11/7/2014
Topic:
Landing for US resident living part-time in US
Alphazip
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From personal experience (actually, my spouse's experience), I can tell you that what you're suggesting IS possible. I see nothing illegal about residing on both sides of the border, and your ID has to be from one side or the other, so why not from the U.S.? However, having a Canadian PR card and a U.S. driver's license and U.S.-plated vehicle is not the norm, and you WILL be questioned repeatedly and warned about losing your PR status for not residing in Canada, even if you are residing (mostly) in Canada. We even wrote to Canada Customs to ask about the car issue. The answer was: if entering Canada as a visitor , no problem; if entering as a resident, not allowed. Eventually (after 5+ years), my spouse retired, the U.S. house was sold, and all the ID was changed to Canadian, but up until then, the situation was problematic.
I have one American friend here, who, after getting PR, showed his PR card for the first time when entering Canada in his U.S. car. He had to turn around and was told that his car could have been confiscated! (Listing it on the incoming goods list wouldn't help, unless it was actually imported.) If he had just shown his U.S. passport, like all the other times he entered, he likely would have had no problem. I have another U.S. friend with PR who kept his U.S. license and attempted to drive his spouse's Canadian car into the U.S. Another no no.
All in all, it's just easier to get Canadian ID, though I can understand how it could be inconvenient when living on both sides of the border.
As to your kids, remember that they have to live in Canada 2 years out of 5 to keep their PR alive.
By the way, this isn't even getting to the financial complications involved in your situation. Be sure to get a tax advisor who is familiar with cross border issues. |