Should we relocate to US?

I am a computer programmer with a bachelor's degree NOT in computer science but a 2-year graduate diploma in computer science. I've worked as a programmer for 3 years after got the diploma. I would li...

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Canadian Expatriate and Travellers Forum Index -> Canadians in the USA -> US Visas and Immigration

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jeffrey0070
New Member

Joined: 31 Dec 2007
Posts: 2
Location: Montreal

Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 1:04 am

I am a computer programmer with a bachelor's degree NOT in computer science but a 2-year graduate diploma in computer science. I've worked as a programmer for 3 years after got the diploma. I would like to relocate to US with my wife and kids because of the weather and money.

As Canadian citizens, it seems not a big deal of relocating to US; however, I know I will have 3 problems.

1. If we work on TN1 and TD, we are not really relocating.it's VERY risky because we might be denied one day when we renew TN1/TD. It will be a disaster if we have started our life in US . my job, my kid's school, our house, our life will be a mess.

2. My wife cannot work with TD so the total family income is not so higher than in Canada. So the "money" reason of relocating seems not stand.

3. Confusing, worrying, filing forms, applying visas, traveling,., for sure the whole thing will cost us a lot of energy and some money. It is a serious cost.

So, it seems we should not even think about relocating. My question is: If I am correct, why so many people have relocated and so many people are relocating; How do they solve the 3 problems?

Reba
Moderator

Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1509
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 4:13 am

Some people just don't mind having to renew the TN1 every year, or only intend it to be a temporary move, not a permanent relocation.

If you want to permanently relocate to the US, have a look at other visa types to see if you qualify.
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jeffrey0070
New Member

Joined: 31 Dec 2007
Posts: 2
Location: Montreal

Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 5:58 pm

My goal is the green card. It seems many people started with TN1 and got green card in the end. How did them do it? Change to H1-B in the middle and then apply green card? TN1 is very easy, but H1-B is very difficult because I don't think many employers want to sponsor it. If we cannot get H1-B, and TN1 renewal is denied, and the whole family already started new life in the US, and already bought a house, what will we do? Have people who are working on TN1 and building their new homes and dreams in the US realized this issue? Are they worrying about this issue? Do they have any way to handle this issue?

According to my understanding, my bottom line should be: I can accept a job offer only when the employer want to sponsor me H1-B. Am I correct? Did I misunderstand anything?

Reba
Moderator

Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1509
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008 4:13 am

They handle it by packing up and moving back to Canada I suppose. That's the deal of the TN1, its a temporary move, not permanent and it is not dual intent (ie: you cannot adjust status to a green card from a TN)

As H1B visas are limited by the amount that are handed out every year, and the 2008s are already long gone, you'll have a long wait ahead of you even for that. Unless you are in some sort of extremely specialized field that there is no quota for H1Bs.

You'll either just have to deal with the limitations of the TN1, or re-consider your thoughts about relocating. I hear Vancouver Island is quite nice most of the year, and they don't get much snow, if its just the snow you want to get away from.
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dannykool
CanuckAbroad Regular

You can't win if you don't play

Joined: 16 Oct 2007
Posts: 71
Location: Europe

Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008 6:07 am

Yup, it will be a temporary move and if for any reason the company asks you to leave, you have to pack up and leave in 6 months or so. that's how it works so no long term planning should be made e.g. house etc.

look into any exceptionally qualified categories that Reba talked about. Computer science is one of them.

TNVisaExpert
Moderator

Canadians helping Canadians

Joined: 02 Apr 2007
Posts: 147
Location: San Diego, California

Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008 1:51 pm

Yes, it starts off as a temporary move under the TN, but once you move down here so many opportunities open up.

As jeffrey0070 mentioned, your company likes you so much they hire you on a more permanent visa and then you get your green card.

If you qualify for the TN and you're prepared with the application, border interview, etc - its not so bad. You'll hear of people having lived in the U.S. for over 7 years under the TN visa.

With every opportunity, you have risks and rewards. Most find the rewards of living and working in the U.S. worth it.

Good Luck on your decision.
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Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP

Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1676
Location: Calgary

Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 1:37 am

jeffrey0070 wrote: My goal is the green card. It seems many people started with TN1 and got green card in the end. How did them do it?

Well if you're working for someone, they can get you an H-1B or maybe an L-1, and then you can get permanent residency if your employer decides later on he needs to keep you (as an H-1B can only be extended to six years).

The problem with the whole term "work permit" is that by definition, it's a permit, i.e. temporary and also it relates to a job, so if you lose your job you have to leave. Not such a big deal going from the US to Canada, but the reality is that you can earn a lot more in the US.

If you're not going to earn more, I can't see the point with bothering with all the hassle. Remember the taxes are lower too, so if you move to Texas you would save serious money. Florida you will probably lose money if you buy a place, because of the property taxes which are killer if you are a temporary resident.
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Reba
Moderator

Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1509
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 7:22 am

Where you relocate to makes a HUGE difference in your tax burden and what your income would be. Here in North Carolina salaries and wages are absolute CRAP, and the state has an income tax which is about equal to when I was living in Ontario. Plus, there's property tax even on vehicles, paid annually. So if you have a vehicle registered in NC, you have to pay tax on it, and if you relocate here, you'll have to register your car, no way around that. They nickle and dime you to death here, and there are very few public services we get out of all our money.

At least in Canada we can say our high taxes are benefitting everyone, ie: with access to healthcare. Not so here. You'll even have to pay into Medicare off each of your paycheques, and you'll never be able to use the services unless you're citizen. Its a scam.
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