May I return to Canada and work temporarily?

[barbsdesk 0]

I am a Canadian who has had a 'conditional' green card since June 2010. (Married my US resident wife in December 2009). We are and have continually been living with her family in US since I arrived in US October 2009.

I have an opportunity to work for a few months in my Canadian hometown for a much higher wage than what I am making at my PT job here.

We could use the money - but I do not want to put my status at risk.

Could someone please advise

(a) if returning to Canada to work for a few months allowed? My wife will remain in US at our residence with her family.

If it is allowed - what steps must I take to ensure I will be allowed to return to US?

(b) Must I have proof of a job offer before leaving US?

© Do I need a re-entry permit?

(d) Do I tell border guards i am entering country to work or just to visit family?

Thank you!

[Krikit 1,164]

Yes, you can return to Canada and work for a few months. Your employer will have to tax you as a non-resident (25%). You will submit a Canadian as well as a US tax return and claim the income on both. You don't require proof of a job offer, nor do you need a re-entry permit. Those are only for stays outside of the US lasting longer than one year. You can tell the Customs & Immigration Officers whatever you like. You have every right to visit and work in Canada.

[HeatDeath 430]

You can stay out of the US for up to 6 months with basically no questions asked. For absences between 6 months and a year, you may be required to show that you maintained a US residence during that time, which it sounds like you are doing.

So:

A ) Yes, this is allowed. There shouldn't be any problems.

B ) No.

C ) reentry permits are only required once you are out of the US for over a year. As long as you can guarantee, with complete metaphysical certitude, that you will be back between 6 months and a year from now, you shouldn't need one.

D ) You won't interact with US border officers at all on the way out. You will tell the Canadian border officers that you are a returning Canadian citizen. Your right to work in Canada is implicit in your Canadian citizenship. They will want to know how long you've been out of Canada, and whether you are coming back permanently [to which the answer is no.] Their main interest will much more likely be whether the stuff you bring back with you is dutiable or not.

Bear in mind that you will need to be present in the US for the biometric appointment and possible interview when you file for RoC.