USA Immigration Services in Canada

If you are planning to move to the United States from Canada, then don’t forget that you will have to face many challenges in this process without the U.S. immigration consultant. Whether you are going for work, study, investment, or personal reasons, the immigration process requires expert knowledge. CityLaw has a team of licensed American attorneys who are here to give you trusted and accurate help with every step of your immigration process, right from Canada. We provide the following U.S. immigration services to our clients:

1. Temporary Immigration through Employment
2. Permanent Immigration (Green Card)
3. Family-Based Immigration

Temporary Immigration through Employment:

TN Status

The TN visa is created for qualified Canadian and Mexican professionals to work in the U.S. under an agreement called NAFTA (now USMCA). There is no yearly limit on TN visas, unlike the H-1B. You must have a job offer from a U.S. employer, and your job must be on the approved list of NAFTA occupations. The visa is valid only for 3 years and you can only work for one employer. If you are willing to change jobs, you are required to apply for the new TN visa.

Spouses and children (under 21) can come with you under TD status. They are allowed to study in the U.S., but they are not permitted to work. The TD visa is valid as long as the main TN visa is active. The TN is a non-immigrant visa, meaning it is for temporary work in the U.S.

B1/B2 Visas

People who are not from visa-exempt countries need a B1/B2 visa. It allows short visits to the U.S. for business or tourism. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for B1/B2 activities.

B1 Visa – Business Visits

This visa is for people visiting the U.S. for business reasons, such as:

• Attending meetings or conferences
• Negotiating contracts
• Consulting with business partners
• Settling an estate

B2 Visa – Tourism or Personal Visits

This visa is for tourism or personal reasons, such as:

• Taking a vacation
• Visiting family or friends
• Getting medical treatment
• Attending social or amateur events
• Taking short non-credit classes (like a 2-day cooking class)

How to Apply

• Fill Form DS-160 online and upload a photo.
• Make sure to print the DS-160 confirmation page
• You must pay the visa fee, and keep in mind that it cannot be refunded.
• Book your interview at the United States Embassy or Consulate.
• Check wait times and apply early.

Visa interviews are normally necessary for all those who request B2 Visa, with the exception of those applicants who are younger than 14. Book your interview at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your native country. If you are applying from another location, then it may be harder. The waiting time for the interview differs, so apply as soon as possible.

What to Bring to the Interview

• Valid passport (must be valid for 6+ months after your trip)
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Visa fee receipt
• Printed photo (if upload fails)

Other Documents (if asked)

• Proof of why you are visiting
• Proof you will return home after the visit
• Financial proof you can afford the trip
• Proof of job or family ties
• Invitation letter (optional for visitor visa application)

E-1 Visas – Treaty Trades

The E-1 Treaty Trader Visa allows Canadian citizens as well as businesses to enter the United States for the purpose of trade between Canada and the U.S. This trade should not stop as well as it must be significant, and it can involve products, services, or technology. To be eligible, the company’s foreign trade must include at least 50% with the United States.

This visa is for business owners, managers, or important staff who work for a company that is owned by a Canadian national. You can stay in the U.S. for up to 2 years at a time, and you can renew your stay as long as the trade with the U.S. continues. Spouses and children can join the main applicant to travel. Furthermore, the spouses can also apply for a job while they are living in the U.S.

E-2 Visas

The E-2 visa allows people from treaty countries to invest in and run a business in the U.S. To qualify, you must be a citizen of a country that has an investment treaty with the U.S. You need to invest a significant amount of money in a real, active U.S. business. The funds must be at risk and fully committed. Your business must earn enough so that it can support you and your family easily, resulting in helps the U.S. economy. The visa is valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed many times as long as the business continues. 

Benefits of the E-2 Visa:

• Live and work legally in the U.S.
• Unlimited renewals if the business stays active
• Spouse can apply for work authorization
• Children can attend U.S. schools

Note: The E-2 visa does not lead directly to a green card. Moreover, the applicants must show that they have a clear plan to leave the U.S. once their E-2 visa expires.

O Visas

The O visa is for those people who are very skilled or have big achievements in areas like science, art, sports, business, or film. It allows them to work in the U.S. for a short period of time so that they can participate in events and other programs.

Types of O Visas:

O-1A

It is for those people who have exceptional ability in science, education, business, or athletics.

O-1B

It is for those people who have amazing talent in the arts, or strong achievement in movies or TV.

O-2 Visa

For support staff who are essential to the O-1 visa holder’s work, such as coaches or assistants. This is only for those working in sports, arts, or entertainment.

O-3 Visa

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old are eligible for the O-3 visa category. Only those with an O-1 or O-2 visa are eligible for this visa. If your spouse or parent is going to the U.S. on one of these visas, you may be allowed to join them on an O-3 visa. They are allowed to live and study in the U.S., but they cannot work.

The O visa is temporary and requires proof of talent and a U.S. sponsor.

P Visas

The P-1 visa is for athletes, entertainers, and artists who are well-known in their field and want to come to the U.S. for a short time so that they can take part in a specific event, show, or competition. It is a temporary visa that allows you to work in the U.S. during that time.

There are 2 subcategories of the P visa:

• The P-1A Visa is for athletes or sports teams who are known internationally and are coming to the U.S. to take part in a competition or event.
• The P-1B Visa is for the members of entertainment groups that are known globally, they are eligible for visas. Support staff who are important for the group’s success might also be eligible.

If you want to get a P-1 visa, then you must show some proof of international success, like awards, media features, or major achievements. You also need a U.S. employer or group to sponsor your application.

The process to get a P-1 visa can be difficult as there are many things that require proper understanding and require strong proof of your experience. It is the smart choice to talk to an immigration lawyer before applying to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This visa allows you to work in your profession in the U.S. for a limited time.

L-1 Visas

The L-1 visa lets international companies transfer key employees to their U.S. office, branch, or affiliate. It’s ideal for growing global businesses that need trusted staff in their U.S. operations. Before the employee can submit a visa application, the U.S. employer is required to file a petition with USCIS.

There are 2 subcategories of the L1 visa:

• L-1A – For managers and executives who handle major decisions, lead departments, or manage teams.
• L-1B – For employees with special company knowledge, like unique systems, products, or business strategies.

Who Can Apply:

The employee must have worked for the company outside the U.S. for at least 1 year in the past 3 years and must be coming to work in a similar role.

Visa Duration:

L-1A: Up to 7 years (initial 3 years, plus extensions)
L-1B: Up to 5 years

Spouses and children under 21 can get L-2 visas and stay as long as the L-1 visa is valid. Spouses can apply for work permits. Additionally, L visas also allow you to apply for a U.S. green card while living in the U.S.

Permanent Immigration (Green Card):

EB-1 Visas

The EB-1 visa is a U.S. employment-based green card for people who have achieved great success or have outstanding skills in their field. This category is well-known because it comes in first preference and is one of the quickest methods to obtain a U.S. green card. One major benefit of the EB-1 visa is that it excludes labor certification, which saves time. Many professionals choose the EB-1 because it helps them to get a visa quickly because of its quicker processing and direct path to permanent residency in the United States.

There are three types of EB-1:

EB-1A

It is for those people who have the best talent in science, arts, business, education, or sports. No job offer is needed, and you can apply on your own.

EB-1B

It is for those people who are top professors and researchers with at least 3 years of experience. A permanent employment offer from a U.S. university or research organization is required to get the visa.

EB-1C

It is for managers or executives of international companies who worked abroad for at least 1 year and are being transferred to the U.S.

EB-1 Visa Process

1. Check Eligibility – Choose the right category: EB-1A, EB-1B, or EB-1C, based on your background.
2. Collect Proof – Gather documents like awards, publications, reference letters, or proof of your job role.
3. File Form I-140 – Send your petition to USCIS. EB-1A applicants are allowed to file their own petitions, while EB-1B as well as EB-1C applicants require a sponsor from the employer.
4. Choose Premium Processing (Optional) – Pay extra to get a faster decision—within 15 days.
5. Check the Visa Bulletin – Make sure your category is current so you can move forward.
6. Apply for Green Card – If you’re in the U.S., file Form I-485. If abroad, apply through a U.S. embassy.
7. Attend Interview (if needed)
8. Get Your Green Card – Once approved, you become a U.S. permanent resident.

The EB-1 visa provides a fast path for top professionals to obtain a U.S. green card.

EB-2 Visas

The EB-2 visa is a U.S. green card for people who have a master’s degree or higher, or who have special skills or talent in fields like science, business, or the arts. It is a good option for smart and skilled workers who want to live and work in the United States permanently.

There are three main subcategories:

• EB-2A – For individuals with an advanced degree and a job offer from a U.S. employer.
• EB-2B – For people with exceptional talent or skills proven through achievements and recognition.
• EB-2C – This type is also known as the National Interest Waiver (NIW). It lets professionals apply without a job offer or labor certification if their work benefits the U.S. (such as in public health, research, or national development).

Most EB-2 applicants need a labor certification (PERM), except those under EB-2C. This visa provides a strong path to U.S. permanent residency for highly qualified individuals.

EB-5 Visas

The EB-5 is a really good choice for those people who want to get a U.S. green card by investing in a business. To apply for this visa, you just need to invest some amount of money in a new business in the U.S., and make sure that the business creates at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers to improve employment. If your visa gets approved, then you can easily live and work in the U.S. as a permanent resident.

One of the best parts of this visa is that your spouse and children under 21 years can also get green cards with you. There is no limit on age, education, or speaking English. You can live anywhere freely in the U.S. if you have a visa. The process is also quicker than some other green card programs. After five years, you can apply for U.S. citizenship if you meet the rules. The EB-5 visa is a good choice for people who want to move to the U.S. through investment and build a better future for their family.

Family-Based Immigration:

Green Card

If you are married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you can get a green card to live and work in the U.S. You can apply from inside or outside the country. USCIS has made the process stricter because many people started doing fake marriages to get the green card, so submitting strong evidence is more important than ever.

To begin, the U.S. sponsor must file Form I-130, and the spouse fills out Form I-130A. You must provide clear proof that the marriage is real, like joint bank statements, travel records where you both travelled together, wedding photos, chats, and receipts for support or gifts. If you have letters from friends or family who know you and your spouse has a real relationship, they can help to support your green card application.

Be sure to use current USCIS forms, pay separate fees, and prepare for a possible interview. Providing that everything goes smoothly, the foreign spouse can obtain a green card and petition for U.S. citizenship after 3 years of being married to a U.S. citizen.

K-1 Visa

The K-1 visa lets you enter the U.S. to marry your American fiancé. After your partner files Form I-129F and it’s approved, you’ll attend an interview at the U.S. Consulate. You must marry within 90 days of arriving in the U.S. Then, you can apply for a green card. The K-1 visa allows only one entry, and you can’t travel outside the U.S. while your green card application is being processed unless you get special permission.

How CityLaw Can Help

CityLaw has over 16 years of experience in handling immigration procedures for both Canada and the United States. Our team helps to determine the best possible way, whether you are looking for a work, invest, or settle through a green card. Contact CityLaw to book your consultation with our professional American attorneys to start your dream.