“Economic woes in the U.S. are driving Americans across the northern border in near-record numbers as they seek better job opportunities and cheaper education in Canada.”

That’s according to a recent CTV News report, which said that Canada issued 35,060 visas to U.S. residents in 2010 and an additional 34,185 visas to Americans in 2011.

As the unemployment rate in the United States remains high, “it’s natural you’re going to see more…young Americans pursuing economic opportunity here,” said Canada’s Minister of Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney.

Similarly, more American students are applying to Canadian universities to avoid the higher cost of tuition south of the border.

Read the full report at CTVNews.ca.

Are you an American moving, or thinking about moving, to Canada? Leave a comment and share your story.

U.S.-Canada border photo by HeyRocker (flickr)