Canadian Immigration & Citizenship
Canadian Immigration / Citizenship
Immigration and citizenship planning must be done before you can live year-round or work in Canada. To reside in Canada, you must have the appropriate work permit, a permanent residence card or be a Canadian citizen.
If you are not a Canadian citizen, your long-term objectives should determine whether you pursue a temporary work permit, permanent residence or citizenship, because there are tax implications, healthcare risks, cost of living and lifestyle issues to consider.
Information on USA immigration
Depending on how you plan on immigrating to Canada, there will be different paperwork involved. One thing that everyone needs is a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number that you will need to work in Canada and to access government programs and benefits. At first you may be issued a temporary SIN that begins with 9 and later, you will get a permanent SIN.
Broadly speaking, there are three ways to get to Canada: temporary residents, permanent residents and citizenship.
“Temporary residents” is a “catch-all” category and consists of anyone who is not a permanent resident or citizen. Permanent residents can work and study without restriction in Canada and have the right to enter and remain in Canada indefinitely. Citizens are allowed entry at ANY time into Canada, it is their legal right.
It is important to figure out the type of citizenship you will be trying to achieve as you will then have to consider health care and the paperwork to work in Canada.
There are five categories of permanent residents:
- Family members
- Skilled workers, professionals and investors
- Entrepreneurs and self-employed persons
- Provincial nominees and
- Quebec selected skilled workers.
Canadian citizenship is obtained by being born in Canada, being born abroad to a Canadian citizen (first generation only) or applying to become a naturalized citizen. You are eligible for naturalization after you have been a permanent resident in Canada for at least 1,095 days (approximately 3 years out of the last 5). There are very few cons to becoming a Canadian citizen and contrary to popular opinion, you don’t lose your U.S. citizenship when you take up Canadian citizenship. You become a “dual citizen.” We believe the person with options is always better than the person without.
More info on moving to CanadaUSA Immigration & Citizenship
USA Immigration / Citizenship
In order to live year round or work at any time in the US, you must have a valid visa, hold a Green Card or be a citizen of the US.
If you are not a US citizen, your long-term objectives determine whether you should pursue a temporary work visa, a Green Card or citizenship because there are tax implications, healthcare, cost of living and lifestyle issues to consider. US citizenship and immigration planning requires a thorough analysis of your situation to determine the best strategy for you.
Information on Canadian immigration
Depending on your status in the USA, there will be different paperwork involved. One thing that everyone needs who wants to work in the USA is a Social Security Number (SSN)
The SSN will be required by your employer and is required to file a tax return. Sometimes an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is needed for US source income when you are not a tax resident of the US.
Detailed Information
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about your particular situation. Please contact us and we will be in touch soon to schedule your no obligation consultation.