Canadian wants to live in the U.S. but still work in Canada

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if I could get some knowledgeable advice. I'm a Canadian citizen and I usually drive down to Washington State, once a week or so. I really love it there. I can't explain it exactly, it's something about the vibe, the more traditional way of life, the nice and friendly people that I like interacting with. I feel that I really belong there. I love everything about American culture. I only drive American vehicles, and even love country music. I think I must have been an American in my past life lol. I grew up in Vancouver, BC and have lived here my whole life. I'm really starting to hate Vancouver and it's people. I'm sure you guys understand, because enough rude, ignorant, arrogant Vancouverites frequent Bellingham or even Seattle. People in Vancouver lack common sense and mannerisms, and I'm nothing like them.

I would love to buy a house in Blaine, WA and live there. I find it perfect for me. It's so close to Canada, that I would never feel far away as my friends and family are in Vancouver. The weather is much better than where I live in Vancouver (it rains less), it's by the ocean (which I love), and the price of houses is more than affordable. It's basically the only place I can afford and get my money's worth and not feel ripped off. The thing is I'm not interested in working or going to school there. I know the main concern with a non-citizen in the U.S. is working there. I would commute across the border, back into Vancouver for work, and perhaps obtain a NEXUS pass. I would maintain a house and address in Vancouver, BC as well but would like to live in Blaine at least 75% of the time.

Am I allowed to live in Washington State, and not seek citizenship? I mean I would like to be an American citizen, but it seems like way too much of a long and touch process. I would be greatly contributing to the economy in Blaine, as I would be purchasing a property in a market that isn't the best, paying property taxes, and sales taxes on purchases, buying goods, and eating out. I know as a Canadian, I can go to the U.S. for up to 6 months at a time, without returning to Canada. And in this situation, I would be returning to Canada at least 4 or 5 times a week. I will or would contact U.S. immigration, but would like to get an idea from someone who knows first.

Please help. I can't find a clear answer anywhere. It would be great if someone in the profession, or a similar situation could answer back.


Thanks so much in advance!

In short (as opposed to your post), you simply cannot live in US without either a green card (by US employment or marriage), or a temporary non-immigrant status that allows you to live in US (that would not include simple tourist status).

You can certainly buy a second home and live there part-time as well as in Canada, but it cannot be your primary place of residence. You would need to "lay your head" in canada more than 1/2 the time, just like all those other Vancouverites that you run into down there.

A NEXUS card won't get you what you are looking for, as our resident CBP notes, the card will actually attract attention to your desire to circumvent the rules.

I'm really starting to hate Vancouver and it's people. I'm sure you guys understand, because enough rude, ignorant, arrogant Vancouverites frequent Bellingham or even Seattle. People in Vancouver lack common sense and mannerisms, and I'm nothing like them.

I guess in Blaine, what you just said would not be considered rude, ignorant or arrogant. They should love you.... really.

A NEXUS card won't get you what you are looking for, as our resident CBP notes, the card will actually attract attention to your desire to circumvent the rules.

Just to be clear--when I advocated a NEXUS card in another thread, I wasn't advocating it as a means of circumventing the rules. I was advocating it as a means of ensuring, on average, less stressful border crossing for those who are fully in compliance with the rules.

Just to be clear--when I advocated a NEXUS card in another thread...

Who said you did? I was referring to what lawsrlaws said with regard to those who think, like this poster, that having a NEXUS card will mean not having to answer any questions...

Your name didn't come up.

Who said you did? I was referring to what lawsrlaws said with regard to those who think, like this poster, that having a NEXUS card will mean not having to answer any questions...

Your name didn't come up.

In the thread you are referring to, lawsrlaws was replying to me--at least insofar as the NEXUS card was involved.

What I meant is: who said you had advocated NEXUS as a method of cicumventing the rules? I merely stated what lawsrlaws had said. Nothing was said about you.