canadian citizen and US green card

renno10us
New Member



Joined: 14 May 2008
Posts: 2
Location: montreal

Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 9:31 pm

 

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Here is a twisted one: I am a Canadian citizen working in IT for a Canadian Company (telecommute) and recently got the US green card via Diversity Vista. My situation :
-I want to keep my present Canadian contract and work from the States if needed;
-my Canadian employer can only pay me via a Canadian bank account;
-I would prefer to live in Canada for the time being since I am in no need to look for a job in the US;
-I have a baby on the way and would prefer to have access to the Canadian health care system

My question is : can I move to the States and live with some friends for 1-2 months and get the green card, then come back to Canada for 10-11 months each year while still preserving the US residency?

I would appreciate any insights,
Thanks,
Attila

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eddycurrents
CanuckAbroad Regular



Joined: 18 Jun 2007
Posts: 42

Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 11:20 am

 

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So you are a Canadian living in Canada and working for a Canadian company and being paid in Canada? Why do you need a green card?

I believe the rules of green card is you must visit the US for at least 2 weeks (or maybe a month) per year to maintain it. I had a couple of colleagues in that situation. Someone else here may be more current.

However as I live in the US and work in the US and get paid in the US but I still must wait several years for my green card, I don't see why anyone in your situation should be allowed to keep one if you aren't using it.

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perkyj
CanuckAbroad Regular


CDN in Illinois

Joined: 21 Mar 2008
Posts: 74
Location: Illinois

Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 1:19 pm

 

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I didn't think Canadians were eligible for that lottery. Can you explain further how you got it? I just read the list again and Canada is still on the list of those who cannot apply so I'm confused. Thanks in advance.

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renno10us
New Member



Joined: 14 May 2008
Posts: 2
Location: montreal

Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 2:35 pm

 

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sorry, I forgot to mention I have dual citizenship - canadian and hungarian - this is how I got it. The reason I would need a green card is to look for a better job in the (near) future. At the moment I am selfemployed on a contract with a Canadian company. I would appreciate any insights on this matter.

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Reba
Moderator


Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1139
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 3:04 am

 

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with the US economy the way it is at the moment, any kind of job is difficult to find. Nevermind a "better" one.
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Christopher G. Rizzo, Esq
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 17 Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Location: Red Bank, NJ USA

Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 5:29 am

 

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You cannot have U.S. Permanent Resident Status unless your primary residence is in the United States.

One exception is a commuter green card. You can get a special commuter card with CBP and live in Canada but work in the U.S. as an LPR.
_________________
Christopher G. Rizzo, Esq
Special Counsel
Law Offices of David T. Ferrara, LLC
www.naftalawfirm.com
P: (732) 784-2877
Email: Crizzo@naftalawfirm.com

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Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1064
Location: Calgary

Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 9:04 pm

 

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If you become a permanent resident of the US, you have to file taxes in the US, and given all your residential ties to Canada there's no way you could pull that one off without a lot of effort. If you keep Canadian healthcare the CRA will consider you a resident of Canada and you have to pay taxes in Canada.
_________________
Steve.

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