first steps.....

[EmeraldGal]

I am a US citizen and have been in a relationship with a Canadian man for 8 years. Since we first discussed it, it has been my intent to make the move to Canada instead of him coming down here. We know there is a lot we will need to do to make it happen.

Well, he proposed to me in July. Since there is not an option for a fiance' sponsorship to Canada, we will need to do the spousal sponsorship. I guess our first question is about getting married. Do we make it official as soon as possible? Will we have issues proving our marriage is legitimate since I am in the US working and he is in Canada doing the same? Where do we start? This is one thing I haven't found much information on yet.

Thanks for any input. I expect I will be looking at these boards a lot!

 

[Rob_TO]

Do we make it official as soon as possible? Will we have issues proving our marriage is legitimate since I am in the US working and he is in Canada doing the same?

Since you've already been in a relationship for 8 years, I would just get married asap. In your case I don't think it will matter much if you have a big or small wedding, since you've been dating for so long it should be a very straightforward case (and I assume you have lots of proofs to show over the 8 years).

Once you have your marriage certificate in hand (and have done medical, gotten FBI police check, filled out all the forms, etc), you could send off the application.

If you apply outland the processing will most likely be done in CPP-Ottawa office, and you are looking at a total turnaround time of around 10 months or so. During that time you can go to Canada as a visitor, until you get full PR status.

 

[EmeraldGal]

I was thinking that is what we should consider doing--make it official sooner rather than later.

Next question for the board----is it possible to still work in the US but have my residency in Canada? I have heard of people doing this, but don't know if it is true or just an urban myth. It is possible for me to transfer in my job closer to the Canadian border and under optimum conditions, that is what I would like to do to work until my retirement.

 

[Ponga]

Yes. You can ultimately live in Canada and commute to your job in the US.

I would highly recommend applying for a NEXUS card, as that will save a lot of time when crossing the border!

 

[EmeraldGal]

already have a NEXUS card as it is vital for getting through the border in summertime.

Thanks to those who have answered my questions so far. Very much appreciated and more to follow I am sure.

 

[jomz]

yes it is possible, however can get tricky at tax time. here are some pointers which you may want to consider first.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/taxes/6-must-know-tax-facts-for-canadians-earning-abroad-1.1167892

 

[EmeraldGal]

hmmmm....I will have to look into that a little more. I have read that there is some sort of agreement between Canada and the US whereby a US citizen working in the US but living in Canada has to file a tax return to both countries but only pay taxes in one. I will have to go back to where I found it and read that a bit more closely.

 

[jomz]

you should not be double taxed.

 

[jomz]

you should not be double taxed.

PWC is one of the most reputable accounting firms internationally. Under the video there is a transcript where you can read all of the answers to the questions. Although there is a convention signed between USA and Canada (as there is one between Canada and many many other countries) it only really protect you against being double taxed.

http://www.pwc.com/ca/en/tax/podcast/episode-58-payroll-issues-for-cross-border-employees-receiving-incentive-compensation.jhtml

 

[EmeraldGal]

okay, I will look at that. Thank you.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

hmmmm....I will have to look into that a little more. I have read that there is some sort of agreement between Canada and the US whereby a US citizen working in the US but living in Canada has to file a tax return to both countries but only pay taxes in one. I will have to go back to where I found it and read that a bit more closely.

They have a tax treaty.

As the income would be earned in the US, you will file first need to file your US tax return and pay the required US income tax. You will then file your Canadian tax return, listing your US income and how much income tax you paid in the US.

If you paid more tax in the US than you would have paid in Canada, you won't owe anything in Canada. If you paid less tax in the US than you would have paid in Canada, you will need to pay the difference to Canada.