Canadians desire to migrate to other countries to either experience a new life or earn more to finance their lifestyle. They are allowed to work in the United States but are required to obtain a United States work visa before they can legally work.
This article aims to answer these questions; can Canadians work in the US? Can they earn more? What visa do I need to work in the US? So stay with me every step of the way to get the answers you need to start a new life. We want to work with you to help you fulfill your dreams.
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Work Visa Options for Canadians
There are different types of work visas that Canadian citizens can apply for, including the H-1B visa, L-1 visa, and TN visa. This is one of the requirements for Canadians to work in the US
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1. H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa offers a pathway for skilled workers to work for some time in the United States. It is designed for occupations demanding specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree. This program enables U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in fields requiring advanced expertise. The sweet thing about this Visa is that the employer will pay for this Visa on your behalf.
Eligibility for H-1B Visa
H-1B status is available to a person who was offered a temporary professional position by a U.S. employer. A bachelor’s degree or higher in a related area is the minimum educational level required for a position to qualify for H-1B status. A bachelor’s degree or a higher degree makes you eligible for this Visa.
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Applying for H-1B Visa
To apply for an H-1B visa stamp, while looking for employment opportunities in the USA for Canadians, you need to:
- Complete and submit Form DS-160
- Pay the associated visa fees to schedule an interview at the nearest U.S. consulate
The basic USCIS filing fee of USD 460 applies to all H-1B petitions.
Validity and Renewal of H-1B Visa
This visa is Initially granted for three years, it can be extended for an additional three years, totaling a maximum duration of six years. To renew it, your employer will need to complete and file Form I-129 again on your behalf, along with any supporting documents, and pay the filing fee.
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2. TN Visa
The non-immigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visa allows citizens of Canada as NAFTA professionals, to work in the United States in prearranged business activities for U.S. or foreign employers. Permanent residents of Canada are not able to apply for TN visas to work as NAFTA professionals.
Some of the professionals that qualify are:
- Accountants
- Architects
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Disaster relief insurance claims adjusters
- Economists
- Engineers
- Foresters
- Graphic Designers
Eligibility for TN Visa
To be eligible for a NAFTA work visa for Canadians, you must meet the following TN visa requirements for Canadians.
- Be a citizen of Canada;
- Your profession should be on the NAFTA list ;
- The job position in the United States requires a NAFTA professional;
- You will work in a prearranged full-time or part-time job for an employer. Self-employment is not permitted.
- You have the qualifications, you can meet the specific requirements, have education, and have experience in the profession. Come work with us to achieve your goals.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of TN Visa
For Canadians seeking employment in the USA under this Visa, you need to take note of the following:
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Permission to work in the US professionally | It is not a dual-intent visa |
| You can maintain TN Visa status indefinitely | You can’t apply for this if you have a PR status |
Applying for a TN Visa
To apply for this Visa, the form to fill is the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160. You must:
- Complete the online visa application
- Upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. (Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph requirements).
- Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
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3. L-1 Visa
Working in the USA on a Canadian passport is possible when you have the right Visa.
The L-1A non-immigrant classification enables a U.S. employer to transfer an executive or manager from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States.
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This visa also enables a foreign company that does not yet have an affiliated U.S. office to send an executive or manager to the United States to establish one. However, the L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa and is temporary. The total L1 visa duration is anywhere from 5 to 7 years.
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Eligibility for L-1 Visa
To be eligible for this Visa as a Canadian to work in the US
you must fulfill the following:
- Have been working for a qualifying organization abroad for at least one year.
- Be willing to enter the United States to provide service in an executive or managerial capacity for a branch of the qualifying organization.
Applying for L-1 Visa
The L1 Visa process is quite complicated and requires the successful completion of several steps. They are:
- Your employer will file form I-129 on your behalf
- Your employer will pay the filing fee, make sure they keep a copy of this receipt on file
- You will file online form DS-160 (Online Non-immigrant Visa Application)
- You will pay the L1 Visa application fee, make sure you keep a record of this receipt
- Schedule an appointment for your L1 Visa interview
- Submit all of your supporting documentation as part of your application
NOTE: When you attend your visa interview, you will need all of the requested documents, including the confirmation page from your DS-160 application, and your receipt from your application fee.
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Other Temporary Work Visas
There are some more Visas Canadians seeking employment in the USA can apply for.
- E-3 Visa: The E-3 classification applies only to nationals of Australia. You must be coming to the United States solely to perform services in a specialty occupation.
- J-1 Visa: Exchange visitor (J) visas are non-immigrant visas for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States
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Permanent Residency Options
A Green Card holder is a permanent resident who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States permanently. As proof of that status, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants a person a permanent resident card, also called a Green Card.
There are several ways to get this Green Card. They are:
1. Employment-Based Green Card
You can get this by being employed in the US. Here, foreign nationals may be able to obtain an employment-based green card when they have a job offer from U.S.-based employers.
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2. Marriage to a US Citizen
This is another route to get a Green card. A marriage green card is a type of immigrant visa that allows you to live and work in the United States. It is available to the spouses of U.S. citizens or green card holders. Applying for a marriage green card takes 9–38 months and costs $1,400–$1,960.
Tips for Finding Jobs in the US
How to get a job in the USA as a Canadian is easy if you know the right tips. Job search doesn’t have to be so tedious you know. Check out these tips below:
- Research the industry you want to work with.
- Check out job boards for vacancies
- Submit your resume tailored to the job role.
- Do not forget to add your cover letter.
- Prepare for your interview.
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Job Search Sites for Canadians
Can Canadians work in the US? Yes, they can. But first, you need to get a job and you can do that by checking out these sites.
- Monster
- CareerBuilder
- Glassdoor
- Eluta.ca
- Workopolis
- Simply Hired
- Canadajobs
- Jobillico
- Bank Canada
- PostJobFree
- Ladders
- Wowjobs Canada
- ZipRecruiter
- Indeed
- Jobboom
- TalentEgg
- FlexJobs
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Relocating to the US
There are some tips you need to know if you are planning on relocating to the US. Some of them are:
- Be prepared for all the paperwork: visa and documents.
- Think about healthcare options.
- Look for accommodation so you won’t be stranded on arrival.
- Understand the education system especially if you plan on making the move with your family.
- Open a US bank account.
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Interviewing for US Companies
There are employment opportunities in the USA for Canadians but you need to submit your application and interview before getting the job offer.
To prepare for your interview, do these:
- Research the position and organization (e.g., mission, goals, etc.) before the interview.
- Familiarize yourself with the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the position. Organization.
Adequate preparation will help you ace your interview.
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Conclusion
Working in the US is a dream come true for a lot of Canadians. There are lots of benefits to be gotten if you have the privilege of working in the US. This article has answered the question Can Canadians work in the US? From the various Visas available to be eligible to work in the US to the requirements. Book a free consultation with us today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a work visa as a Canadian?
Yes, you do. You can’t work legally in the US without one.
Can I work remotely for a Canadian company in the US?
Yes. You need a visa for where YOU ARE, not where the work goes. You aren’t in Canada therefore no visa is required from Canada to work remotely.
What jobs are available for Canadians in the US?
A lot of jobs are available from healthcare, education, and engineering to customer services
Can a Canadian get a job in the USA?
Canadian citizens are allowed to work in the United States, but they are required to obtain a United States work visa before they can legally work in the United States or take a job.
