US Immigration & Visas

Immigration between the United States and Canada is not something that Canadians and Americans think about as much as people from other countries. This is largely because Americans and Canadians can move between each others countries so freely. However, this open border can create a false sense of security or give Canadians a sense that the U.S. immigration laws with respect to Canadians are different or special.

In fact, while there are some special visa provisions for Canadians, U.S. immigration laws with respect to Canadians are otherwise the same as they apply to all other countries. While it is much easier to enter the U.S. as a non-immigrant from Canada the immigration rules in most other situations are the same. Thus, it is important that Canadian’s understand U.S. immigration laws that affect them so they do not inadvertently get into trouble or do something that might impact future known or unknown plans to immigrate to the U.S.

Visiting the USA

Canadian's can move fairly freely between the United States and Canada and do not require a visa to enter the United States in order to visit the for business or tourism purposes. Before the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, Canadians didn't even need a passport to enter the United States. Now a Canadian may ... Read more Visiting the USA

Avoiding Visa Violations

Because Canadians can enter very freely and often time for trips that involve business related events it is important that Canadians clearly understand what type of activity is prohibited for those entering on B1/B2 visasDo not engage in unauthorized employment. You cannot engage in any activity for which you receive renumeration for your activities ... Read more Avoiding Visa Violations

Immigration Fraud

The potential issue of immigration fraud is also a concern with Canadians who enter the United States as tourists and then apply to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident through the Adjustment of Status process. The common scenario in these cases usually involves a couple wherein one party is an ... Read more Immigration Fraud

Activities that Could Result in Inadmissibility or Removal from the U.S.

Avoid Activities that Could Result in Inadmissibility or Removal from the U.S.All applicants for admission to the U.S. whether as a non-immigrant tourist or an immigrant must be admissible under U.S. immigration law. While there are several reasons that a person may be inadmissible to the U.S. here is a list of the most ... Read more Activities that Could Result in Inadmissibility or Removal from the U.S.

Other Canadian Specific Non-Immigrant Visas – The TN Visa

The TN visa is a visa that was established under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and allows Canadian nationals to enter the U.S. as business visitors or to engage in professional activities.The TN visitor for business allows Canadian nationals to enter the U.S. for business purposes as long as they receive no salary ... Read more Other Canadian Specific Non-Immigrant Visas – The TN Visa

Family-Based Immigrant Visas and the K1 Visa

Canadians who wish to immigrate to the U.S. and have a close relative who is a U.S. Citizen may also obtain an immigrant visa or a K1 visa. The most common types of visas in this category of immigrant visa applications made by U.S. Citizen spouses of Canadians, parents of Canadian minor children, adult ... Read more Family-Based Immigrant Visas and the K1 Visa

Top 10 Things to know before you move to the US

Top 10 Things to know before you move to the USNo matter where you end up moving, you will want to know as much as you can before you head out the door. When you're planning on moving to the United States, there are a few things that you might want to keep in ... Read more Top 10 Things to know before you move to the US