Has anyone ever gone `both ways' simultaneously?

[Ponga]

[Ehem]...Don't even go there. :

While assembling my Inland application for sponsorship from my CL partner...I had a `light bulb', moment. Granted, the light bulb is one of the little ones that you'd find inside your oven, but...a light bulb nonetheless.

Would it make sense for us to now apply for her PR card in my country (US) with an Outland apllication (we call them Green Cards there). It seems almost masochistic to even consider adding this to our `stress train', but...what do you think? I'd sponsor her from here, while she is sponsoring me...from here. Sounds like a great way to get a sort of 2-for-1 deal.

Or am I now totally brain dead...??

Thanks

 

[scylla]

Where are you actually planning on living? The US Green Card residency requirements are quite a bit stricter than those of Canadian PR. If you're not planning on living in the US for more than six months out of every year right now, I wouldn't bother.

 

[scylla]

Also - the US has income requirements for spousal sponsorship (125% of the poverty level). If you're not working right now (I believe you're living in Canada but not working), then you don't qualify to sponsor your spouse without finding a US co-sponsor with sufficient income.

 

[Ponga]

Thanks. I found that same information after starting the thread.
Now excuse me while I go smash that little light bulb. LOL!

You are correct; I am not working in Canada, but I do have limited income from working remotely outside of Canada [telecommuting] while not being remunerated in Canadian funds or by anyone in Canada, along with some royalties [music]. Even though I am paid in the US, I'm still proud to contribute to the local economy...albeit it `pocket change' for most people here.

 

[Ponga]

Where are you actually planning on living? The US Green Card residency requirements are quite a bit stricter than those of Canadian PR. If you're not planning on living in the US for more than six months out of every year right now, I wouldn't bother.

We're planning to live here, but thought that sponsoring her for a Green Card would be useful, as we may want to live there sparingly...but not 6 months out of every year. She has a very long and impressive career here in her industry (financial services) and would like to at least `peek' into the US opportunities.

 

[scylla]

We're planning to live here, but thought that sponsoring her for a Green Card would be useful, as we may want to live there sparingly...but not 6 months out of every year. She has a very long and impressive career here in her industry (financial services) and would like to at least `peek' into the US opportunities.

You should look up the green card retention rules before you apply. Unlike Canada's 2 out of every 5 year residency rule for retaining PR - the US expect you to make the US your primary residency if you want to retain your PR card. If they see you're only coming in once in a while and making another country your primary home, your green card is going to be revoked pretty quickly (quite possibly within a year of becoming a green card holder). You can apply for a permit that allows you to be outside of the US for a year without jeopardizing your green card status. However there are requirements you must meet to qualify / apply - and this permit isn't something you can continue to use year after year.

I would recommend the following forum if you are interested in going ahead with the green card:

http://forums.immigration.com/forum.php

 

[Ponga]

Nah, I'll just chalk it up as a bad idea and be thankful for this opportunity.

Thanks again for your wisdom and insight...and for not laughing hysterically at the idea!