Is it possible for a us citizen to work in the USA and live in canada???

Question

my partner cannot come into the states and we want to live on the canadian side of niagara falls but i will be working in the us side, is this possible? can i just come and go through the bridge in between?

Answer 1

I have been in the same boat.  The answer lies in your ability to gain a status in Canada.  If you are a minority the scales tend to tip in your favor.  But you must be able to gain a permanent residence status or at least an extended visitor status in Canada.  As long long as you are not a criminal at large or a wanted felon, and have a legitimate reason to be there that long, Canada issues Visitor visas in 6 mo. blocks.  If you have a legitimate reason (lack or funds for example) they may extend your visitor status another 6 mos.  After that you will have to prove to them that you are applying for permanent residence status (by handing in your application and paying the fee, around $500 Cn.) and they will extend your Visitor status one more time.  Applying for PR status is not easy.  You have to either have family there already (or be married to a Canadian), have at least $10,000 in the bank to start a business, or be well trained or schooled.  Or declare yourself a refugee :p

Answer 2

A US Citizen can live anywhere he/she wants.  If your employer doesn't have any problems, neither will Immigration/CIS.  The biggest drawback is the commute time- crossing could add significantly to your commute. Before doing anything permanent, I'd see what the commute is like. If you can live with it, you can cross a gazillion times a year, no worries.

The other side of the coin is Canada- they have funny ideas about migrants.  However, as long as you can satisfy them that you have ties to the USA (like a job), they may not mind seeing you every afternoon, like the Americans will see you every morning.