So, you want to move to the States eh?

[ja]

Hi there,

I got a question: as a Canadian going to work to U.S. on a TN1 visa, can I buy a home down there?

Thanks.

[voyager6868]

Usually you have to be a permanent resident or citizen. However, I think if you put 20% down, they are able to make an exception. The other option is to get a separate loan for the 20% down, but that'll be at a much higher interest rate, generally.

[ja]

Good.

Thanks.

[Chelsea Wiggleston]

A bit of a crazy circumstance but you know how it is - girl meets boy, boy somehow HAS to live in another country, and you are stuck trying to sort out some way to make things function. I am buried waist deep in resources for the moment, trying to find some way I can make this work out.

I have looked into a variety of different ideas and have come out with the following results.

1. Family sponsor - my mother DOES have both citizenship but there is a clause that says she has to have lived in the States for 7 years to sponsor me. No such luck, unfortunately. My grandparents live there but it says you can only have a direct relative (Mum or Dad)to sponsor.

2. Work Sponsor - It is possible for me to find a company willing to hire me but to get a work sponsored Visa you have to have a fairly substantial degree - no such luck there EITHER, yet.

3. School - This is a possibility but is QUITE expensive and I won't be able to work, which would create a problem there. It is something I am willing to try, if left no other options.

4. Marriage - For multiple reasons, this just isn't an option for the moment. Definitely the EASIEST solution, but not one I can use for now.

I cannot think of any other avenues I could go down to try and make this work! If you guys have any input I would really appreciate it Thanks so much!

Chelsea

[Natalie58]

Chelsea,

I'm in the EXACT same situation as you. I've been doing research for the past four months and spent countless hrs trying to figure something out.

Like you, I'm a Canadian with a mother who was born in the US but didn't actually live there. If only our mothers would have applied for our dual citizenship before we turned 18!

This is what I've found out so far that MAY help you:

First, if you're under 21 and your grandparents are US citizens you CAN become a dual through them. This isn't well known but I spoke to immigration about it, so it's definitely a fact.

Second, there is also something called an I-130 which allows your mother to sponsor you. If you are under 21 yrs old, there is not a waiting list and you could get your visa within 3 months to 1 yr.

Here's the bad news, if you are over 21 there is a waiting list and it's back logged for 6 yrs.ouch!

There is one thing that gives me a little hope with the I-130. The first time I went to immigration with questions regarding the I-130 I gave specific details on my situation (excluding the boy part!)The officer made a point of asking if I was Canadian, born and raised. When I told her I was she said 1 yr tops, from start to finish. One thing I need to add here; I'm 29 yrs old and find it extremely hard for her to have passed me for being UNDER 21.

So maybe it makes a difference that we're Canadian rather then from somewhere else in the world.I'm not sure and like I said, it gives me a LITTLE hope but I'm not holding my breath!

I hope some of this helps. I'll cont' to post on here as I find info out, PLEASE do the same!

Natalie

[Heffa]

>>.also to remember, as Canadians we can visit the US for up to 6 months at a time, or per calendar year, whichever comes first. During that time, you are considered a Visitor, and not eligible to work. At all. Not even telecommute to a Canadian job over the internet. You cannot work in the US unless you have a work permit. Even for a foreign employer.

I may be a little silly and paranoid, but does anyone have the original reference, or page that this is referenced off of?

I'd like to stay with my husband for a little while while waiting for our Visa to go through, and I like to check everything first. I may have missed it somewhere else, but I haven't seen a link that this is in reference too.

[Reba]

I think its on the Department of State website. I know its posted around here somewhere.

[Heffa]

I looked on the Department of State website.

I've seen where it says Canadian Permanent Residents can only stay 90 days without a visa, and where it says other citizens of other North American Countries can only stay 180 Days without a visa, but it doesn't state any limit on Canadian Citizens that I've found.