US Immigration News

What Are the Paths for the US Through Canadian PR?

2.75 minute read
"A majority of immigrants who obtain Canadian permanent residence eventually apply for Canadian citizenship, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for it. To obtain Canadian citizenship, a permanent resident must have been physically present in Canada for at least 3 years in the last 5 years before applying."
Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on:  Aug 26, 2021
american and canadian flag side by side my visa source
Begin your immigration journey now
Click and fill out a free online assessment to see how we can help you. It takes less than 1 minute to fill out.
Free Assessment
Call and speak to our team, so that they can book a time with a licensed immigration professional who will answer all your questions.
Call Us Now
Author info:

A majority of immigrants who obtain Canadian permanent residence eventually apply for Canadian citizenship, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for it. To obtain Canadian citizenship, a permanent resident must have been physically present in Canada for at least 3 years in the last 5 years before applying. 

Now, among other advantages, obtaining citizenship in Canada will also make you eligible to apply for the TN Visa if you are interested in working in the United States. Canada works as a gateway to the North American market. Many foreign workers don’t limit their options and are always looking for better work opportunities. 

The US offers a thriving economy with diverse employment opportunities. As a Canadian citizen, you will be eligible to work in the US through the TN Visa, provided you meet the eligibility requirements. 

What Is the TN Visa?

The TN Visa is a nonimmigrant work visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens with a valid job offer from a US employer. This visa is issued for an initial 3 year period that can be renewed indefinitely. Applicants to this visa may also add their accompanying spouse and dependent children on their application. Accompanying family members will be eligible for a TD Visa. While the TD Visa holders can be employed in the US, they can apply for a Student Permit to study at a US institution. 

What Are the Eligibility for the TN Visa?

Canadian citizens can apply for a TN Visa at the Port of Entry (POE) by presenting the following documents:

  • Valid passport with an I-94 stamp
  • Employment offer letter from the US employer
  • Recent pay stubs or reference letters from the US employer

The accompanying TD Visa applicant will be required to provide the following additional documents:

  • Valid passport for all applicants
  • Birth certificate or marriage certificate, original and certified copy
  • Proof of wedding ceremony, for example, photos, guest list, invitation card, etc

What Is the Process of Applying for the TN Visa?

Canadian citizens do not require a US Visa to travel to the US. They can simply apply for the TN and TD Visa at the Port of Entry. They will be required to present documentation to prove their Canadian citizenship. Accompanying dependent children, under the age of 16 can provide their Canadian citizenship card or a birth certificate. The best thing about the TN Visa category is that there are no country-based visa caps and very low application fees.

How to Apply for US Permanent Residence through the TN Visa?

The TN Visa does not allow applicants to have dual intent, meaning that you can not apply for this visa for the sole purpose of obtaining US permanent residence in the future. However, once in the US, you can change your visa category to other nonimmigrant visas that allow dual intent, for example, the H-1B Visa or the L-1 Visa.

This way, you can travel to the US on a TN VIsa and eventually get sponsored by your employer for an H-1B or L-1 Visa. You also have the option of moving back to Canada and applying for US permanent residence from there. That way, your application will be processed as per the priority date. If you are an American citizen born in Canada, you can apply for US permanent residence by proving your family lineage. 

Questions About Immigration? My Visa Source Has Answers.
My Visa Source stays updated on all immigration news and announcements across Canada and the United States, including sudden changes in government law. Our legal solutions help individuals, families, businesses and investors from North America and around the globe.
Get The Personalized Help That You Need and Deserve!
Securing personalized legal help is quick and simple. Begin with our one-minute online immigration assessment form or call us toll-free at 1-888-509-1987. Book a personal consultation to speak with an award-winning immigration lawyer either in person, over the telephone, or through a video conference. We're open 6am-9pm PST & EST, 7 days a week and are ready for in person, phone, and video consultations.
US Flag
Latest Articles from Immigration Magazine