Moving to Canada while on Greencard?

[Calypso 464]

Moving to Canada while on Greencard?

You are free to do that but you'd have to start over with a spousal visa if at some point you want to live in the US again.

Yikes. Sounds like some people have a few 'different' opinions! First of all, to clear up a few things, I am talking about in the far future. Not right this moment.

If that were the case then just wait until you become a US citizen.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

~ Moved from AOS from Family Based Visas to General Immigration-Related Discussion- topic not about AOS but about maintaining permanent residency which pertains to all green card holders ~

[BirdyGirl85 23]

Yeah I would just wait until you become a U.S. citizen before moving back to Canada. That would makes things so much easier.

[NickD 202]

No need for a discussion on this subject. USCIS already laid out the laws for procuring and maintaining a yellow green card. Called residency requirements.

[NikLR 13,227]

It only takes about 3 years of being married to a US citizen to gain citizenship so after that period of time you could certainly move back up to Canada.

It's funny because I moved to the USA because my husband got a better job down here than he could've in Canada. Go figure! I'd certainly be better paid up there.

[dukeandduchess 141]

The only downside to getting your citizenship first is that you would be responsible for paying US taxes if you move back to Canada - pretty much the only reason I'm hesitant to become a US Citzen.

[aaron2020 11,651]

The only downside to getting your citizenship first is that you would be responsible for paying US taxes if you move back to Canada - pretty much the only reason I'm hesitant to become a US Citzen.

True dat. The US is one of the few countries that taxes based on citizenship and residency. US citizens AND LPRs are required to report their worldwide income.

Even if she was a US LPR working in Canada, she would need to file a US tax return.

Now be very careful with tax advice since it is complicated and there are at least two different and conflicting taxing authorities.

The US also provides a foreign income exemption around $90,000. For a US citizen living in Canada who makes less than that, she is only required to file a tax return. The exemption would wipe out any US tax liabilities.

Obviously, it's not a good idea for a US LPR to live and work in another country since that violates the terms of being an LPR.

[JedNik 5]

You would need US Citizenship to be able to move away and then come back without another visa. You can get it after having a GC for 3 years and living in the US those 3 years (and being married to your USC spouse).

Thank you! I am happy to hear that I ccan get my US citizenship after 3 years of having my GC! We have NO clue if we will settle in US or Canada, but we like to weigh out our options. I thought it was after having a GC for 7 years. Thanks!

[Mel and Rudy 2]

I don't understand where some people get their attitudes from. Maybe moving to a new country makes them stressed out?

People are here to ask for help. If you have something to say that is not going to be helpful, at least have the good grace to be courteous about it.

You could get a re-entry permit and stay out for up to 2 years if I am not wrong. You would have to come back to file for removal of conditions 3 months or so before the expiry of the conditional GC or you basically start from scratch. Check on the specifics.

Yes, GC is for living in the U.S. but tons of people get re-entry permits and leave for extended periods. The period you are away won't count towards your citizenship requirement though.

It's different with the Canadian permanent residency. From what I heard, the Canadian residency is a matter of right as opposed to the US GC which is a privilege that can be withdrawn at INS's all merciful discretion.

[NikLR 13,227]

Canadian residency is not a matter of right for non-citizens. It's just easier because often a spouse can move to Canada and do the process from inside Canada vs waiting outside like you have to for the USA. You can move with intent, unlike with the USA, but only if you're a spouse. People abuse it though and honestly I'd like to see Canada become more strict on POE.