Canadian citizens interested in immigrating to the United States can pursue several pathways. One popular option is the EB-5 Investment Visa, which provides a path to US citizenship for Canadians who invest in American businesses.
Successful EB-5 investors from Canada are eligible to apply for United States citizenship after living south of the border for five years. This allows them to bring their families with them, who will also be eligible for citizenship.
1. Work with a Professional
The US is known for its green card program, but Canada also has one. Though it’s called something different, it serves the same purpose and gives foreigners permanent resident status. This allows them to live, work and travel freely in the country. They can even apply for citizenship after a certain amount of time has passed.
In order to become a permanent resident, Canadians must meet several requirements. These include maintaining a close connection to the country, contributing to society and understanding its values. It is essential to find a professional who can guide you through the process and help you achieve your goals.
There are four main pathways to permanent residency in Canada. The first is through the Express Entry program, which selects candidates based on their qualifications. The second is through a sponsorship program, which allows citizens to sponsor family members for permanent residence. The third is through investment, which offers a path to citizenship for foreigners who invest significant funds in the country. Finally, there is the Diversity Lottery, which awards permanent residency to people from countries with low rates of immigration to Canada.
Despite these barriers, the number of applications for permanent residency has surged since the Trump administration took office. Experts attribute this to a variety of factors, including increased border enforcement and tighter asylum screening processes.
Regardless of which pathway you choose, you should consult with an experienced attorney before pursuing permanent residency. An experienced attorney can provide you with a clear picture of what is required to meet your goals and ensure that you are on the right track. They will also be able to identify any problems or challenges that you may face, allowing you to take corrective action early on.
2. Get Acquainted with the Process
The main form that you’ll file with USCIS to get your Green Card is the Form I-485. However, there are several other forms that you may need to fill out depending on your specific eligibility. These include Form I-90, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status and Form N-400, Citizenship Application. You will also need to submit proof of sufficient funds for your family. This amount is calculated based on your family size and the cost of living in your intended region of Canada. The proof of funds must be in the form of cash, negotiable instruments and money orders, bank drafts and traveler’s cheques. In addition, you and your accompanying family members will need to appear in person to have fingerprints and a photograph taken at a biometric collection service point.
Once you become a Permanent Resident, you and your family can live and work in Canada indefinitely. Additionally, you will be eligible for many of the perks that come with Canadian life. This includes access to publicly-funded healthcare and social services, as well as lower tuition rates at Canadian universities.
You can apply for permanent residency through one of Canada’s immigration programs, or you can take advantage of the streamlined process that is offered through the CUSMA agreement. However, the process of obtaining a Canadian Green Card can be lengthy. Processing times vary based on the program, your country of origin, and the volume of applications being processed.
In addition to submitting your completed application, you will need to submit supporting documents and undergo medical and criminal background checks. You should be prepared to wait a while before you get your Green Card, but if you’re patient, the rewards will be worth it.
3. Educate Yourself
Did you know that Canada has its own version of the United States Green Card? It’s called the Canadian Permanent Resident Card (although it does not actually have a green color). This immigration status allows holders to work and live in Canada as long as they wish. It also gives them access to the country’s universal healthcare system and other social services.
The EB-5 Investor Visa Program is popular among families from Canada because it can make it much easier for their children to attend top-notch American universities. Getting accepted into an Ivy League school as a foreign national can be extremely challenging. But, it may be much easier for a child to qualify as a local resident under the EB-5 program.
Another way that many Canadians gain their Green Cards is through corporate transfers. This is where a foreign company sends a manager from one of its offices in the US to manage that same office in Canada. This is usually done for management level positions and requires no labor certification.
Then, there are the individuals who have extraordinary ability. This category includes individuals who have won international awards or have achieved the highest levels of success in their field. Examples include athletes, musicians, actors, scientists, academicians and entrepreneurs. This category does not require any type of labor certification or sponsorship. It is important for you to keep in mind that your personal circumstances will determine which type of Green Card you apply for. It is best to consult with a professional to ensure you have all the necessary information before beginning your application.
4. Prepare for the Interview
The interview is a critical step in the process, and it is important to prepare ahead of time. You want to be confident, but also remain calm and collected. This will help you to remain focused throughout the process and give you the best chance of success.
Make sure you have several copies of your resume and that your transcript is up to date. You should also prepare questions for yourself that you would like to ask during the interview. It is a good idea to bring a pen and note pad with you. Also, it is important to dress professionally. Arriving a few minutes early will show that you are prepared and eager to begin the process. If you are having a video or phone interview, ensure that the equipment is working properly and that the sound quality is adequate.
Be prepared to discuss how you will establish your economic independence in the US. This will require showing sufficient funds for your family, including accompanying and non-accompanying relatives. Sufficient funds are generally determined by using the current Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for an urban area. You may also be required to submit documentation proving your source of income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or investment account statements.
If you have children, you will need to provide proof of your relationship with them as well. You will also be required to take a language proficiency test from one of the designated language testing organizations and include the results with your application. This is not mandatory for all applicants, but will be if you are applying for a spousal sponsorship or if your case is complex.
5. Get Help
Getting a green card (known as a Permanent Resident Card in Canada) allows individuals to legally live, work, and study in the country. It also gives them access to Canadian perks such as public healthcare and education. However, you will not be able to vote in Canadian elections until you become a citizen.
There are several ways for Canadians to get a green card. The most common way is through family sponsorship. This includes spouses and unmarried children under 21 of US citizens, as well as parents and siblings of those who meet the requirements. Individuals can also get a green card through employment-based categories, such as EB-1 and EB-2, which require specific professional qualifications. Finally, there is the diversity visa lottery, which grants green cards to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
Aside from these pathways, some Canadians may be able to obtain a green card through waivers or other means. For example, victims of certain crimes can apply for a green card as part of the Violence Against Women Act. Finally, if you’re currently a US permanent resident, you can sometimes gain citizenship through a process known as adjustment of status. However, this is not available to everyone, as there are some legal restrictions known as bars to adjustment of status.
As a result, it’s important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to determine what the best options are for your situation. Boundless can help you find the right professional to guide you through the process. Contact us today to start the conversation.