Immigration Services For Canadians Immigrating to the U.S.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of Canadian citizens travel to the United States for work, vacation, or shopping. Despite the fluid nature of crossing the border and the ease of entry to the United States, Canadian citizens are subject to U.S. immigration law and are required to obtain work visas if they desire to live and work in the United States. You may be eligible for a work permit depending on your education and profession.
Requirements to Immigrate to the U.S. from Canada
Moving from Canada to the United States is an exciting opportunity, but it requires careful navigation of the U.S. immigration system. Canadians who wish to live and work in the U.S. must meet specific legal requirements based on their intended purpose of stay. One of the most common ways for Canadians to immigrate is through family sponsorship, employment opportunities, or investment-based immigration. Family sponsorship allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to petition for their Canadian relatives, including spouses, parents, and siblings. Employment-based immigration, on the other hand, requires a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor the applicant. Investors who make substantial financial contributions to U.S. businesses may also qualify for immigration through programs like the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.
Another pathway is the TN visa, created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This visa is specifically for Canadian professionals in certain occupations who have a prearranged job in the U.S. and meet the required qualifications. While the TN visa does not lead to permanent residency, it allows Canadians to work in the U.S. for extended periods and can be renewed indefinitely. Additionally, some Canadians enter the U.S. on student visas (F-1) or through exchange programs (J-1), which can sometimes lead to employment-based sponsorships.
Our Immigration Services For Canadians Moving to the U.S.
There are various immigration services available to assist Canadians in moving to the U.S. Immigration attorneys and consultants specialize in guiding individuals through visa applications, green card processes, and citizenship requirements. Government agencies, such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), provide official resources and processing services to help applicants complete the necessary legal steps.
Work Visas
For Canadians seeking employment in the U.S., work visas are an essential requirement. The TN visa is a popular choice, but other options include the H-1B visa, which is for highly skilled professionals in specialized fields. The L-1 visa allows Canadian employees of multinational companies to transfer to a U.S. branch. Additionally, the O-1 visa is available for individuals with extraordinary abilities in their respective fields, including arts, sciences, education, and business.
Green Cards
A green card, or lawful permanent residency, provides Canadians with the ability to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. Canadians can obtain a green card through family sponsorship, employment sponsorship, or the Diversity Visa Lottery, though the latter is more common for other nationalities. The employment-based green card process generally requires labor certification, proving that the applicant’s skills are not readily available in the U.S. workforce.
U.S. Citizenship
For Canadians who wish to become U.S. citizens, the process involves obtaining a green card first and then applying for naturalization after meeting residency requirements. Generally, permanent residents must reside in the U.S. for at least five years before applying, though this process includes passing a civics and English language test, demonstrating good moral character, and taking an oath of allegiance to the United States.
Registration Compliance Service
For Canadian Snowbirds that spend 30 or more days in the U.S., our attorneys can help you navigate the new registration requirements under President Trump’s “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” executive order. We can review your situation to determine if you’re exempt or require registration, help obtain I-94 records when appropriate, and develop customized compliance strategies for snowbirds with multiple properties or complex travel patterns.
Book a Consultation With an Immigration Lawyer From Berardi
Our office handles hundreds of work visa applications in the preparation and submission of work visa requests for Canadians immigrating to the USA, as well as working with those who wish to live in the U.S. for various reasons. Located in Buffalo, New York, we’re only minutes from the U.S./Canadian border and several Class A ports of entry.