United States Visas

Visa options, requirements, and timelines for Canadian professionals moving to United States.

TN Visa (CUSMA/USMCA)

The fastest work visa for Canadians. Available for 63 professional occupations under CUSMA. Can be obtained at the border with a job offer letter — no petition required.

Requirements

•Canadian citizenship (not just PR)
•Job offer from a US employer in a qualifying profession
•Relevant degree or credentials for the profession
•Can be obtained at a US port of entry or airport

Processing Time:Same day at border, or 2-4 weeks if pre-filing

H-1B Visa

The standard work visa for specialty occupations. Subject to annual lottery cap of 85,000 visas. Three-year validity, extendable to six years.

Requirements

•Bachelor's degree or equivalent in specialty field
•Employer sponsorship and petition (Form I-129)
•Subject to annual cap and lottery (unless cap-exempt)
•Prevailing wage requirement

Processing Time:Lottery in March, start October. 3-6 months processing.

L-1 Intracompany Transfer

For employees being transferred from a Canadian office to a US office of the same company. No cap, no lottery.

Requirements

•Employed at Canadian office for at least 1 year in past 3 years
•Transferring to a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate US office
•Manager/executive (L-1A) or specialized knowledge (L-1B)

Processing Time:2-4 months, or 15 days with premium processing

O-1 Extraordinary Ability

For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. No cap, no lottery.

Requirements

•Evidence of extraordinary ability (awards, publications, high salary, etc.)
•At least 3 of 8 criteria must be met
•US employer or agent sponsorship

Processing Time:2-4 months, or 15 days with premium processing

Tax Overview

Tax implications for United States

Income Tax Rate

10–37% federal + 0–13.3% state (varies)

The US has a complex tax system with federal, state, and sometimes city taxes. However, the Canada-US tax treaty prevents double taxation. Some states (Texas, Florida, Nevada, Washington, Wyoming) have no state income tax, which can make total tax burden lower than Canada.

✓No state income tax in TX, FL, NV, WA, WY, TN, SD
✓Canada-US tax treaty prevents double taxation
✓Must file Canadian departure return when leaving
✓Social Security + Medicare: 7.65% employee contribution
✓401(k) retirement accounts with employer matching
✓Health insurance typically through employer

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