Fired from my job after 5 months

I understand that now. What's done is done. At least I have a photocopy. All this has been (is being) a valuable learning experience. My landlord (agency) told me if I can prove I have to leave the country with documentation, I can break my lease. I sent them the TN part of the NAFTA document along with my termination letter. I hope that will suffice.
I don't think I will ever take another job in the US under these conditions. I gave up a lot to come here only to have it all lost because "I wasn't a good fit" for their liking. Looking back, I was pretty easy going and not as aggressive as the rest. Typical Canadian, eh?

For me, moving to US on TN without the promise of GC is for new grads -- or unemployed. If one alrady has a career in Canada, then only more substantial offers should be entertained.

But it is always a risk.

There is nothing stopping you from finding another US job; after all you found this one in a bad market.

I understand that now. What's done is done. At least I have a photocopy. All this has been (is being) a valuable learning experience. My landlord (agency) told me if I can prove I have to leave the country with documentation, I can break my lease. I sent them the TN part of the NAFTA document along with my termination letter. I hope that will suffice.
I don't think I will ever take another job in the US under these conditions. I gave up a lot to come here only to have it all lost because "I wasn't a good fit" for their liking. Looking back, I was pretty easy going and not as aggressive as the rest. Typical Canadian, eh?

this whole thing of not being the right fit etc. is typical these days. The stress is indeed too much to take with this kind of scenario. A 3 yr TN is pretty much worthless if something like this happens and it happens to many on H1B or TN.

Ok lesson learned. I should have kept everything in my possession until I knew what was going to happen. In my defense, there is not much out there. My landlord contacted me and said I could break the lease. I've cancelled utilities, cable, etc for the end of February. I think it would be best to move everything back to Canada in one truckload and store them than to try to cross and find I can't come back to retrieve my belongings.
I was laid off in Canada before I took this job in the US. I thought it would be fine considering all I needed was a TN-1. I guess I was in a happy fog when I accepted the job and didn't research the complications of working under a TN-1. I hope this thread will help other Canadians considering taking a job in the US. Way too many hassles for me. I do not want to look for another job down here. Jobs in my area maybe slim up in Canada, but at least there isn't a daggar over my head and I am free to apply for various positions or go back to school without visas. Besides, all my family and friends are in Canada. The old saying is true...there is no place like home.

Youi are eligible for collecting UI, once your severance runs out. Contact services canada

Ok lesson learned. I thought it would be fine considering all I needed was a TN-1. I guess I was in a happy fog when I accepted the job and didn't research the complications of working under a TN-1. I hope this thread will help other Canadians considering taking a job in the US. Way too many hassles for me.

I totally agree. Its really tough to build a future on a TN. My first position in the states was supposed to become permanent after a year or two, but they wanted me on a TN for several years before moving towards a green card - each TN application, I'd have to prove that I didn't intend on staying permanently, each year, paying taxes in two countries. Fortunately, I was able to find another job in my field while in the states, and my new employer started working on my green card application as soon as I got there. Makes all the difference, and definitely worth bringing up in the interview! If they won't commit to some sort of green card schedule, I agree, its probably better staying in Canada...

You know what is really funny with my situation? I just took my signed termination contract back to the HR dept. I was asked how I was doing and told them I was hurrying to leave the country. The HR person told me their immigration lawyer said I had 10 days to leave the country. Ha ha ha. At my exit interview they said I could take 15 days to bring back the paperwork. What a sham. At least that's one more thing off my to do list. Anyhow, I'll be taking a bit of time to organize my thoughts, belongings, etc. I also have an appointment to visit the transition placement people on Friday. At least they can offer me suggestions as to better questions to ask and the like.

Ok lesson learned. I should have kept everything in my possession until I knew what was going to happen. In my defense, there is not much out there. My landlord contacted me and said I could break the lease. I've cancelled utilities, cable, etc for the end of February. I think it would be best to move everything back to Canada in one truckload and store them than to try to cross and find I can't come back to retrieve my belongings.
I was laid off in Canada before I took this job in the US. I thought it would be fine considering all I needed was a TN-1. I guess I was in a happy fog when I accepted the job and didn't research the complications of working under a TN-1. I hope this thread will help other Canadians considering taking a job in the US. Way too many hassles for me. I do not want to look for another job down here. Jobs in my area maybe slim up in Canada, but at least there isn't a daggar over my head and I am free to apply for various positions or go back to school without visas. Besides, all my family and friends are in Canada. The old saying is true...there is no place like home.

The reason why this whole work permit in the US is so stressful is that it is not a portable work permit. If it was portable, then even if they let you go, one can look for new positions and stay put in the apartment. This whole thing of changing over to a visitor or student visa to 'stay in status' is really bizarre in my opinion. They should just allow the person to stay without hassles until the 3 years are over. So then one can plan accordingly. The lack of portability is the main problem. Company-specific work permit means that there is a dagger over your head every weekend.

-- Thu Jan 21, 2010 2:13 pm --

Youi are eligible for collecting UI, once your severance runs out. Contact services canada

EI can be claimed if one has the hours. Guess 5 months is enough.

-- Thu Jan 21, 2010 2:16 pm --

Makes all the difference, and definitely worth bringing up in the interview! If they won't commit to some sort of green card schedule, I agree, its probably better staying in Canada...[/quote]

Green card schedule helps but the portability of the work permit is what I am looking for.

I agree. A portable work permit would be great. I think the US is worried of people soaking the system. I don't know why so long as you can support yourself while looking for work. I think if you could prove self sustainablility then an extension to look for work would be fine.

As for me, there is no way I can get everything together in 10 days. I was thinking of moving my belongings in a UHaul truck and then come back to the US later that week by bus, get my car and turn in my apt keys.

It's still winter and I've never towed a car behind a truck before and would not like to take the chance. Does anyone know if it would be possible to return to get my car once out of the US? What if I indicated the car on my list of goods to follow?

You needed to file for B2 visa last week, by filing I-539.

This is free, I guess.

-- Thu Jan 21, 2010 3:07 pm --

I agree. A portable work permit would be great. I think the US is worried of people soaking the system. I don't know why so long as you can support yourself while looking for work. I think if you could prove self sustainablility then an extension to look for work would be fine.

As for me, there is no way I can get everything together in 10 days. I was thinking of moving my belongings in a UHaul truck and then come back to the US later that week by bus, get my car and turn in my apt keys.

It's still winter and I've never towed a car behind a truck before and would not like to take the chance. Does anyone know if it would be possible to return to get my car once out of the US? What if I indicated the car on my list of goods to follow?

You probably do not need to rush if you do the paperwork for visitor or student status but not sure. As for returning, other folks on this forum can help you out.

Agree that if one is self sustaining, one should be allowed to at least stay on until the 3 yr term is over. Extension would be a luxury in this case.

-- Thu Jan 21, 2010 3:11 pm --

I agree. A portable work permit would be great. I think the US is worried of people soaking the system. I don't know why so long as you can support yourself while looking for work. I think if you could prove self sustainablility then an extension to look for work would be fine.

As for me, there is no way I can get everything together in 10 days. I was thinking of moving my belongings in a UHaul truck and then come back to the US later that week by bus, get my car and turn in my apt keys.

It's still winter and I've never towed a car behind a truck before and would not like to take the chance. Does anyone know if it would be possible to return to get my car once out of the US? What if I indicated the car on my list of goods to follow?

The company is responsible for moving everything, good, car and yourself to the country of origin if they terminate.