1.1 Canada to USA: The Dunki Route – Everything You Need to Know
In today’s blog, I’m going to address an important topic: moving from Canada to the USA through the Dunki route. If you’re currently in Canada or even outside of Canada and you’re thinking about migrating to the USA illegally, or if you’re considering studying in Canada but ultimately want to settle in the USA, this blog is for you. I’ll answer common questions, share reasons behind this decision, discuss potential issues, and provide solutions to help you navigate this situation. ( Canada to United States (USA) Dunki why? )
If you have a strong profile, know English well, and are still considering the USA over Canada, then this blog will be beneficial. I’ll dive deep into why you might choose the USA despite having options like Canada study visas. However, if your profile doesn’t meet certain criteria, this post may not be relevant for you. Feel free to skip it.
If your profile is weak (low education, lack of English proficiency) and you are considering taking the Dunki route (through Mexico or from Canada) to the USA, this blog is not for you. This post is meant for individuals who have a strong profile, are capable of securing either a USA study visa or a Canada study visa, or are already in Canada on a study visa, work permit, or visitor visa. If you can secure a Canadian study visa and you have the potential to settle in Canada, but instead you’re opting to go to the USA before obtaining your Canadian PR, then this blog is exactly for you.
1.2 Ways to reach the USA
Two common ways to reach the USA include legal and illegal pathways.
1.2.1 Legal Pathway: USA Study Visa and H1B
One legal way to reach the USA is by obtaining a USA study visa. After completing your studies, many individuals secure an H1B visa, which is a work visa that allows them to live and work in the USA. The H1B visa can be extended multiple times, enabling individuals to stay in the USA for long periods. In fact, many people have been in the USA for 15 to 20 years while waiting for their green card. This process can take a long time, especially for individuals from countries like India and China.
The H1B visa process often starts with a work permit, followed by H1B sponsorship, which is extended for several years. However, the waiting time for a green card (permanent residency) is long, and it can be a challenging journey for many, especially in the case of Indians, who make up approximately 50% of the H1B visa holders.
1.2.3 Illegal Pathway: Reaching the USA via Asylum
For those who take an illegal route to the USA, asylum is often the way to get a green card. Whether you arrive via Mexico, Canada, or even enter on a visitor visa and overstay, people often apply for asylum. This process allows them to stay in the country and wait for their green card. Asylum seekers can even obtain a work permit while they wait for their green card.
However, there have been changes under the Trump Administration, and the process for asylum seekers could become more difficult. Deportations and stricter immigration policies may also impact those in the system. While these changes may affect future applicants, this remains a common path for illegal immigrants.
1.3. Reasons for reaching the USA
So, why do people choose to go to the USA? There are various reasons, and the primary reason people take such risks, whether legally or illegally, is the potential for higher earnings. The USA offers greater business and job opportunities compared to many other countries, including Canada. The lure of better salaries, career prospects, and a more prosperous future drives many individuals to seek opportunities in the United States.
Whether reaching the USA through legal means like a study visa and H1B, or illegally through asylum, the reasons people make the journey are clear: they seek higher earnings, better job prospects, and business opportunities. While both paths have their challenges, the potential rewards of living and working in the USA continue to draw people from around the world.
1.4 Issues in Reaching the USA Illegally
Reaching the USA, whether through legal or illegal means, comes with significant challenges. While the legal route involves its own set of issues, such as mental stress during the green card process, illegal routes carry much higher risks. Let’s take a look at the major issues one may face when attempting to reach the USA illegally.
1.4.1 Life Risk
One of the most significant risks in the illegal journey to the USA is the risk to life. You’ve likely heard stories of tragic deaths when people attempt to cross from Canada to the USA. For example, the story of the Gujarati family is widely known. Similarly, those crossing from Mexico face life-threatening dangers, which are often highlighted in news reports and videos. Life is at risk during such illegal crossings, and it’s crucial to remember that we only have one life, unlike a video game, there is no second chance.
Even when crossing from Canada, where some might think it’s safer, there are still serious risks involved. Border agencies, such as the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) and the USA’s CBP (Customs and Border Protection), are cracking down on illegal crossings, and you could lose your life or be caught and deported.
1.4.2 Deportation and Ban from the USA
The second major risk is deportation and being banned from entering the USA. If caught attempting to enter illegally, you will likely face deportation, along with a ban from the USA. This ban can have far-reaching consequences, as the USA shares immigration data with several other countries, including Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand known as the “Five Eyes” countries. This means that a deportation from the USA could prevent you from entering these countries as well, further complicating your travel and immigration plans.
1.4.3 No Fixed Timeline for Green Card
If you apply for asylum after entering the USA illegally, there is no fixed timeline for receiving a green card. After submitting your asylum application, you might receive a work permit, but the waiting time can vary significantly. Some individuals get their asylum approved within 2-3 years, while others wait 5, 7, or even 10 years. Additionally, there is always a chance that your asylum application could be rejected, resulting in possible deportation.
1.4.4 Unable to Visit Your Home Country
While your asylum application is pending, you cannot leave the USA. You are not allowed to return to your home country, even if there is an emergency. If you try to visit your home country during the asylum process, it could jeopardize your application. The basis for an asylum application is often the claim of security issues in your home country, and if authorities discover that you travelled back, it could be seen as a contradiction, leading to the rejection of your application and potential deportation.
This means that you may face years of separation from family members, even for significant life events such as the death of a parent or marriage of sibling. Your life in the USA will become isolated, with no possibility of leaving until your asylum application is processed.
1.4.5 Thin Chances of Reuniting with Family
Even if you are granted asylum and are allowed to stay in the USA, there are thin chances of bringing your family members over. For example, applying for a visitor visa for your parents while your asylum application is in process is often unsuccessful. Asylum seekers on work permits typically face difficulties in having family members join them in the USA. This can lead to long periods of family separation and emotional distress.
Reaching the USA illegally is fraught with risks, including life-threatening dangers, deportation, family separation, and an uncertain future. While many are aware of these risks, they choose to take the chance in pursuit of better opportunities. However, it’s essential to carefully consider the consequences before choosing this path.
1.5 Solution
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for everyone, many people moving from Canada to the USA can benefit from a better alternative. If you’re currently in Canada on a study visa or you’re applying for a USA study visa from your home country (e.g., India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, etc.), it might be worth considering Canada as your destination instead.
- Choose Canada Over the USA
If you have the option to get a Canada study visa, it’s a better choice. Even if you have already obtained a Canada study visa while in Canada, there’s no need to rush to the USA. You can achieve your long-term goals while staying in Canada, and here’s why.
- USA Visitor Visa: If you are already in Canada, obtaining a USA visitor visa is relatively easy. With a visitor visa from Canada, study visa, or work permit, you can travel to the USA anytime. There’s no issue in going back and forth between the two countries legally as long as you stay within the visa requirements usually for less than 6 months per visit.
- Job and Business Opportunities: Once in Canada, you can explore future job and business prospects not only within Canada but also in the USA. If you hold a visitor visa for the USA, you can travel across the border frequently. This setup gives you the flexibility to explore both countries without the stress of visa complications.
- Achieve Canadian PR & Citizenship
The path to Canadian PR and citizenship is relatively straightforward. In just 4 years, you can secure your Canadian PR. After that, within an additional 2 to 3 years, you can apply for Canadian citizenship and receive your Canadian passport. This process is a significant milestone because once you have PR in Canada, you can freely pursue any goals you had before, whether they involve starting a business, further education, or even pursuing a career in the USA. You may ask, “What is the trade-off for obtaining Canadian PR?” The answer is simple, 4 to 5 years. But in exchange for this small period of time, you gain the security of knowing that you are building a stable future. This is not a sacrifice; it’s an investment in your future stability.
- USA H1B visa holders often spend 15 to 20 years in the USA and may buy homes, cars, and establish families. But can they truly call the USA their home? The answer is often no. Despite being settled with children and careers, many are uncertain about their future because of the precarious nature of the H1B visa system.
- If the government decides to halt the issuance or extension of H1B visas, those individuals would be forced to leave the country—even after years of investment. This creates tremendous stress and uncertainty, as they don’t have a permanent solution.
- Getting Canadian PR is Crucial for Your Future
Moving to a country without securing Permanent Residency (PR) is a waste of time and money. If you don’t obtain PR, you risk having to start over from scratch if you ever need to move. The cost of moving countries can range from $30,000 to $50,000. Without PR, you’ll constantly be at risk of losing your status and might find yourself scrambling for solutions when unexpected changes happen.
- We have many clients who are already living in the USA are opting to apply for Canada study visas for a more stable and predictable future. They’re doing this because they are unsure about their green card or PR process in the USA. By studying in Canada, they’re positioning themselves to get Canadian PR, which will give them a solid foundation for a permanent future.
- Even though they may already have jobs in the USA, these individuals are prioritizing securing PR in Canada, knowing that it offers more stability and certainty compared to the USA immigration system.
- Focus on Securing Your Canadian PR
The main step in your journey is securing Canadian Permanent Residency (PR), which remains highly achievable even as the immigration process becomes more competitive. While the number of applicants may have decreased, this has actually increased the chances of success in obtaining PR in Canada.
Once you’ve set your sights on securing PR in Canada, your next step should be planning for homeownership, especially if your job or business opportunities are linked to the USA. Consider buying a home near the Canada-USA border. Cities like Vancouver, Windsor, or Montreal are ideal locations.
Living near the border allows you to pursue career opportunities in the USA while returning home to Canada without long commutes. This setup offers flexibility, especially for those whose careers may be based in either country.
- Benefits of Home Ownership and Business Investment
After obtaining your Canadian PR, you can choose to buy property in both Canada and the USA. You can make multiple investments, own homes, or even start a business in the USA. However, it’s essential to first secure PR in Canada, as this provides stability and peace of mind.
Owning property in Canada ensures you always have a place to return to, making Canada your “home” for the long term. Even if challenges arise in the USA, you will have the security of Canadian PR to fall back on. Your PR status guarantees that no one can ask you to leave, unlike the uncertainties that come with non-immigrant work visas like the H1B.
- Enjoy Peace of Mind with Canadian PR
While the process of obtaining Canadian PR may take four to five years, the rewards are worth it. What you’re really gaining is peace of mind and the assurance of a stable, long-term future. With Canada PR, you can confidently build a life without fear of deportation or uncertain visa extensions.
- If you’ve considered moving to the USA at age 25, perhaps it’s better to think about it when you’re 30 or 35. Moving to the USA may not be as necessary if you can secure a fulfilling life in Canada, a developed, well-established country offering numerous opportunities.
- Canada is a Great Place to Live & Work
While Canada may not have the same cultural appeal as the USA for some, it’s far from being “the worst place.” Canada is a highly developed country with great job prospects, an excellent standard of living, and a stable economy.
For instance, Victoria is one of the best cities to live in Canada, offering fantastic job opportunities, a high standard of living, and lower competition for immigrants. Similarly, Ottawa and Montreal are vibrant cities with high-income levels and growing industries. These places are fantastic for immigrants looking to settle down, find rewarding jobs, and enjoy the benefits of Canadian life.
1.6 Make Your Settlement Possible Between Canada and the USA
If you’re planning to settle between Canada and the USA, there are several strategies you can use to make this possible, especially if you’re living in Canada and working or doing business in the USA. Here’s how:
1.6.1 Vancouver Example
For example, if you live near Vancouver, in Surrey, you can purchase a home and commute to Seattle, Washington, for work or business. The commute time is about 2 hours one way, which is manageable if you’re able to commute daily. Alternatively, you can live in Seattle for 4-5 days a week for your job or business, and return home to Canada on weekends. Many people do this on a regular basis, balancing their time between both countries.
Living close to the border gives you the flexibility to choose your living arrangements and job location without having to make permanent decisions. This model works for both jobs and businesses.
1.6.2 Windsor and Detroit Example
Another great example is living in Windsor, Ontario, and working or running a business in Detroit, Michigan. The proximity of the two cities makes commuting easy. You can live in Windsor and travel to Detroit for work, where you may find higher salaries or different job opportunities. Similarly, if you have a business in Detroit, you can live in Windsor and manage your business operations in the USA.
1.6.3 Opportunities in Other Border Cities
There are also many other cities near the border where you can live in Canada and work in the USA. Cities such as Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, London, and Niagara are all relatively close to the USA border. This gives you the option to commute or do business across the border without having to settle permanently in the USA.
1.6.5 Passive Investment and Business Opportunities
In addition to commuting for work or business, you can also explore passive income opportunities. For example, you can purchase property in the USA for rental income, without the need to live there full-time. This kind of real estate investment can generate passive income, allowing you to earn money without being physically present in the USA. Similarly, you can invest in businesses or other ventures in the USA, again, without being there every day.
Living in Canada and owning property or running a business in the USA can be a smart and flexible way to manage your career and finances. As long as you have PR in Canada and a home in Canada, everything is sorted for you. You don’t need to leave your home in Canada. Once you’ve secured your Canadian PR, you’re free to do business or work in the USA, and you can make investments across the border with no issues.
1.7 Apply through Globexa
If you’re considering opportunities in either the USA or Canada, Globexa can assist with your journey. Whether you’re looking to move to the USA on a study visa or prefer to pursue a Canada study visa, we’re here to help. The choice is yours!
This blog is particularly for those who are already in Canada on a study visa and are thinking about moving to the USA. Our advice is simple: stay in Canada and complete your studies. While moving to the USA may seem like the easy option, it’s essential to consider the bigger picture. Seeking asylum may seem like an option, but it’s not the right path for everyone, and its chances of success are decreasing due to the current situation. There are a variety of issues associated with this path, and I’ve already outlined many of them in this blog.
Instead, it’s recommended that you complete your studies in Canada, pursue your Canada PR (Permanent Residency), and then move to the USA later. It may take four to five years, but the rewards are worth the wait. Plus, during that time, you’ll be living in Canada with the freedom to call your parents and enjoy the long-term benefits of this process.
If you want to make the process of obtaining your Canada PR easier, we have blogs available on that topic. Be sure to check them out for more information.
Thank you for reading this blog, and I look forward to sharing more insights with you in the next one!
