U.S. – CANADA DUAL TRACKU.S.–Canada planning
Many of our clients live and work across the border. We plan U.S. immigration, tax and estates together with Canadian immigration, so a decision on one side does not create a problem on the other.
H-1B → PRCanadian PR for H-1B holders
Skilled work in the U.S. counts as foreign work experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and you can file Express Entry from the U.S. For people facing long green card backlogs, it gives the family a second option.
Typical situations
- Born in China or India with a long employment-based backlog
- H-1B extensions limited, or worried about layoffs
- Want Canadian education and status options for children
What to watch
- After landing, PRs must spend 730 days in Canada within 5 years to keep status
- A U.S. green card case and Canadian PR can run in parallel; plan entries and residence carefully
- Prepare language tests and the ECA early
BUSINESSU.S. business, Canadian status
Living in Canada and running a business in the U.S. takes planning, because U.S. visas treat Canadian status differently.
Typical situations
- Owners of U.S. companies or planned U.S. investments
- Employees of companies with operations in both countries
What to watch
- TN status is for Canadian citizens only; Canadian PR is not enough
- E-2 treaty investor status is open to Canadian citizens
- L-1 suits groups with related companies in both countries
- Canadian citizenship generally requires 1,095 days of physical presence in 5 years
TAX & ESTATECross-border tax and estates
Immigrating changes your tax residence. U.S. citizens and green card holders are taxed on worldwide income, and Canadian tax residents are too.
Typical situations
- Green card holders or U.S. citizens moving to Canada
- Families with assets in China, the U.S. and Canada
What to watch
- The Canada–U.S. tax treaty prevents most double tax, but only with correct filing
- Giving up a green card or leaving Canada can trigger a departure tax
- Wills and trusts must work under both countries' rules
Who does what: U.S. immigration, tax and cross-border legal matters are handled by U.S.-licensed attorney David Wang. Canadian immigration applications are filed by our partner licensed Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC). One team coordinates both sides.