Upon obtaining citizenship, immigrants to Canada also become eligible for certain U.S. immigration benefits. Canadian citizens enjoy visa-free travel to the U.S. in most categories, additional opportunities for U.S. employment, and streamlined procedures for seeking U.S. immigration benefits. Visa free visitor travel to the U.S. (B-1/B-2) Canadian citizens do not need a visa, or a… Read More
Vital Support for Critical Infrastructure Sectors – New Guidance for National Interest Exceptions
In the first week of March 2021 the Department of State updated its requirements for granting a National Interest Exception to people who had been in the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, or Ireland within 14 days prior to entering the U.S. (see also Presidential Proclamation 10143). Previous guidance stated that technical experts and specialists, senior-level… Read More
What Canadians Can Do in the U.S. Right Now
All of the benefits available to Canadians under U.S. immigration law remain in place, however, the procedures for requesting these benefits have changed. While the new procedures may be more burdensome, some Canadians may find that the benefits of coming to the U.S. continue to offset any additional burden. With careful planning Canadians can continue… Read More
Firm Update – COVID-19
Pacific Northwest Cross Border Law remains fully operational. I have access to files, and the continued capacity to correspond by e-mail, telephone, fax, and traditional mail. Most of my firm’s operations have shifted to a temporary home office, a five-minute commute from the firm’s commercial space. Many US immigration agencies have closed their offices, however,… Read More
E Visa Power Rankings
The existence of a treaty is the first requirement for obtaining an E visa. Below are the power rankings for E visa treaty countries based on duration of visa validity. The rankings are organized along the ROYGBV scale as follows: 60-month validity 48-month validity 24 to 36-month validity 12-month validity Less than 12-month validity 0-month validity (but still… Read More
Canadian E Visa Processing Changes – March 8, 2016
Changes to E Visa Processing for Canadian Traders and Investors On February 26, 2016, the United States Consulate General in Toronto announced changes to the procedures for obtaining E-1 Treaty Trader and E-2 Treaty Investor visa (read the full press release here). Beginning on March 1, 2016, registration of E-1 and E-2 enterprises will only… Read More