[an_d_rew]

As a Canadian – born citizen who just recently became a US permanent resident I would caution you on how “easy“ the Canada to US Route appears to be but may not actually be.

My permanent residency was super straightforward. My PhD is from a US institution. I have a long research career and a very long software development professional resume, and it still took three years.

Be aware that the TN work permit can have a serious downside: it’s so easy and simple and straightforward to get for Canadian citizens that many employers will stonewall or simply not consider going the green card route. That’s what happened to me many years ago even before the current immigration insanity, which will likely make things worse for you.

In general Canadians have to go to the H1 B route. It is vaguely possible to apply for a green card while under a TN work permit, but because of the way the rules are interpreted by USCIS, most immigration lawyers with experience in the matter strongly strongly strongly advise against it.

[goodcanadian]

The issue with applying for a green card while on a TN is simple. The TN is non-immigrant intent while the H1-B can be dual-intent. There is absolutely nothing wrong with applying for a green card while on a TN. However, if for any reason, you are denied, you have now shown immigrant intent making it impossible to continue on a TN. You can, however, continue on an H1-B because it allows for dual intent.

[laurencerowe]

I believe that permanent residency wait times are based on country of birth not citizenship so for getting a green card becoming a Canadian citizen first would make no difference, only open up the possibility of working in the US on a TN. IANAL etc.

[startuplife01]

This is true. It's based on country of birth.

[nnd]

Why would you want to have a green card as a Canadian citizen thought?