canadian moving to LA where do I start?

Chi_lo42
New Member



Joined: 02 May 2008
Posts: 3
Location: Toronto

Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 1:52 pm

 

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So the plan was to move to Los ANgeles as soon as possible, but I'm lost on where to even begin!

Should I hire a lawyer to ensure that everything goes smoothly? How much will the whole process cost me approximately?
do I have to have a job lined up before I apply for a visa?

HELP! I work in retail and have a 2 yr college diploma so I don't think any of this falls under the "special skills" section

Thanks!

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Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 496
Location: Calgary

Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 8:59 pm

 

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I doubt you could legally get into the US if you plan on working in retail, you couldn't get the labour certification for that. The only way would be family re-unification, which means you must have a close relative who is a US citizen (or in some cases, a permanent resident).
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Steve.

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Reba
Moderator


Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 848
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 4:35 am

 

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Why were you planning to move to LA? You have friends, or relatives there? Or just because its there?

More information may help us help you better.
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Are you in the US or Canada? Want to make some extra money? Check out My Watkins website for some awesom products and business opportunity.

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Chi_lo42
New Member



Joined: 02 May 2008
Posts: 3
Location: Toronto

Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 11:27 am

 

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I have friends but i'm only 23 and I want to start a career in the fashion industry and Toronto just isn't cutting it. Basically I just want a change not permanent though, but just a change of scenery!

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Reba
Moderator


Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 848
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 5:17 am

 

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Well, unless you are somehow qualified for a work visa of some sort and you're offered a job with a design company in LA, hiring a lawyer isn't going to do you any good.

Honestly, my advice would be to try and find a job with a design company in Toronto, establish yourself as totally awesome in the industry, and then in a few years start looking for a job in LA after you're known. IF there is a company in Toronto that has offices in LA, get a job with them. Then you could transfer.

Or go back to school and get a university degree that would qualify for a TN.
_________________
I miss Shreddies!

Are you in the US or Canada? Want to make some extra money? Check out My Watkins website for some awesom products and business opportunity.

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Chi_lo42
New Member



Joined: 02 May 2008
Posts: 3
Location: Toronto

Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 2:00 pm

 

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wow so it's really not that easy as it sounds! I thought i could just get some type of work visa and then pick up and go

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Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 496
Location: Calgary

Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 8:50 pm

 

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You could always go in as a student, F-1. F-1 students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week during the course of study (provided it's relevant to the course of study) and also there is optional practical training, which gives you a work permit for a year at the end of the course of study.

It's a pretty common thing for people starting out in the fashion industry to do it that way.

Has to be a significant course of study though, like an associate's degree.
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Steve.

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