So if you are a Canadian citizen planning to come to the US, know the visa process and you will find that you won’t have a hard time. There are several visas to choose from in the US based on your situation: family visas, work visas, and fiancés visas. In this article, we’ll walk you through what options exist, give you all the info about how to apply, and show you how to immigrate. Law and Visas can provide you with personalized assistance through the tricky immigration process.
Choose the Right Visa for You.
Canadians who want to move to the US can take several visas. You’re relocating to the U.S. with your family, want to marry someone, get a new job, or just want to come to the U.S. Here is a rundown of the most popular types of visas and the general procedures to decide which one is right for you.
Marriage-Based Green Card
A marriage green card, for example, is the most common way to immigrate to the US if you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You get the same process for Canadian applicants as for foreigners, but you have to be very clear on what they need and what you need to do.
The Main Procedure: First, your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse petitions for you. When that’s OK, you will apply for a green card. It takes a few months and may cost more, depending on whether the sponsoring spouse is a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
Progression and Fees: The time frame and fees will differ but we’ll explain what to expect and how to keep on top of the application.
K-1 Fiancé Visa
The K-1 fiancé visa is the visa that lets you enter the U.S. and wed your significant other within 90 days of entry if you are not married yet but are engaged to a U.S. citizen. You get a green card when you marry.
General Process: The Canadian fiancé visa application process is the same as other countries, but it’s important to understand the specific Canadian process so that you can make the best possible application.
Process & Fees: Learn the wait time, fees, and everything involved in the K-1 visa process. We’ll have an example guide and all the data you need to get started on your application.
K-2 Visas for Children
If you have kids and are seeking a K-1 fiancé visa, the K-2 visa allows your unmarried children under 21 to come with you to the U.S. This means you can get all of your family to come and immigrate together.
How It Works: K-2 visa is automatically included when a K-1 visa application is. Law and Visas can also help you bring your children with you in the application process for no extra fee.
IR-2 Child Visas
You might be able to sponsor them with an IR-2 child visa if you are a US citizen who has kids in Canada.
How It Works: You will get a visa for kids under 21 of U.S. citizens, and then they come with you to the U.S. We can do the application for you, and for $450 per child we will walk you through it and make sure that everything is perfect.
So Which Visa Is Right For Me?
The right visa is based on your relationship, family, and job objectives. You need to know how each visa type qualifies and Law and Visas is there to help you decide on which one is right for you. Whether a marriage-based green card, fiancé visa, or child visa, we’ll walk you through it so you have an easy experience.
U.S. Embassy in Canada: Where to Apply?
Canada and Canadian residents submit all immigrant visa applications at the US Consulate General in Montreal. The consulate address and telephone number are as follows:
U.S. Consulate General Montreal
Address: 1134 Sainte-Catherine Street West, Montréal, Québec H3B 1H4 Téléphone: 418-745-2700
Phone: 514-398-9695
Email: montreal-iv-dv@state.gov
If you have any queries or doubts regarding the immigrant visa process, you can always visit the consulate. They’re open Monday to Friday between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM.
Special Considerations for Canadian Applicants
Immigrant Visa Approval Steps
The approved immigrant visa is sent to you in your passport along with an “IV packet envelope.” The visa will be delivered via DHL or Loomis courier, so be sure to register for courier according to the U.S. Visa Service website.
K-3 Visas Cannot Be Issued in Canada.
And note: No longer is Canada processing K-3 visas (for U.S. citizen spouses). Hence, Canadians will need to get a K-1 fiancé visa (for married couples) or a CR-1/IR-1 Spousal visa (for married couples).
TN Work Visas
If you’re a Canadian worker who is interested in working in the United States, the TN visa could be for you. The Visa allows Canadians of good profession to reside and work in the United States under NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement).
It Works: TN visas are granted for professionals from all disciplines like science, engineering, and education. The TN status is valid for three years (and can be renewed).
If you’re not sure how to get a TN visa, Law and Visas can tell you all about it in detail.
U.S. Travel for Canadians
It is common for Canadians to get temporarily into the U.S. (travel, business, etc.) without needing a visa. But if you still have an immigrant visa application on file or for any other reason, you might still require a nonimmigrant visa to travel. Check the U.S. State Department website for the most current travel requirements.
Financial Considerations for New Immigrants
When we go to a new country, we need money in advance. It is very important as a first-time immigrant that you know how to budget in the US for success. We have money-savvy advice including:
Setting up U.S. banking services
Credit Repairing and getting credit cards.
Filing U.S. taxes
Finding health insurance options
You can take these tools with you to make your financial move to the U.S. as easy as your visa.
Start Your Immigration Journey Today
If you’re ready to start the immigration process from Canada to the United States, Law, and Visas is with you at every step of the way. We’ll match you with a visa, guide you through the paperwork, and get you through the U.S. immigration system with individual support. Don’t let it overwhelm you, let us make your American dream come true.
