TN VISAS
Canadian citizens and Mexican citizens are able to temporarily live in the U.S. to work in certain fields and professions. In addition, U.S. citizens and Mexican citizens are able to temporarily live in Canada to work in certain fields and professions. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), workers in the field of accounting, engineering, science, teaching, and pharmacy, may be eligible to enter the U.S. or Canada to work on a TN visa. Individuals can seek a TN visa if the person is a citizen of Canada, U.S. or Mexico, works in a qualifying profession, has been hired to work at a full-time or part-time job under NAFTA in a qualifying profession, and meets all the educational and experiential requirements to work in the field.
Professions that qualify individuals for a TN visa, include, but aren’t limited to, accountants, architects, economists, engineers, graphic designers, hotel managers, industrial designers, land surveyors, landscape architects, librarians, lawyers, management consultants, mathematicians, social workers, technical writers, urban planners, physician, dentist, nurses, veterinarians, and certain scientists.
Are you thinking of taking a job in the U.S. or Canada under NAFTA for a TN visa? Are you thinking of hiring a Canadian or Mexican worker? The Bobb Law Firm PLLC handles immigration law in Mississauga, Canada and White Plains, New York and they may be able to help you. For example, individuals seeking a TN may need to bring proof to the border of Canadian citizenship, and a letter from an employer explaining the profession in which you plan to work, and qualifications for the job. Additional documentation may be required. Have questions about what documentation may be required for a TN visa? The Bobb Law Firm PLLC is can review your situation and may be able to guide you on the next steps.
FAMILY BASED IMMIGRATION
In the United States and Canada, family reunification and family unity have always been fundamental pillars of their respective immigration laws. Immigrating to a new country is a major decision and the process can seem daunting. Then, once you have family members living abroad that wish to be reunited, it starts another process altogether. Fortunately, The Bobb Law Firm PLLC may be able to assist you. Whether you’re seeking to immigrate to Canada or the U.S., the firm can discuss your options and help you choose an appropriate course of action.
United States
In the United States, there are two types of family-based immigrant visas:
– Immediate relative: Based on a close family relationship with a U.S. Citizen, for example: a spouse, child or parent.
– Family preference: Based on family relationships with a U.S. Citizen and some specified relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident that are not as closely related as spouses, children or parents.
If you’re seeking to have a foreign citizen live permanently in the United States, your current status in the United States (U.S. Citizen or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident) will play a role in who you can file an immigrant visa petition for (amongst other eligibility requirements).
Canada
In Canada, the Family Class Sponsorship Program grants Canadian Citizens or Canadian Permanent Residents the opportunity to sponsor certain family members to come to Canada. Similar to the United States, the prospective sponsor must meet various eligibility requirements, but the family members that can be sponsored are:
– Spouse, common-law or conjugal partner
– Dependent children
– Parents
– Grandparents
– Siblings, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren under 18 years who are unmarried and whose parents are deceased.
Based on your current status in Canada or the U.S. and the proposed family member you would like to sponsor, The Bobb Law Firm PLLC can help! There are a number of requirements that must be met and taken into consideration before starting the process so speaking with an attorney could be useful. From filing fees to medical examinations, it is important that you know what the path of sponsorship could potentially look like.
STUDENT VISAS
If you’re a citizen of a foreign country that would like to study in the United States or Canada, a lawyer can be a helpful resource because the process can be lengthy and complex. At The Bobb Law Firm PLLC, an attorney can help you learn about the eligibility requirements for student visas and what is the best fit for your situation.
United States
In the United States there are three categories for student visas: F visas, M visas and J visas.
– The F visa is commonly referred to as the traditional student visa, because it is the most common visa for students wanting to study in the United States. It is a temporary visa for foreign students who want to enter the United States to study full time at an accredited University or College. Other institutions on the F visa list include: High Schools, Private elementary schools, Seminaries, Conservatories or another academic institution, including a language training program.
– The M visa is available for foreign students who want to enter the United States to study at a vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution, other than a language training program.
– The J visa is available for foreign students who want to enter the United States to participate in an exchange visitor program.
Canada
In Canada, foreign nationals that want to study at a designated learning institution in Canada need a study permit. The study permit is not a visa and it does not let you enter Canada. In addition to the study permit, you may also need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or visitor visa.
Prospective students may also be eligible to get their study permit faster by applying online through the Student Direct Stream. This option is only available to foreign nationals from specific countries listed on the Government of Canada website.
Whether you’re looking to study in Canada or the United States, contact The Bobb Law Firm PLLC for additional information.
