The United States is still allowing Canadians to travel to the country despite their vaccination status, provided they present a negative Covid-19 test result and are travelling for essential business. Canadians interested in visiting the US or even for a long-term stay for study or work can do so through the existing US Immigration programs. However, non-essential travel restrictions are still in place until September 21, 2021.
How to Move to the US from Canada?
Moving to a different country is a pretty big deal. Therefore, you must first evaluate your purpose of moving. There are plenty of reasons why you must want to move from Canada to the US. Based on your purpose, you can select the best US immigration program available. These reasons could include the following:
Study:
Many Canadians also move to the US to pursue higher education. While Canada has some highly prestigious universities, many still prefer to study in the US, given the availability of Ivy league schools and universities. There are different US Visa categories available for international students for example, the F-1 Student Visa, the M-1 Student Visa, the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program, etc.
Marriage:
Since the US and Canada are neighbours, it is possible that a Canadian falls in love with a US resident. They may want to move to the US to marry and live with their partner. In this case, they can apply for US immigration to settle with their partner in the US through Family Sponsorship.
Work:
The US offers a thriving economy with many exciting job opportunities for all kinds of workers. Many Canadians move to the US for better career opportunities and to fulfill their potential as a skilled worker. Moving to the US for work would require sponsorship from a US employer. There are many US Work Visas both immigrant and nonimmigrant that will allow Canadians to work in the US based on their employment skills.
The US offers Employment-Based (EB) Visas for such immigrants. These include:
EB-1 Visa: The EB-1 Visa is for workers with extraordinary skills in business, science, academics, arts, athletics, professors, researchers, etc.
EB-2 Visa: The EB-2 Visa is for workers with extraordinary skills and ability in business, academic, arts or science fields. This category is also for professionals with advanced degrees.
EB-3 Visa: The EB-3 Visa is for workers with a Bachelor’s or Graduates degree and other unskilled workers with at least 2 years of training or experience.
What Documents Are Required to Move to the US?
You will be required to complete certain forms to apply for US immigration. The most common forms include:
ETA-750B, Application for Alien Employment Certification: Your US employer must submit this application to the Department of Labor
Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers: This application must be submitted by your US employer to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: This form must be completed by the applicant, along with other documents and be submitted to the INS. The application must also file for the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advanced Patrol (AP) or Travel Document along with this form.
When the above mentioned forms are approved, you will receive US permanent residence as a plastic Green Card. This Green Card will be valid for a period of 10 years and must be renewed after expiry. You can also apply for US citizenship eventually to avoid renewing your Green Card every 10 years.
