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I recently got Canada PR and I am working in USA on H1B visa which is valid for next 2 years, and can be extended every three years until I get my GC in USA.
Now I want to move to Canada(Windsor) and work in USA on the border city. I read all most all the posts on this forum on this subject. Most of the posts are from the people who inquired(like me) about moving to Windsor, but no one posted their experience after moving to Windsor and commuting to Detroit on H1B visa/any work visa.
So if you are commuting between Windsor/Detroit and live in Windsor now, it would be really great, if you could clarify or share your experience/views on below questions.
1) Tax is not a problem. It's clear. I pay US taxes, then claim them on Canada taxes. (No double taxation)
2) No Car Import. I will sell my car in US and buy another one in Canada. That will avoid enough headaches with export/import.
3) Crossing Border every day: Apart from 45 to 50 min random delay, are there any hidden issues/problems with it?
4) Residency Proof: How to show the residency proof if we cross border every day?
5) Windsor schools: are they good? both elementary and secondary?
6) Windsor crime: I saw some horrible news/videos about Windsor police and west side of the city? so is it true?
7) Windsor Pollution: This is every where on the internet (including Colbert saying ... rec****). is it really that much bad?
8) Since it is a small city, I would not expect much of city life. So these are my questions.
Thank you!
Note: Why I want to live in Canada and Work in USA is I want to work for next 10 years on USA payroll, and retire in Canada. USA IT jobs pay much better than Canada. Due to my H1B employer issues, I don't want to lose Canada PR. (Just exploring the possibility). Thanks!
Last edited by sk13; 03-03-2015 at 11:34 AM..
Reason: Added note at the bottom of the post.
So, let me get this right: You're neither a US nor a Canadian citizen, you want to daily commute from Windsor to Detroit, you want to work in the US, but live in Canada, and when you're done working, you want to retire in Canada, correct?
So, let me get this right: You're neither a US nor a Canadian citizen, you want to daily commute from Windsor to Detroit, you want to work in the US, but live in Canada, and when you're done working, you want to retire in Canada, correct?
And what exactly is "Canada PR"?
Yes, you are right!
PR stands for (Permanent Resident) - Basically Immigrant visa and it is valid for 5 years.
If I live 4 years(1460 days) in Canada, then I am eligible for Canada citizenship.
If I live 2 years (730 days) out of those 5 years in Canada, then I can renew my PR card.
Since I want to retire in Canada, obviously I want to become a Canada citizen, but mean while I want to continue work in USA on my H1B work visa.
When I went through google search, it seems many people do this without any problem. But the ironic thing is there is no single page or website with all the required information. So I am looking for some help ...
You should look into obtaining a NEXUS pass which is designed for people who live on one side of the border and work on the other. It will make your border crossings much faster, though the process of getting one is a tough one.
SK13,
I am going to try to give you as much detail as possible as a family that has done exactly what you are trying to do.
First of all, just like you, We are neither US Citizens nor Canadian citizens, and we did not want to be trapped by the US immigration system where you have an application that takes for ever whereas you could easily get a PR and live in Canada.
We moved to Windsor, ON in Oct 2012. We Choose Windsor for exactly the same reason, proximity to border. My wife works in Detroit on an H1B visa with a pending Green Card application, and it takes her 30 minutes from home to work. We live in South Windsor, which also has some of the best schools in Windsor, as well as being closer to the border than areas like Tecumseh.
1) Tax is not a problem. It's clear. I pay US taxes, then claim them on Canada taxes. (No double taxation) Tax is not a problem. We file US taxes and Canadian taxes. We get a credit for the taxes we pay in US, so it is not double taxation. We declare all our income to be on the safe side. Last year, we had to pay a little extra to Canada, but that is still way cheaper overall than what than paying for health insurance in the States.
2) No Car Import. I will sell my car in US and buy another one in Canada. That will avoid enough headaches with export/import. It is okay to bring your car. We brought 2 cars, and you pay for nothing when you bring your cars during landing. Most things are cheaper in the states. You will have to do safety tests, and etc then pay registration. ON that note, gather as much evidence of your insurance history because that will help you pay a lower premium. Also gather your driving history docs from your State, so that you can get a full driving license and the more history you get, the lower your insurance premium. Insurance here is VERY EXPENSIVE!
3) Crossing Border every day: Apart from 45 to 50 min random delay, are there any hidden issues/problems with it?
Crossing Border: Your first few months can be very stressful especially with the US Immigration. But 5000 people in Windsor commute to the States. There are days when it gets backed up, but most times it is not.
4) Residency Proof: How to show the residency proof if we cross border every day?
You will carry your passport and Perm card with you every trip. There is the option for a Nexus card ( google it) but my wife has not done that.
5) Windsor schools: are they good? both elementary and secondary?
Windsor has very good schools. When we looked at the school rankings, we chose South Windsor with schools in mind. Lasalle also has good schools. There is the Windsor Essex School Board , the Catholic school board and French Immersion Programs if you want your kids to learn a bit more French. 6) Windsor crime: I saw some horrible news/videos about Windsor police and west side of the city? so is it true?
Windsor has very negligible crime. My kids 7 and 5 have way more freedom than they would ever have in the States. I see 10 year olds come to the park by themselves. There is some crime in the West End by the University, but I don't think that that is the area you want to move to. 7) Windsor Pollution: This is every where on the internet (including Colbert saying ... rec****). is it really that much bad?
Pollution? What Pollution? The only pollution I know of is when I went to a beach in the East side and saw it closed due to contamination from the lake. The air is just fine to me. There is hardly any traffic. 8) Since it is a small city, I would not expect much of city life. So these are my questions.
Windsor is not a crazy big City. It has most things in a small scale. You can hop over to Detroit if you want more. It has a whole lot of parks. There are lots of community events. My kids have great places for Skate classes, Swimming classes. We have the new Adventure Bay aquatic centre, a few theaters, a great Smoke free Casino. Its yours to discover.
Right now the exchange rate is about 1USD = CAD1.25. So you basically are in a better position working across the border. There is a toll charge of almost $5 each time you cross either via tunnel or bridge.
When you get a phone, you can get WIND $39 plan plus a $10 US roaming so you can make and receive calls on both sides of the border.
SK13,
I am going to try to give you as much detail as possible as a family that has done exactly what you are trying to do.
First of all, just like you, We are neither US Citizens nor Canadian citizens, and we did not want to be trapped by the US immigration system where you have an application that takes for ever whereas you could easily get a PR and live in Canada.
We moved to Windsor, ON in Oct 2012. We Choose Windsor for exactly the same reason, proximity to border. My wife works in Detroit on an H1B visa with a pending Green Card application, and it takes her 30 minutes from home to work. We live in South Windsor, which also has some of the best schools in Windsor, as well as being closer to the border than areas like Tecumseh.
1) Tax is not a problem. It's clear. I pay US taxes, then claim them on Canada taxes. (No double taxation) Tax is not a problem. We file US taxes and Canadian taxes. We get a credit for the taxes we pay in US, so it is not double taxation. We declare all our income to be on the safe side. Last year, we had to pay a little extra to Canada, but that is still way cheaper overall than what than paying for health insurance in the States.
2) No Car Import. I will sell my car in US and buy another one in Canada. That will avoid enough headaches with export/import. It is okay to bring your car. We brought 2 cars, and you pay for nothing when you bring your cars during landing. Most things are cheaper in the states. You will have to do safety tests, and etc then pay registration. ON that note, gather as much evidence of your insurance history because that will help you pay a lower premium. Also gather your driving history docs from your State, so that you can get a full driving license and the more history you get, the lower your insurance premium. Insurance here is VERY EXPENSIVE!
3) Crossing Border every day: Apart from 45 to 50 min random delay, are there any hidden issues/problems with it?
Crossing Border: Your first few months can be very stressful especially with the US Immigration. But 5000 people in Windsor commute to the States. There are days when it gets backed up, but most times it is not.
4) Residency Proof: How to show the residency proof if we cross border every day?
You will carry your passport and Perm card with you every trip. There is the option for a Nexus card ( google it) but my wife has not done that.
5) Windsor schools: are they good? both elementary and secondary?
Windsor has very good schools. When we looked at the school rankings, we chose South Windsor with schools in mind. Lasalle also has good schools. There is the Windsor Essex School Board , the Catholic school board and French Immersion Programs if you want your kids to learn a bit more French. 6) Windsor crime: I saw some horrible news/videos about Windsor police and west side of the city? so is it true?
Windsor has very negligible crime. My kids 7 and 5 have way more freedom than they would ever have in the States. I see 10 year olds come to the park by themselves. There is some crime in the West End by the University, but I don't think that that is the area you want to move to. 7) Windsor Pollution: This is every where on the internet (including Colbert saying ... rec****). is it really that much bad?
Pollution? What Pollution? The only pollution I know of is when I went to a beach in the East side and saw it closed due to contamination from the lake. The air is just fine to me. There is hardly any traffic. 8) Since it is a small city, I would not expect much of city life. So these are my questions.
Windsor is not a crazy big City. It has most things in a small scale. You can hop over to Detroit if you want more. It has a whole lot of parks. There are lots of community events. My kids have great places for Skate classes, Swimming classes. We have the new Adventure Bay aquatic centre, a few theaters, a great Smoke free Casino. Its yours to discover.
Right now the exchange rate is about 1USD = CAD1.25. So you basically are in a better position working across the border. There is a toll charge of almost $5 each time you cross either via tunnel or bridge.
When you get a phone, you can get WIND $39 plan plus a $10 US roaming so you can make and receive calls on both sides of the border.
I hope this answers most of your questions.
Perfect, yes you did answer all of my questions!! Thanks a lot Odyssey77!!!
I am seeking your valuable advise on my current situation.
I am a Indian Citizen working with one of the Big 3 Automotive corporation in Detroit, MI on H1B Visa. I recently received my Canadian PR in Jan 2016. I wanted to explore my options of living in Windsor, On and commuting Daily to USA. I have many co-workers who commute from Windsor to Detroit on a daily basis but all of them are Canadian citizens. I am seeking advice or guidance on my situation (Indian Passport with Canadian PR + H1B).
Am I eligible to commute from Windsor to Detroit on H1B and Canadian PR on a daily basis?
How easy is it to cross border daily?
If so What documents should I carry everyday?
Where do I file my Taxes?
Will this effect my USA Green Card process which is planned to be initiated by my employer in May 2016?
PR stands for (Permanent Resident) - Basically Immigrant visa and it is valid for 5 years.
If I live 4 years(1460 days) in Canada, then I am eligible for Canada citizenship.
If I live 2 years (730 days) out of those 5 years in Canada, then I can renew my PR card.
Since I want to retire in Canada, obviously I want to become a Canada citizen, but mean while I want to continue work in USA on my H1B work visa.
When I went through google search, it seems many people do this without any problem. But the ironic thing is there is no single page or website with all the required information. So I am looking for some help ...
Dude, I am in the same boat. Could you please let me know how you do the commute USA everyday from Windsor ?
Do you get the arrival stamp everyday ?
Will this effect my USA Green Card process which is planned to be initiated by my employer in May 2016?
I don't think you should be fine. The forms are different and there is more scrutiny, since your residency application would be considered as applying from outside US>
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