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The United States and Canada are two of the most important economies in the world and they are also neighboring countries which makes relocation from one state to the other quite easy from a transportation point of view. However, there are also immigration rules that need to be respected whenimmigrating to US from Canada.
If you plan toimmigratetoUSfrom Canadaand need assistance, our US immigrationlawyers are at your service with various relocation packages which include several services. They can help you apply for the right type of visa for your situation,including the spouse visa for US.
Short-time relocation to the US from Canada
Canadian citizens benefit from special regulations if they are interested inshort-term visits to the United States. They need not visas, as many of the checks can be completed at the airport before boarding the planes to their destinations.
However, this is not the case for those who want torelocate to the United States from Canadafor long periods of time or even permanently.
For those seeking to move to Florida, ourimmigration lawyers in Miamiand neighboring towns are at their service.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Entry visa requirement | No |
Visas Available for Long-term Immigration (YES/NO) | Yes |
Types of visas available | Short-term residence permits,work permits,permanent resident cards |
| Time frame for obtaining a US residence permit (approx.) | up to 6 months |
| Validity of temporary residence permit | 3 months to 10 years depending on the reason of stay |
| Time frame for obtaining permanent residence (approx.) | 10 years |
| Investor Visa Availability (YES/NO) | Yes, (EB-5) visa |
| Special Immigration Program Availability (YES/NO) | Yes, TN Visa |
| Family Reunification Visas Availability (YES/NO) | YES, fiance and spouse visas |
| Citizenship Requirements | 5 years based on permanent residency, 3 years based on marriage |
Visas available for those seeking to immigrate to US from Canada
Just like the citizens of other countries,Canadianscan enjoy the many programs and visas under which they canrelocate to the USin the long term with the possibility of establishing themselves here permanently.
Ourimmigration lawyers in USA can help Canadian citizens through the following types of visas:
- the B visas available for Canadian citizens who want to relocate to the US for temporary stays,
- the E visa which is available for skilled persons who want to work in the US,
- the K visa which is available for Canadian citizens who want to get married to US citizens,
- spouse visas are also available for family reunification purposes.
Another program that is available for Canadian andMexican citizensis the TN visa, however, this is rarely employed as through it, it is harder to obtain permanent residence in the US.
No matter the way you decide toimmigrate to USA from Canada, our lawyers are at your service for guidance in choosing a visa, including thespouse visa for US.
Obtaining permanent residence in the United States as a Canadian citizen
There are several ways through which one canmove to US from Canadaand obtaining a Green Card. The most common ones cover employment andspousal sponsorship.
When it comes to employment, E visas are the most requested by highly skilledCanadian citizensseeking toimmigrate to the US. These can find employment with local companies that will help them move here.
In order to obtain permanent residence through employment, the following documents need to be prepared by Canadian citizens:
- the ETA-750 which must be filed by the US company employing the foreign citizen with the USDepartment of Labor,
- the I-140 Form which is also filed by the employer but with the Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS),
- the I-485 Form which must be submitted by the Canadian citizen upon entering the country.
Based on these documents, Green Cards are issued to those whoimmigrate to US from Canada. The validity of the residence permit is 10 years following which the holder has to options:
- of renewing it,
- of applying forUS citizenship.
Relocating to the US based on fiancé and spouse visas is also a common option for Canadian citizens. For these two types of visas, however, there are several additional requirements to comply with.
Ourimmigration lawyer in the Uniteds States can help citizens of Canada and other countries who want to move here.
How to move to the USA from Canada as a skilled worker
Many US companies seek specialists when hiring foreign employees, which is one of the main reasons immigrants choose this path of relocating to the USA. The government also encourages immigration among highly skilled persons, as there are several types of visas available for them, many of them coming with the possibility of applying for a Green Card.
TheEB visa categoryis dedicated to skilled migrants, and it has 3-subcategories under which these can move to the USA. This is also available for Canadian citizens seeking to relocate to their neighboring country.
The EB 1 visa targets employees with abilities and skills in business, education, science, research, sports, and arts. The EB 2 visa was enabled for foreign citizens with extraordinary qualifications in business, arts, and science. Under it, those who are advanced degree professionals canimmigrate to the US from Canada. The last subcategory of the EB visa, the EB 3 visa enables professionals with Bachelor’s and Graduate degrees to relocate here.
There are plenty of options for all types of immigrants who want torelocate to the USA from Canadaand ourimmigration lawyers in the US are at the service of those interested in choosing the EB visa in order to ensure they will also be eligible for permanent residency.
Bringing family members to the USA
Over time, many Canadian citizens who have moved to the USA decided to stay here. This has enabled them to become permanent residents and thusbring family membersalong. Those who have relocated recently have the same option of sponsoring their close relatives to come to join them in the USA.
In order to enter the USA based on sponsorship, a Canadian citizen must:
- be a close relative of a Canadian citizen who has gained American citizenship;
- be supported by the Canadian relative;
- submit proof of kinship to the Canadian citizen.
Among the categories of close relatives that mayrelocate to the USAbased on sponsorship are husband/wife, children under the age of 21, and parents. There are also certain restrictions imposed on these immigrants, such as those who are severely ill or who do not have clean criminal records.
The formalities formoving to the United Statesfrom Canadabased on sponsorship implies filing various documents which are where ourimmigration lawyer in Miamican help you.
If you decide on another path to relocate here, we are at your service. We can also provide the same services to citizens of other countries interested inUS immigration.
The visa lottery
Many foreign citizens have heard about the US visa lottery which is a unique immigration program. The visa lottery is organized every year by the State Department and under it, 50,000 applicants can obtain green cards provided that they meet certain requirements.
Canadian citizens who are not businesspersons or skilled migrants, but if they have completed at least 12 years of elementary and secondary education or have at least 2 years of experience in a position that implies at least 2 years of training can qualify for theGreen Card lottery. If elected, they can also immigrate to the USA with close family members (spouse and children under 21).
Applications are filed between October 5thand December 4thof each year and our specialists can offer more information on the procedure.
How to apply for US citizenship as a Canadian
It often happens for Canadian citizens who have successfully migrated to the USA to be interested in obtaining US citizenship.
There are several ways of obtaining a US passport but for those who have moved here from abroad, naturalization is the main option. These must have been living in the country under permanent residence cards which can be extended for up to 10 years, following which they can apply for citizenship. This will enable them to remain here worry-free that they need toreapply for Green Cardsevery 10 years.
Among the requirements for obtaining US citizenship, a Canadian citizen must prove he or she knows the history and laws of this country, as well as have a good command of English. Canadians who are married to US citizens who have held permanent residence for at least 3 years can also apply for US passports.
Immigration to the USAis not a simple process due to the numerous categories of visas available, as well as due to the procedure which implies several steps and a long waiting period in certain cases. This is why if you plan on moving here from Canada, you can rely on the specialized support offered by ourimmigration law firm in USA for guidance in meeting all the requirements.
Why move to Miami from Canada
Florida is one of the most prolific US states from an economic point of view. Apart from this, it is also home to some of the largest communities of expats in the country.
Miami is a great city for entrepreneurs who can start their own companies and have a good life here. Also, the employment options are numerous, and the industries Canadian citizens can work are quite distinct.
If you decide tomove tosunnyFlorida from Canada, ourimmigration lawyer in Miamiis at your service. We also invite you to watch our video below:
Canadian citizens living in the USA
If you want toimmigrate to US from Canada, you should know that at the level of 2016, there were a little over 780,000 Canadian citizens that lived here.
Apart from this number:
- immigration to the US from Canada started much earlier, as in 1960, Canadians represented around 10% of the expat community,
- at the level of 2016, most of the Canadian citizens living in the US were established in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami (approximately 15% of them),
- 35,000 of these were established in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
If you want toimmigrate to US from Canadaand decide on Florida, do not hesitate toask for the servicesprovided by ourlawyers in Miami.
