Canadian Immigration

Rely On An Immigration Lawyer For Guidance

Transitioning citizenship from one country to another can be very complex and time-consuming. Hiring an immigration lawyer to guide you through the process can actually save substantial money and time.

An immigration attorney that specializes in the details of the country where you currently reside, as well as the target of your intended immigration, will instantly know which documents are required and which processes apply to you.

For example, using an immigration law firm that focuses on legalizing a move from Canada to the United States will inherently understand the steps to take for this conversion.  Since this process differs dramatically from the opposite, or transitioning from citizenship in the United States to Canada, or from Canada elsewhere, there are tremendous advantages to including immigration lawyers. You can bettter understand the importance of having an immigration lawyer if you click here.

For example, a Canadian citizen does not generally require a passport visa for a work permit. Most think that this stamp from the United States Consulate is necessary, when it is not. A work permit form is the prerequisite instead. 

This level of detail and distinction is present throughout the otherwise convoluted series of processes. Without immigration attorneys, the maze of paperwork can seem impossible to navigate.

Particularly when it comes to work-related issues that correspond with immigration, the procedure can be significantly different than what is logically anticipated. Short-term work contracts that are less than 120 days, as one instance, qualify without special circumstances as Visitors for Business.

Service, installation, and training of Canadian made software can occur during this time period without special circumstances. This B-1 status sometimes is simply done with a statement at the border.  Other means include an official letter on letterhead, or an I-94 form.

Since B-1 is not a formal work permit, other considerations are required if the situation differs from the one stated above. Work permits vary according to the allotted timeframe, as well as the role. Following are more broad categories pertaining to additional levels of citizenship options when entering the United States from Canada.

Temporary Permits

L-1 is a temporary work transfer that allows someone within a Canadian company to work in the United States off and on for an unspecified period of time, without a set transfer finalization date. Human Resources can see savings in this option, with regard to streamlining the hiring of personnel in border areas.

Temporary to Permanent

Moving from TN to Green Card status means showing that the L-1 or H-1 conversion process is awaiting pending paperwork approval for the Green Card. This situation only becomes tricky if a renewal period overlaps the Green Card approval.  Again, an immigration lawyer can keep this move as simple as possible.

Permanent Green Cards & Citizenship

Interestingly, dual citizenship is an option. Of course, determining whether or not this is a wise or necessary course of action should be discussed with an informed immigration lawyer.

Ultimately, when it comes to changing location and citizenship occurs in tandem, using an aware advocate will provide insurance that the paperwork is completed correctly and processed as swiftly as possible.  Errors in this process can create problems at work, and become a financial burden. The best way to avoid these problems is to complete the necessary steps with an immigration lawyer so that they are sure to be done right the first time.