Canadian renting camera equipment in US

Hello,

I have a small camera rental business that is based in Canada. I often get requests for rentals from NY. Legally, am I allowed to drive into the US for the purposes of securing a rental? If not, is the E Visa class my only option?

Also, as a filmmaker is the TN visa completely out of the question for me if I get sponsored by a production company? If it is, then is my only option the O-1? Is there nothing lesser than "extraordinary ability" that will allow me into the US as a filmmaker?

Any input is much appreciated.

Thank you.

You said renting equipment. That could be done on simple B1 entry. They can contact you in canada, and you bring down the equipment. But sounds more like you give services. Renting cameras is NOT being a filmmaker. Be careful about using such double-speak. That will get you turned around simply for being vague.

A filmmaker would require a sponsor for employment.

Thank you Agnelson.

I should clarify my post because it is a little confusing. The camera rental service is totally separate from me being a filmmaker. I was asking about getting into the US as a filmmaker independent of the rental business.

Back to the rental business, if a simple B-1 would allow me to rent in the US, could I theoretically stay in the US for 6 months while renting my camera to American clients? I would still have the business based in Canada.

Thanks again.

Each entry on B1 is subject to authorization. You would describe the nature of your entry, and it would very likely be limited to that specific purpose: delivery of equipment, and, later, pick-up of equipment.
You would not be authorized to do anything else after that. You would merely be a tourist for any other time you spent there, or would be in violation of your B1 entry.

Filmaker would need the type of visa you mentioned earlier, which is obtained threough employment/sponsorship of a US entity (and your renatl business wouldstop at that point, too, as this would not be allowed on O status).