Filling "Work Authorization in US"="NO"

I have applied for so many jobs in US. Most of them will ask me like this "Do you need sponsorship for working in US","Are you authorized to work in US?",or "Could you work for any employee?".How should I answer this?


I am a Canadian and have B. Eng in Electrical Engineer. The jobs I am looking for is either Software Engineer/Electrical Engineer/Software Developer. Could someone please tell me how should I answer the question. Thank you. I will be really appreciated.

You need to answer truthfully and say that you are Canadian and would need sponsorship for a visa. You are not authorized to work in the US otherwise.

For engineering jobs (not software developer) there is a chance of getting TN-1 status so I suppose you'd have to explain that.

But really applying for jobs that say that when they don't know you means you won't get interviewed unless they're really desperate to fill the job. It's basically a filter to reduce the stack of resumés they have to plough through.

It's all about who you know, not what you know, as the saying goes.

I never managed to even get an interview for any company that had that on their employment paperwork.

I always think the best bet is to look for a company that has a lot of employees from the country you're from or which is run by people from the country you're from. Just shooting out resumés left and right will get you nowhere. At least look for jobs with non-US companies, e.g. Infosys.

Thank you. I am really appreciated.

Yes this part is really tricky.
Sure you don't want to lie.
I have been through this, but I am in a better situation since both of my BS, MS degree are from US school. I am present in the area while looking for jobs. This give the employer a illusion.

What I did in the past is to omit that particular part. It may seem strange to employer. But yet you didn't lie. Because as a Canadian getting TN is slightly different than other nationalities. I tell the truth to a real person when they call in for a phone screen. That way I still get a chance to talk and defend myself. It works pretty well. Of course, it is up to the employer whether or not to pursue further. You get to the point which they are interested in your skill, although your status may scare them to hell.

my 2 cents

Oh yes,
You better off stay away from programmer/ SW developer jobs.
It makes yourself harder to get TN. Unless u do H1 which is practically impossible only 1/3 chance and please wait to april 09 and start oct. 09

Honesty is the best policy.Always.
Be confident and Americans will employ you, some times even interview you over the phone. Once you get the job, if you can do it, you are fired on the spot and do not even ask you to return any money paid to you!