not necessary to give up your US citizenship -you will find many people who have "dual-citizenship", enjoying thebest of both worlds."The Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) is a new, wallet-sized, plasticcard. People who have completed the Canadian immigration process andhave obtained permanent resident status, but are not Canadian citizenscan apply for the Card."
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pr-card/index.htmlSo, to summarize, if you'd like to immigrate to Canada, the first stepis to find a relative who is willing to sponsor you as a member of the"Family Class". The relative can be a son or daughter, brother orsister, nephews or nieces, grandsons or granddaughters (if orphaned,under 18 and unmarried) and aunt or uncle if unmarried.You will find a Guide and Applications here:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/family.htmlHowever, you do not need to immigrate to live in Canada. It is notunusual for American citizens to own property in Canada and spend agood part of the year there. The best thing to do would be to go toboth the Canadian and American Consulates nearest you and getup-to-date information tailored to your situation (you might need toapply for a Visa for stays of more than 180 days).One of the main considerations is health care and if you aren't ableto immigrate than you will have to carry your own health insurance tocover any medical costs. If you have US$750,000 (you're a millionairein Canadian funds!) plus a pension and Social Security, you should beable to live comfortably (although Vancouver is one of the moreexpensive places to live in Canada).Additional Links:An American's Guide to Canada:
http://www.icomm.ca/emily/american.htmlIRS: FAQ:
http://www.irs.gov/faqs/page/0,,id=15934,00.htmlTips for Travelers to Canada:
http://travel.state.gov/tips_canada.htmlIf you would like more information or if you are not satisfied withwhat I have provided, please let me know before rating this answer,and I will be happy to respond to your request. In that case, pleaseinclude a bit more of your circumstances - most importantly, are youplanning on applying for immigration? It's hard for me to go anyfurther without having more details on hand.On a personal note, if I don't hear from you again, I would like towish you well in your new home. You'll grow to love Canada, itsquirkiness and all.