Do you wish to be part of your favorite company in the U.S.?
The United States often beckons with exciting job opportunities and a dynamic lifestyle. But the question is can a Canadian work in the USA? You will get all your answers regarding this further in the blog. We will share if you can work in Canada, how you can do that and what is the visa process for the same. So let’s dive in and learn more about how Canadians can work in the U.S.
Can Canadian citizens work in the US?
If you are wondering that I’m a Canadian citizen, can I work in the United States as a Canadian? So the short answer is yes, you can. But you will be required to have a Canadian work visa for it. And having a letter from your employer will make it easier for you to have a work permit in the U.S. Thanks to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Nexus card it is easy to travel between the countries. But for work, the process is a little comprehensive. Canadian citizens have more advantages in comparison to other countries when it comes to working in the U.S.
Types of U.S. Work Visas Available to Canadian Citizens
Here are the different types of U.S. work visas available to Canadian Citizens.
TN Visa
Under the U.S – Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA), if a Canadian business professional is eligible, they can secure TN-1 visa status. This enables them to work in the United States and get a US work permit from Canada. This visa covers almost 63 professional categories, including engineering, science, teaching, and medical professions. It is ideal for Canadians who have received job contracts or offers from U.S. employers.
H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is available for specialized occupations that require a 4-year degree or somewhat equal experience. This visa is popular among professionals in healthcare, finance, IT, and engineering. The H-1B visa allows Canadian citizens to work in the U.S. for almost 3 years and later it can also be extended. However, it’s important to be mindful of the annual cap on H-1B visas, currently at 85,000, including 20,000 reserved for those with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions.
L-1 Visa
L-1 visa is an option available for Canadian citizens who are working in a company that has branches in both Canada and the U.S. This facilitates inter-company transfer. This option is usually available for executives, managers, and employees who have specialized knowledge and are crucial for companies’ operations.
E-2 Visa
E-2 visa is available for Canadian investors who make a significant financial investment in the country and contribute to the economic growth. To qualify for this visa the investors must establish that they have invested or they are in the process of investing. The capital invested should be sufficient to ensure the successful operation of the business that is generally around several hundred thousand dollars depending on the industry. Additionally, it should also generate job opportunities for U.S. citizens.
O1 Visa
The O-1 visa is limited to Canadian citizens who demonstrate extraordinary ability or achievement in their fields. This is an attractive option available for individuals who are highly accomplished in their respective fields. The O-1 visa category is limited to certain fields including sciences, arts, education, business, and athletics, and those with notable achievements in the television industry.
How to Obtain a Work Visa as a Canadian Citizen?
The TN visa is the most common pathway that Canadian citizens can obtain to live and work in the U.S. This visa is available especially for Canada and Mexico citizens to work temporarily in the U.S. for specific professional occupations.
Process Overview: Get a Job Offer or Invest: To apply for a U.S. visa you either need to get a job offer from your employer or make a significant investment in the U.S. that can help in a growing economy.
Meet Eligibility Criteria: To get a visa you need to meet the necessary eligibility requirements including being a Canadian citizen, having a job offer, or demonstrating investment in the economy. Certain other visas may have different requirements.
Prepare Necessary Documents: Before applying for a visa it is important to be prepared with all the necessary documents including a passport, job letter, academic credentials, degree or any other document required.
Apply at the US Border: Most Canadians apply for a visa at the US port of entry. But for that, you are supposed to attend the interview with the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.
Key Considerations for Working in the USA
Here are some of the key considerations for US visas for Canadian citizens:
Job Offer: For a work permit for a Canadian citizen in the US having a job offer from the US employer before applying for a work visa in the US.
Visa Process: The process of visas for Canadians and other foreign nationals can be a little complicated and time-consuming. It is important to start the visa application process early and gather all required documents.
Taxes: It is important to understand the tax liability of both Canada and the U.S. and filing for tax is crucial for financial planning.
Cost of Living: The cost of living is different in both countries, so it is important to research about the living expenses for budgeting.
Healthcare: Healthcare is a crucial consideration, US healthcare is different from Canada’s, so make sure to check the insurance coverage options.
The Bottom
As a Canadian, you can work in the U.S. if you have a job letter and a work visa. There are a few different visas that are available to work in the U.S. If you want to work in the U.S. you must have all the documents that are required to apply for the work visa. So as a Canadian citizen, if you wish to work, study, and live in the U.S.
If you are looking for an immigration lawyer, we are here to help. You can connect with us or book a consultation with us.