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Cambridge guide: clarify citizenship records without treating residence as nationality

USAvisa field guide · 2 minute readReviewed 7 September 2026

Read the general eligibility basics overview

THE SHORT ANSWER

An applicant may hold Canadian permanent residence while using identity documents from another country. Explain each document’s actual purpose before comparing U.S. routes.

01

Keep residence and citizenship distinct

Hypothetical example: an applicant’s Canadian residence card and foreign passport show different issue dates. Neither date converts permanent residence into citizenship. TN principals need actual Canadian or Mexican citizenship and the applicable professional qualifications.

02

Identify the nationality relevant to investment

E-2 requires qualifying treaty nationality and generally at least 50% corresponding enterprise ownership, alongside substantial lawful committed capital and a real nonmarginal enterprise the principal develops and directs. A Canadian account or residence address does not itself establish treaty nationality.

03

Use employment records for transfer questions

L classifications examine qualifying organizations, relevant foreign employment and an eligible managerial, executive or specialized-knowledge U.S. role. Explain name differences accurately where needed, but do not assume correcting an identity record establishes those separate conditions.

SOURCE NOTES

Editorial source review: 2026-09-07. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.

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