Rep. Kevin Yoder (R-KS) has introduced an amendment that will likely be alarming to business executives and managers, IT workers, and even snowbirds in British Columbia and other provinces and territories in Canada. The proposed amendment intends to change the current U.S. immigration cap for employment visas per country to a system of first-come-first-serve. Such … Continue reading “US immigration laws might deny Canadians of green cards”

As it stands currently, anyone who crosses the border between Canada and the U. S. who admits to using cannabis before Oct. 17, 2018, when restrictions on the use of this substance were lifted in Canada, could receive a lifetime ban on entering the United States. British Columbia residents might feel at ease when they … Continue reading “US immigration laws can put lifetime entry ban on cannabis users”

Sometimes, when residents of Vancouver or other British Columbia cities have to travel across the border into the United States, they are unsure of which documentation would be required. If you are experiencing such a dilemma, you might find comfort in knowing that the Border Solutions law firm can provide support and guidance throughout your … Continue reading “US immigration: Do you or don’t you need a green card?”

British Columbia residents who plan trips south of the border as tourists, to visit family, for medical treatment, conventions, amateur sports, social activities or other nonimmigrant purposes might have many questions. Getting answers before crossing the border could avoid potential problems. The required visa type, eligibility, questions that border agents might ask and which supporting documents … Continue reading “US immigration requirements for nonimmigrant visitors”

The prohibition of cannabis in British Columbia and elsewhere in Canada has come to an end, and although the substance was legalized in the state of Washington as far back as 2012, taking it across international borders is still illegal. U.S. immigration laws are based on the fact that marijuana possession is against federal law. … Continue reading “US immigration: Jay Inslee asks B.C. cannabis users to be patient”

British Columbia individuals with extraordinary achievements or abilities need special visas to enter the United States. To comply with U.S. immigration laws, individuals who accompany these exceptionally talented people as assistants, and also their spouses and children, need special visas. These are classified as O nonimmigrant visas, and are subdivided according to the unique skills … Continue reading “US immigration visa requirements for those with special skills”

According to Statistics Canada, over 42 million Canadians, including many from British Columbia, made overnight or same-day trips to destinations south of the border in 2017. However, with the imminent legalization of the retail marijuana market, authorities are speculating over the problems this will pose for Canadians crossing the U.S. border. Under U.S. immigration and … Continue reading “US immigration: Marijuana vs. border agents”

There are various reasons why a Canadian citizen from British Columbia could be refused entry into the United States. However, anyone who does not require a visa under the U.S. immigration laws, and who is not approved for entry into the United States might be eligible to make an advance application for a temporary waiver … Continue reading “US immigration: Declared inadmissible — what now?”

NEXUS is a bi-national program that allows low-risk Canadian travellers who are preapproved to enter the U.S. at designated points of entry — land, air and marine ports. Lawful permanent residents of British Columbia or other Canadian provinces or territories are eligible to file applications for NEXUS membership. Juveniles who are not yet 18 years … Continue reading “US immigration: Reasons for ineligibility for NEXUS participation”

A lot is being said about the rights of border agents to search the phones of Canadians crossing the border. Vancouver residents who plan to travel across the border to Seattle might be unsure about the criteria for when extensive cell phone searches are allowed. U.S. immigration issued a directive in January that explains the limits … Continue reading “US immigration cell phone searches are allowed at border crossing”