Canadian citizen for US postdoc, J-1 or TN?

samantha34 · Post by **samantha34** » Mon Apr 15, 2013 8:23 pm

Hi,
I am a Canadian citizen. I have found a position as a postdoctoral research fellow in US university. This makes me eligible as a exchange scholar for a J-1, or for a TN visa.
1) Where can I find info to know if I can waive the obligation to return to Canada after 2 years under a J-1?
2) I know ppl from some countries (like France) can be on a J-1 and be non-residents for tax purposes for 2 years in the US (= tax-exempt?). Is that true also for Canadians?
Thank you!

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Mon Apr 15, 2013 9:44 pm

1. this is an immigration question.
2, No. a cdn in J status cannot break Cdn residency.

samantha34 · Post by **samantha34** » Mon Apr 15, 2013 11:36 pm

ok thanks - so is that the same as for the TN ? it's "temporary" so supposedly you keep ties to Canada, is that it?
But if I reside fully in the US and I am paid in the US, is there a difference tax-wise between a TN and a J-1? Can I just file a depart return a file normally in the US (or is that something else entirely?)?

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Tue Apr 16, 2013 4:51 am

TN allows for liviong in US without any residence in Canada, and your days in US count towards tax residency. J1 does neither.

So, on TN, you DO become non-resident for tax purposes, even with the "temporary" nature onf TN, as long as you live in US.