Could a US citizen rent an apartment in Toronto?

Question

Odd question, I know. But could a US citizen skirt the rules a bit by remaining a US Citizen, holding a job in Niagra or Buffalo, yet live across the border in Toronto, or Hamilton, etc. by renting an apartment. Could you rent through proxy or something like that?

My wife and I would really like to live in Toronto for a couple of years without having to give up US citizenship and the egocentric US won't allow dual citizenship.

Answer 1

A  U.S. citizen may visit in Canada for up to 6 months, but may not LIVE there legally  without applyng for a visa. You can start your research with the sites below.  I know there are people who do this...hope you hear from some so you can get first-hand info. You certainly do not need to become a Canadian or a dual citizen.

Answer 2

Yes. There is nothing illegal about it. You might have some trouble when it comes to running a credit check since you won't have a Canadian credit history and most landlords will have no idea how to check a US credit rating. So you might need to do some extra work and provide all your own documentation but it is perfectly legal.

I would warn against that commute though. Depending on what part of Toronto you live in getting to Buffalo with some rush hour traffic mixed in will take you at least an hour and a half each way and from some parts of Toronto it could take 2-3 hours each way.

Answer 3

For 6 months yes past six months you need to get permanent residency papers-and permanent residency does not mean you goive up US citizenship as it also does not mean you become a canadian citizen either .Your just granted stay

Answer 4

As long as you have the right money you could rent anything you wanted in Toronto.  Money Talks.

Answer 5

There is absolutely no bar on US Citizens (or for that matter other foreign citizens) renting an apartment in Canada. It is upto the respective landlords to determine the credit eligibility and other details of the tenant. So as far as renting an apartment is concerned it is not the problem.

The only thing that is how long a US Citizen is continuously staying in Canada. The usual limit is 6 months, past which the Canadian Immigration might to be involved for an extension. But if one is holding a job in Buffalo and travelling across every day, then that 'continuous stay' would not probably apply. This is one scenerio that might succeed.

However, you might want to check out if the US now allows dual citizenship.

Answer 6

Where did you get the idea that you would have to give up your American citizenship to live in Canada??????  You can immigrate to Canada and remain a citizen of the US the only restriction is that you can't vote and you won't be called for jury duty (I haven't).  

The downside is that it will take time and cost you some money and there is tax problems, the upside is that once you get your residency permission and you take up residency LEGALLY you will be intitled to the TAXPAYER funded medical system.

Answer 7

well this doesnt really answer your question but i thought they allowed dual citizenship...  because my sister was born in the US and we are Canadian (we were down there because my dad is military) she was able to chose if she wanted a dual citizenship, Canadian or US....  but maybe thats a different situation then yours...  i'm probably wrong...

sorry i couldnt help you more!