How long can I stay in Canada after getting my U.S. green card through EB2?

[Canada2USA2025 0]

Hi all,

I’m a Canadian permanent resident, currently employed in Canada. I recently got approved for a U.S. EB2 immigrant visa.

On March 6, 2025, I entered the U.S. via land to activate my green card. The CBP officer mentioned I had one year to move, but I’m unclear if that timeline is accurate.

A few weeks later, my physical green card was mailed to my U.S. address. I returned to Canada shortly after and am currently job hunting in the U.S. while still working in Canada.

My questions: 1.    How long can I stay in Canada without risking abandonment of my U.S. green card? 2.    Is the limit one year, or six months? 3.    Do I need to establish U.S. residence now, or does job hunting and intent to relocate suffice for the short term?

Thanks in advance for any insights.

[Boiler 47,030]

Usually they are passably generous initially, houses to sell, things to wind up.

 

Job hunting having obtained a work based immigrant visa would be an interesting conversation. Plus of course usually Employers want to see you are around and available.

[OldUser 9,213]

3 hours ago, Canada2USA2025 said:

 

 

 

My questions: 1.    How long can I stay in Canada without risking abandonment of my U.S. green card?

The less, the better. Green card is for living in the US. There's no clear math, but stays abroad for over 6 months reset clock for naturalization and over 1 years significantly increase chances of losing GC

[IntegerOverlord 6]

5 hours ago, Boiler said:

Job hunting having obtained a work based immigrant visa would be an interesting conversation

It's not that uncommon, EB-2 NIW and EB1A are very popular now, with them, you can get an employment-based green card without having a US employer first

And as a GC holder, you at least get to say that you will never require visa sponsorship, which simplifies things

 

But I agree that depending on the industry, Zoom interviews might not be an option

[Boiler 47,030]

6 hours ago, IntegerOverlord said:

It's not that uncommon, EB-2 NIW and EB1A are very popular now, with them, you can get an employment-based green card without having a US employer first

And as a GC holder, you at least get to say that you will never require visa sponsorship, which simplifies things

 

But I agree that depending on the industry, Zoom interviews might not be an option

I know how it works but may seem odd to someone at the PoE who sees National Interest

[IntegerOverlord 6]

2 hours ago, Boiler said:

I know how it works but may seem odd to someone at the PoE who sees National Interest

By the time USCIS and DOS approve you, I don't think a border officer would have much reason to question anything. Such are these categories, they allow foreign nationals without a job offer to permanently live in the US

[OldUser 9,213]

10 hours ago, Boiler said:

I know how it works but may seem odd to someone at the PoE who sees National Interest

I think many employers won't be taking somebody seriously unless they're in the US. And for OP, it would be beneficial to get at least local ID, SS card, lease, open bank account to get paid by US employer. I mean, ideally one should have 3-6 months of living expenses saved so can job search while getting settled. But that's ideal situation and not everybody can afford this...