Canadians working in US

Society Business and Career
1

I recently graduated from University of Toronto with a Math and Economics degree, and haven’t found a fulltime job yet. Have done some research and it seems that there are more openings/jobs available in the US. I believe Canadians need a TN-1 visa to work in US which is usually granted. However I need more detail on this such as…

without any doubt, the American companies would be willing to hire US citizens/permanent residents first, but would they pefer canadians over nationals from other countries?

2

umm ... that was a serious concern

3

initiator,

yes, in general it is easier for Canadians to work in the U.S. compared to other foreign nationals - but companies are still hesitant to grant visas nevertheless.

When I graduated from U of T, I managed to do some consulting work in the U.S. under my own sole proprietorship company's name - so that would be another avenue if a company asks you, you can always work as an independent freelance consultant.

4

^
So your saying a canadian citizen could work as a consultant in USA without a VISA? Like as an hourly contractor?
You sure about that?

5

yep... you invoice the client and the client pays by cheque! simple... well, at least the larger corporations shouldn't have a problem with this.

6

There are ways to self employ oneself as Umer has mentioned, and then apply for TN1, they don't really tell you, but in legality, it's perfectly doable. Visit your nearest US consulate, and go through the criterias for applying the NAFTA visa. I am waiting till the end of summer, before I start to work half a week out of Seattle..

7

yeah... for me, another benefit is that it keeps my accounting simple enough to declare income to CCRA. This summer I'm going to be remotely working out of Toronto and flying to Washington on an as-needed basis! you can always agree upon a mutually satisfying arrangement with the employer.

8

^ I would imagine that you don't tell the customs dude that your going to USA for work? If you did, he would probably demand a visa. You probably tell him your going just for a meeting or something? true?

9

no - not really... I tell them I have a consulting engagement.... they ask me the name of the client and a contact person there... that's it!

that being said, my cousin who is a CA in Canada has been hassled a few times over the fact that why is it that the client has ased for services from his firm when they can get the services nationally too - lucky for him he has worked for PWC and BearingPoint so he doesnt need to say much about that - let the legal dept. of the companies handle that.