injuredcold said:
Hello people,
I maybe a bit off-topic but am hoping to get in line with you guys. For that I have a question if anybody could answer. I have made it to US last month on L1 - work visa lasting through September next year (1.5 years in total).
The job is good and everything but I would like to live with my family in Canada rather than here alone. So, I am thinking about applying for federal skilled immigration visa. My question is: Can I apply from here and select New York or buffalo as my processing office (these 2 are the nearest options for me)?
I read it on the immigration website:
Determine which Canadian visa office is responsible for:
* the country in which you are residing, provided you have been lawfully admitted to that country for at least one year; or
* your country of nationality.
Link: cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/skilled-mission.asp
I am hoping that the first point means, I should have a visa for over a year to stay in US rather than I should have stayed in US for a year before I could do that. Its been only a month since I have come here and would feel like eternity if I am to wait another 11.
What do you guys think? Am I eligible to select US as my processing office or not under these circumstances?
Thanks in advance.
Yes, you can apply and the choice of your visa office
must be Buffalo not New York office, because any other visa office in the USA does not accept the permanent residence applications directly from the applicants, they only accept the temporary residence applications directly from the applicants on those offices and the permanent residence applications transfered from Buffalo.
The second point, you only have to show them that you have been admitted a visa to the united states for at least one year, it does not mean that you have to spend one year at first and then apply. If your visa is a one year visa, you can apply as soon as you enter the united states.
Do not forget that your application must be sent at first to the CIO department in Canada "Sydney Nova Scotia", and in the space provided for the question asking about the visa office required for the processing of your application, write Buffalo, U.S.A
If they approve you, you will be instructed to send your full application to the Buffalo visa office.
Good luck.