Facilitating Immigration From Canada To The United States

Our immigration practice at Simkin & Associates, Inc., in Los Angeles is unique in that it focuses on assisting Canadians who are moving to or working in the U.S. Our immigration lawyers understand the common motivations behind immigrating to the United States. We are also familiar with the common roadblocks that immigrants encounter when immigrating for family or work. Our goal is to provide immigration strategies designed to ease the chaos and complexity of immigration goals and challenges.

Legal Guidance For Securing Visas, Legal Residency Or U.S. Citizenship

Canadians have special laws to help them travel and immigrate to the United States. However, they are also often unfairly scrutinized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Our immigration lawyers will develop strategies to help make your visa process smooth and efficient. We assist with a broad range of visas, including:

• Securing family visas for fiancé(e)s, spouses and children
• Obtaining temporary or permanent work visas
• Securing derivative citizenship for yourself or your child
• Obtaining B-1 and B-2 visitor visas
• Acquiring student visas, including nonacademic or vocational students

Whether you are seeking to travel from Canada, interested in establishing permanent residency, or are seeking to establish yourself permanently in the United States as a citizen, we can provide you with the precise and proper guidance you need to file your paperwork correctly and swiftly.

Special Work Visas For Canadians

Navigating U.S. immigration laws can be challenging, especially for Canadians seeking special visas. At Simkin & Associates, Inc., our immigration lawyers regularly consult and advise Southern California businesses. As part of that work, our business lawyers are well-versed in providing assistance to companies with Canadian expats. They can help you understand and assess a variety of options. Here are some of the most commonly used visas that are available for Canadians:

• TN visa: This visa allows qualified Canadian professionals to work in the U.S. These are eligible for employees in certain occupations, such as engineers, accountants and scientists. It is valid for up to three years and can be renewed.
• L visa: The L visa is for intracompany transferees. If you work for a company with offices in both the U.S. and Canada, you may be eligible to transfer to the U.S. office. This visa is available for executives, managers and employees with specialized knowledge.
• O visa: The O visa is typically used for individuals who are considered to have extraordinary abilities. These individuals usually have developed expertise in the arts, sciences, education, business or even athletics. This visa can lead to multiple extensions depending on your ongoing work.

Our Canadian immigration attorneys also assist with obtaining waivers and green cards. They also regularly consult and advise applicants on the rules for temporary workers.

In addition, our firm has developed a tool for assisting Canadians with selecting the appropriate U.S. visa.

Unique Immigration Challenges For Canadians Moving To The United States

Canadians and Americans share a unique relationship, with close ties and frequent travel between the two countries compared to immigrants from other nations. However, this familiarity can sometimes create unique challenges regarding U.S. immigration.

Many Canadian citizens frequently cross the border for business, family visits or leisure. While the ability to travel freely between countries brings advantages, it can raise questions during the permanent immigration process about demonstrating clear settlement intent. This can complicate immigration applications. Imagine a situation when applying for a green card or family-based visa where the applicant must show a clear intent to relocate permanently to the U.S., which can be questioned if they maintain a pattern of traveling back and forth.

Canadians often find comfort in the shared language and cultural overlap with Americans, but these similarities do not eliminate the complexities of U.S. immigration law. Despite the cultural ease of adapting, the legal process remains just as detailed and challenging as it is for immigrants from any other country. Missteps in understanding visa requirements or failing to provide adequate documentation can lead to unnecessary setbacks.

Many Canadians find themselves in a situation known as “dual intent,” where they are living in the U.S. temporarily, such as on a work or student visa, while also pursuing permanent residency. Striking the right balance between maintaining a temporary visa status and planning for long-term immigration requires a strategic approach to avoid immigration law violations.

Why Work With A Canadian-Focused Immigration Attorney

The similarities between Canadian and U.S. cultures sometimes lead people to underestimate immigration complexities. Generally, the immigration process demands different approaches for Canadian citizens compared to other countries. Thankfully, working with an attorney experienced in Canadian-U.S. immigration helps the following key areas get the attention needed:

• Documentation of border crossing patterns and their relationship to immigration intent
• Clear presentation of professional commitments and business relationships spanning both countries
• Management of assets and properties in both jurisdictions
• Planning for the continuation of cross-border family relationships

Focusing on U.S. immigration for Canadians means we understand the fine details of the immigration system for our clients. Our visa selector tool also offers a straightforward way to identify the most suitable visa category for your circumstances to help achieve a streamlined process from start to finish.

Contact Us With Your Immigration Questions

If you are looking to relocate from Canada to the United States and are a current Canadian citizen, our Canadian immigration attorneys at Simkin & Associates, Inc., can help. To schedule a consultation, call our Los Angeles office at 888-288-5723 or send an email. We look forward to hearing more about your legal challenges and telling you more about how we can help facilitate your visa, residency or citizenship application.