Can a Dual Citizen Live in the USA and Work in Canada?
Can a Dual Citizen Live in the USA and Work in Canada?
Understanding the complexities of living in one country and working in another, especially for those with dual citizenship, can be challenging. This article aims to clarify the possibilities for a U.S. citizen with a second citizenship to reside in the USA and work in Canada, particularly in the context of the Canada-USA-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Note: Your U.S. citizenship is relevant only if you are seeking to work in a profession covered under CUSMA, which allows certain professionals from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico easier access to visas for work in specified fields within any of the member countries.
General Considerations for Dual Citizens
Firstly, it is crucial to understand the general regulations for residing in and working in Canada. If you do not have Canadian citizenship, you cannot work in Canada without a work permit. Conversely, you cannot live in Canada permanently unless you are a citizen or have permanent resident status.
Working with a Second Citizenship in CUSMA
For U.S. citizens with a second citizenship, one of the most common scenarios where cross-border living and working might become possible is through CUSMA. If you are a dual citizen and licensed in specific professions listed in the agreement, you may be eligible for easier access to a visa to work in those fields in either the U.S. or Canada. However, this benefit is not universal and depends on the specific professions and your second citizenship.
Case Study: Point Roberts, Washington, USA
Point Roberts, a small community geographically located in Canada but part of Washington State, offers an interesting case study. Residents of Point Roberts work in the U.S., paying U.S. taxes, but they live in Canada within walking distance of the border. This area, known for its free trade zone, is an example of how cross-border living and working can be facilitated. Many people choose to live in Canada for the lifestyle and commute for work in the U.S. border city, Vancouver, BC.
Immigration and Work Permits in Canada
Non-U.S. citizens seeking to work in Canada must apply for a work permit, a legal document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The application process for a work permit is straightforward but can be time-consuming. It requires detailed documentation and a valid job offer from an employer in Canada.
Living in Canada Without Working
If your goal is to live in Canada but not work there, you can do so if you have a valid work permit or have been granted permanent residence status. However, if you do not have Canadian citizenship, you cannot claim Canadian medical services without immigrating first.
Border Cities: Windsor and Detroit
The only suitable urban environment for living in one country and commuting to work in the other is the Windsor-Detroit border region. Here, residents can live in Windsor, Ontario, and commute to Detroit, Michigan, for work. This setup is the closest to the scenario you mentioned but still requires a valid visa or permanent residency status in Canada for legal residence.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is not impossible for a dual citizen to live in the USA and work in Canada, it heavily depends on your second citizenship, your profession, and the specific regulations under CUSMA. For most individuals, the key is either to be licensed in a profession covered by the agreement or to have Canadian citizenship with a work permit or permanent residency.