What does it take to move to the US?

[toph99]

i am entering my last year of highschool next year and i have no idea what i'm going to do once i graduate. I have several friends in the US who have offered to let me move in, and the change would be nice. How long/hard is the process of immigrating to the US from Canada?

 

[MacBaine]

It's gotta be easy... you are driving downhill the whole way!

 

[geoff2k]

As long as you meet the requirements, Canadians can get work visas in the US pretty easily. I started off in the US with a TN visa (called a TC back when I first applied for it , and have since applied for a green card (as I married a 'merican lass).

A very helpful site is http://www.grasmick.com/ -- lots of info to digest. I have done all of the paperwork for my immigration myself, so there isn't really a need for a lawyer, but some people feel more comfortable having someone else draft the paperwork.

If you're just planning on visiting, not working, someone else will have to fill in here, as I've never visited the US as a tourist and I don't know how long you can stay (I seem to remember something about 30 days max).

 

[toph99]

thanks geoff2k, i'll read through the site

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

If you've got the money, honey, we've got your disease

 

[Brutuskend]

I'll swap ya.

I really wanna be a Canadian!

 

[FrancesBeansRevenge]

You need to develope a joy of world domination and love of massacre and oppression of the innocent angels of the world.

 

[Mday]

Originally posted by: toph99
i am entering my last year of highschool next year and i have no idea what i'm going to do once i graduate. I have several friends in the US who have offered to let me move in, and the change would be nice. How long/hard is the process of immigrating to the US from Canada?

O_O

omg

watch out for cameras in the shower O_O

 

[Frenchie]

Canadians dont need a visa to enter for purposes of visiting. The current visit period is limited to 6 months, although their is legislation which is in the procees of making it 30 days. Many INS officers are only permitting 30 days now, even though the act has not been made into law yet.

If you are looking at short term employment, you will need a nonimmigrant employment based visa. If you are looking at a permanent move to the US, you will either need to have a company sponsor you for a green card (the wait depends upon the nature of the job and the qualifications required) or you can marry a citizen or lawful permanent resident.

 

[toph99]

thanks for the info Frenchie

 

[vi edit]

I'll rent my basement out to you for $350 a month, all utilities included!