Legal Immigration

[Jellybean400]

I would appreciate anyone sharing any knowledge that they have on immigration from Canada to the U.S.

Especially regarding how soon someone can get a job here, and what type of permit or whatever that that would involve.

And if you have actual experience with it and want to email me, let me know and i'll give you my email address. Thanks...

[Badkharma]

I came from Canada to the US and I'm due to earn my citizenship by the end of January 08.

There are many different paths in - I'm not familiar with all of them, only what I experienced.

I came to school (university) here on a student visa. I ended up marrying fairly shortly thereafter; to a US citizen that I met at school. This permitted me to apply for permanent residency (green card). You get a temporary card if you come in through marriage - it has a two year probationary period during which you must remain married to your spouse (barring extreme circumstances I believe).

This prevents people from just marrying a citizen to get into the country and then divorcing them shortly thereafter. Both of you will go to an interview and you must show proof of an actual relationship - pictures, etc.

Once you get your temporary green card, two years after that date you can apply for a petition to have the temporary status removed. Three years after that first date, you can apply for citizenship (it is five years for most other ways coming into the country legally).

The process is long, it can be expensive, but it is obviously worth it.

I also recommend hiring an immigration lawyer / consultant if financially possible. They will make your life A LOT easier and make sure the paperwork is in order with all your T's crossed and i's dotted - because if you mess up, you're back to the beginning. Just plan for it as part of your cost.

Another way I know to get in is to serve in the US military. You wouldn't be able to be an officer, but you can be enlisted. From what I hear, this is the fastest way to citizenship.

I hope this helps. If you get anything from it, know that I definitely recommend hiring a reputable lawyer / consultant. They are truly a big help. Mine cost me an extra $800 or so, but it was money well spent.

[Badkharma]

Oh, here's the main US immigration site:

www.uscis.gov

[Jellybean400]

Thanks very much.

Yes, it would absolutely be worth $800 extra.