🛂 Visas & work

Canadian visitors can usually stay in the United States for up to 6 months, and you state your intended stay when you enter. Staying longer means applying to USCIS. The U.S. also requires visitors staying longer than 30 days to be registered with the U.S. government, so check whether that applies to you before a long trip.

In Canada, visitors are normally allowed to stay up to 6 months, and the border officer decides the length of your stay at entry.

As a visitor in either country you can't take a job with a local employer. If you plan to keep working remotely for your old employer while visiting, ask an immigration professional first.

• TN (USMCA professionals): for Canadian citizens with a job offer in a listed profession and the right degree or credentials. Canadian citizens don't need a visa and can apply at a U.S. port of entry with a job letter and proof of qualifications. Canadian permanent residents who aren't citizens can't use TN.
• L-1 (intracompany transfer): for managers, executives and specialists moving to a related U.S. office after at least 1 year with the company abroad in the last 3 years.
• E-2 (treaty investor): Canada is a treaty country, so Canadian citizens who invest a substantial amount in a real, active U.S. business may qualify.
• H-1B (specialty occupations): employer-sponsored and subject to an annual lottery for most employers. Rules and fees changed recently, so check the current USCIS page before planning around it.
• F-1 (students): study at an approved U.S. school, with limited work rights.
• Green cards: through family (for example a U.S. citizen spouse) or employment. This is the route to living in the U.S. long-term.

• Express Entry: Canada's main online system for skilled workers who want permanent residence. You create a profile, and if you're invited you have 60 days to submit a full application.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): provinces and territories nominate people who fit their local needs. Worth checking if Express Entry doesn't invite you.
• Work permits under free trade agreements: CUSMA has categories for professionals and intra-company transferees, which are exempt from the usual labour market test. U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents may be able to apply at a port of entry if they meet the requirements.
• Study permit, then a post-graduation work permit (PGWP): eligible graduates of designated schools can work in Canada afterwards, for up to 3 years depending on the program.
• Family sponsorship: a Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse or partner can sponsor you for permanent residence.

• Passport (and for kids, their passports or birth certificates)
• Your visa, work permit, approval notice, or permanent resident papers
• Job offer or employment letter, degrees and transcripts
• Marriage or common-law proof if your partner's status depends on yours