If you have an opportunity to work in the U.S. while residing in Canada, you may wonder whether your physical presence during workdays will count toward meeting the U.S. citizenship residency requirement. This blog provides helpful guidance to answer that question.
Contents
- Understanding U.S. Citizenship Residency Requirements
- Does Working in the U.S. While Living in Canada Count?
- Key Factors to Consider
1. Understanding U.S. Citizenship Residency Requirements
To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, one common requirement is meeting the physical presence rule. Generally, this means spending at least 30 months out of the past five years physically present in the U.S. as a green card holder.
2. Does Working in the U.S. While Living in Canada Count?
Unfortunately, crossing the border to work in the U.S. while maintaining your primary residence in Canada typically does not count toward physical presence requirements. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) focuses on your actual physical presence in the U.S. and whether your primary home is within the country.
3. Key Factors to Consider
Here are some important points to keep in mind:
- Primary Residence: Your physical presence in the U.S. must be part of your permanent residency.
- Commuting vs. Residing: Commuting for work while living in Canada does not fulfill physical presence requirements.
Conclusion
While working in the U.S. is an exciting opportunity, your physical presence during workdays won’t count toward citizenship if your primary residence remains in Canada. For personalized advice, please consult with one of our experienced immigration attorneys.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
Citations
We Can Help!
If you have questions about U.S. citizenship requirements, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
