Living in U.S., working in Canada

[mililani 0]

Hello folks,

I am a Canuck that has been living in the States with my husband for the past 2 years--he's American. I have been granted a green card with the status of temporary permanent resident (haha, what??) a few months ago. We've been living in California, but my husband has recently been laid off, so now we're thinking about moving to Vancouver, or close to Vancouver, since I can get a job there easily. We thought about moving to Vancouver and filing for a re-entry permit to upkeep my residency status, but we're not sure if that would eventually jeopardize my green card. So, we thought about moving to Blaine, Washington, which would show my residency in the States, and go over the border to work in Canada. I would also get a Nexus fast pass.

Does anyone know if this is ok? I've tried searching the forums, and haven't quite found an answer. I've also emailed my immigration attorney, but i'm not sure if he would know.

Much thanks!

[SpiritAlight 1]

Hello and Welcome to VJ Mililani,

As far as I know, and I'm not a lawyer, this would be legal.

You need to reside in the U.S. to not lose your residency status (aka "green card").

Do yourself a favour and find the number and call the Peace Arch checkpoint into the U.S. (Blaine) and ask to speak to someone about this.

They will advise you as to your rights and what is possible.

Does anyone on VJ think this is a "bad" idea?

Hopefully more will chime in soon and you can get a well rounded picture.

I'm thinking of doing something similar...not exactly, but close...

Best of luck!

[Kathryn41 3,205]

There are a number of Canadians in this forum who live in the US on their green card and work in Canada. You might want to talk to Neiks - she is one. It is perfectly legal.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Yep, like kathyrn stated its fine. Neiks who is a Cdn Customs official does it!! And the name evades me, but she lives in WA and heads to BC to work!.

[Caladan 19]

Since the U.S. economy blew up, C.'s company has been taking more contracts in Canada. He is a resident of the U.S. and Connecticut, and has been working in Alberta and B.C. periodically, usually for about a month away at a time. This is legal and he has experienced no hassles (beyond a CBP amicably letting him know that if he were to be gone for a year, he should file for a re-entry permit first.)

No idea if our situation generalizes, but we haven't had a problem.

[LindaB 0]

Yep, like kathyrn stated its fine. Neiks who is a Cdn Customs official does it!! And the name evades me, but she lives in WA and heads to BC to work!.

Hi, I am the one that Flames is thinking about, I live in Bellingham and commute to Burnaby each day. It works out great, no problems at all. I have a Nexus which helps going home (Nexus lane is not open when I go to work)

[mililani 0]

Wow, much thanks for all the the great replies. My lawyer said this is fine, but we should consult an accountant to help with our taxes.

Hey LindaB, thanks for the reply. I was wondering, when do you go to work? I work in the hospital, and work night shifts. I'll be going across the border, hopefully through the Nexus lane, around 6 pm, and going home at 7:00 am. Would the Nexus lane work out? I checked their website, and couldn't find the hours. Also, how do you like Bellingham?

[LindaB 0]

Wow, much thanks for all the the great replies. My lawyer said this is fine, but we should consult an accountant to help with our taxes.

Hey LindaB, thanks for the reply. I was wondering, when do you go to work? I work in the hospital, and work night shifts. I'll be going across the border, hopefully through the Nexus lane, around 6 pm, and going home at 7:00 am. Would the Nexus lane work out? I checked their website, and couldn't find the hours. Also, how do you like Bellingham?

I work from 7 a.m to 3:00 p.m., I cross the border at approx 6:20 a.m. (the Nexus lane opens at 7:00 a.m.) and usually I drive right up to the booth in the regular lanes. Coming open at approx. 4 p.m. the Nexus works great. The Nexus lane will work great for you going to work at 6 p.m. but I am not sure what time it opens going into the U.S. in the morning. (I will check next time I am coming home.) I am sure that there is very little traffic on that side at that time of the morning too even if the Nexus lane is not open yet. We love Bellingham, I can PM you with more information.

[mililani 0]

Wow, much thanks for all the the great replies. My lawyer said this is fine, but we should consult an accountant to help with our taxes.

Hey LindaB, thanks for the reply. I was wondering, when do you go to work? I work in the hospital, and work night shifts. I'll be going across the border, hopefully through the Nexus lane, around 6 pm, and going home at 7:00 am. Would the Nexus lane work out? I checked their website, and couldn't find the hours. Also, how do you like Bellingham?

I work from 7 a.m to 3:00 p.m., I cross the border at approx 6:20 a.m. (the Nexus lane opens at 7:00 a.m.) and usually I drive right up to the booth in the regular lanes. Coming open at approx. 4 p.m. the Nexus works great. The Nexus lane will work great for you going to work at 6 p.m. but I am not sure what time it opens going into the U.S. in the morning. (I will check next time I am coming home.) I am sure that there is very little traffic on that side at that time of the morning too even if the Nexus lane is not open yet. We love Bellingham, I can PM you with more information.

Much thanks, Linda!