i am a treaty status canadian indian, what would i need to work and live in the USA?

Answer 1

Why would you want to leave Canada?

Answer 2

I think DAR has it pretty well- treaty status gives you the right to live and work in both Canada and the USA. The first thing is to demonstrate that you fit the definition. This can be complicated, so don't get discouraged if you don't get it right the first time.

Depending on where you live, i.e., how far from the US border you are, you might just take a ride to the border and ask them. Make sure you talk to someone in Immigration Secondary- a place where the guys with the badges know enough to help you. Most work involves looking at a passport, so you'll be better off finding someone who knows this part of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Answer 3

I assume you mean you are a member of a cross border tribe? Go to uscis.gov for details, but I think you essentially are good to go and just need paperwork to prove it. Some Canadian / U.S. tribes have come up with a DHS approved ID card (signed by 4 chiefs) that can be used in lieu of a passport at our end, but I don't think Canada has approved it yet so I don't think it is common. USCIS.gov will have the information, though.

Here is a bunch of stuff, but not from uscis.gov, so I'd double check it:

http://www.ailanyc.org/bordercrossing%20memo.pdf

Answer 4

Canadian First Nations - U.S. PR Status

Source: http://vancouver.usconsulate.gov/content/content.asp?section=visas&document=applying (near bottom of the page)

Aboriginal Canadians who have at least 50% aboriginal blood are eligible to apply for expeditious legal permanent residence at a U.S. port of entry. To apply, you will need to provide the following:
Your status card
Your birth certificate
Two photos less than 30 days old>
A valid reason for moving to the United States
Your new U.S. address
A letter stating your ancestry which includes your parents' percentage of aboriginal blood, your tribal group, and birth dates of yourself and your parents. The letter can be written by your Band Administrator or by a well recognized organization. United Native Nations provides this service as long as you can provide all the necessary information.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry will issue you Form I-181, which you take to the nearest Social Security Administration office, in the U.S., to apply for your Social Security Number. It is strongly recommended that you apply for your Green Card (I-551) too, because many Aboriginal Canadians, without the card, have experienced problems with their employers. However, they are not required by law to have a Green Card.
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Answer 5

Wow, I'd seriously recommend an immigration lawyer. They can help you through all of the channels and paperwork, to avoid possible heartbreak and delays.

You can find one online, they dont need to be near you, and don't cost nearly as much as you might think.