Canadians move to the U.S. for all kinds of reasons: business, family, retirement, or just a change of scenery. But figuring out how Canadians can move to the United States legally is not as straightforward as packing your bags and heading south. That’s where finding an expert in immigration law can make a big difference.
At Weiss & Moy, P.C., we guide Canadians through every step of the immigration process. Whether you’re starting a business, taking a job, or joining loved ones, we help you choose the right strategy and make sure every legal detail is covered.
Jessica Weiss, Of Counsel, runs our Immigration division. She’s been with our firm since 1998 and has helped hundreds of immigration clients stay in the U.S. on both short- and long-term bases. Her clients range from individuals and families to large corporations, professional trainers, coaches, and high-profile performers, particularly in the sports industry.
Table of Contents
- E-2 Visa: A Flexible Path for Canadian Investors
- Employment-Based Visas: Work First, Stay Long-Term
- Family Sponsorship: Join Loved Ones in the U.S.
- Permanent Residency: How to Get a Green Card
- U.S. Citizenship: The Final Step for Many Canadians
- Dual Citizenship: What You Need to Know
- How Weiss & Moy, P.C. Helps
- Start with a Plan, Not a Guess
E-2 Visa: A Flexible Path for Canadian Investors
Canada is a treaty country under the U.S. E-2 visa program, which makes this one of the most accessible and popular options for Canadians looking to live and work in the United States.
The E-2 visa is specifically for individuals who are willing to make a substantial financial investment in a U.S. business and take an active role in managing it.
The E-2 visa is specifically for individuals who are willing to make a substantial financial investment in a U.S. business and take an active role in managing it.
The business can be a startup or the purchase of an existing company, as long as you demonstrate real operational activity.
Once you have an E-2, there are several possible ways to go to a green card. Many Canadians use it as a first step before transitioning to a different visa or applying for permanent residency through other channels. At Weiss & Moy, P.C., we help you look at both short- and long-term options based on your business and personal goals.
Employment-Based Visas: Work First, Stay Long-Term
If you have a job offer from a U.S. employer, there are several employment-based options.
Popular routes include:
- TN Visa under the USMCA for Canadian professionals in specific fields like accounting, engineering, or science.
- L-1 Visa for intra-company transfers if you’re working for a multinational company.
- H-1B Visa, though it’s lottery-based and harder to get.
Many of these visas can lead to a green card later, depending on the employer’s sponsorship and your role.
Family Sponsorship: Join Loved Ones in the U.S.
If you have close family members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, they may be able to sponsor you for a green card.
Qualifying relatives include:
- A U.S. citizen spouse or fiancé(e)
- A parent (if you’re under 21)
- An adult child or sibling (if they’re a U.S. citizen)
- A green card-holding spouse or child
Processing times vary depending on the relationship and visa category.
Permanent Residency: How to Get a Green Card
Some Canadians come to the U.S. on temporary visas, then apply for lawful permanent residency.
Common pathways include:
- Employer sponsorship (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 categories)
- Family sponsorship
- Investment-based residency (EB-5)
To adjust your status, you must follow very specific timelines and documentation rules. A missed step can delay or jeopardize your case.
This is where having an immigration lawyer is essential. We help you stay organized and eligible every step of the way.
U.S. Citizenship: The Final Step for Many Canadians
Once you’ve had your green card for five years (or three if married to a U.S. citizen), you may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.
This involves:
- Passing a civics and English test
- Demonstrating good moral character
- Proving continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
Citizenship isn’t automatic. It’s an additional application process. But it gives you full legal rights and the ability to vote, hold a U.S. passport, and avoid re-entry restrictions.
Dual Citizenship: What You Need to Know
Canada and the United States both allow dual citizenship, which means you can legally hold passports from both countries. That gives you the freedom to live, work, and travel between the two without giving up your original citizenship.
But dual citizenship comes with tax responsibilities on both sides of the border.
You may be eligible for credits or deductions, such as the Foreign Tax Credit or Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, but these don’t automatically cancel out your filing requirements.
If you’re considering applying for U.S. citizenship, it’s smart to talk to a cross-border tax advisor in addition to an immigration lawyer. We’ll help you understand how your legal status affects your obligations and your opportunities.
How Weiss & Moy, P.C. Helps
We focus on helping Canadians confidently move to the U.S. through clear, strategic guidance on immigration law.
Our team handles everything from business visas and employment-based petitions to family sponsorship and permanent residency.
We don’t just fill out forms—we build immigration strategies tailored to your goals, whether you’re investing in a business or reuniting with family.
With deep experience in U.S. immigration law and a strong track record of helping Canadian clients, we make the process as efficient and stress-free as possible. Based in Boca Raton and serving clients nationwide, we’re ready to help you take the next step.
Start with a Plan, Not a Guess
Knowing how Canadians can move to the United States is only half the battle. The other half is doing it right. Each visa has different rules, deadlines, and risks. Don’t go it alone.
Speak with an immigration lawyer who understands cross-border law. At Weiss & Moy, P.C., we’re here to guide you through it, from the first form to your final approval.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Call toll-free at 888-689-1862, or click here for more information!
