Is it really impossible?

For years, I've been told by those who have a brother/friend/whatever working in the US that it was super-easy and all they had to do was get a job offer and they were in.

I've been looking into this for years, and again am dumbfounded as to where this loophole is that everyone seems to be getting in through. Because it appears to NOT be that easy.

I do not have a degree. My profession is not on the NAFTA list. But there are a few employers who I would be very desired by, one in particular that I would like to pursue work with. Regardless, based on everything I've read, I don't stand a chance in hell of getting in the country.

Is there something I'm not seeing? Should I just give up now and sign up to be a mail-order bride?

Why the rush to get into the US anyway? The economy is about in the tank, they figure unemployment will be over 5% by summer, real estate markets tanked, the cost of living is skyrocketing, and wages are not keeping up. They tore up all the gold paving on the roads and dried up the rivers of milk and honey a few years ago

I just don't get it. What is so attractive about having to live in the US?

While I appreciate you questioning my judgment, I've spent a lot of time in New York recently and most of my friends and career contacts live there (truly, I have more friends in New York than I ever have in my hometown). That city feels like home to me, and it makes me crazy that no matter what I'd be willing to do to be there, it wouldn't be enough.

Does anyone have an actual answer or helpful information for my situation? It would be much appreciated.

Are you otherwise eligible for some sort of employment visa? H1Bs are about the only other option (unless you're independently wealthy and can get an investors visa and open up shop somewhere).

I understand that someplace other than where you are now may feel like home when you visit, but honestly, once you get there to *live* it will feel entirely different altogether. And finding a job that'll pay the bills and keep you afloat in New York is going to be tough in this economy, especially if you have to find an employer willing to dish out some bucks for a visa for you.

Considering you don't have a university degree, and you haven't mentioned what your profession is exactly, its rather difficult for anyone to advise what your options would be. As they are severely limited if you don't qualify for the TN.

For years, I've been told by those who have a brother/friend/whatever working in the US that it was super-easy and all they had to do was get a job offer and they were in.

You can qualify for employment-based immigration, but the reality is that if you don't have a degree it's quite hard for the employer to show they need you, and even if they get over that bit, the waiting time for the lower preference categories is very long. No employer would hold a job that long unless it's someone who is doing you a favour.

Generally you would need an H-1B, then apply for change of status to employment-based immigration.

However there is a quota and getting an H-1B is very hard. Simply finding an employer who will do the paperwork is hard.

There are "loopholes" for example if a member of your immediate family is a US citizen they can sponsor you, but no, it's not as simple as some people make out.

Bear in mind the Canadian govt. is complicit in this, they don't want a "brain drain". The tax regs in Canada are very much set up to stop people from emigrating. Canada has about the toughest definition of residency for tax purposes in the world. Toughest I've come across anyway. (Except maybe Switzerland).

The only thing you can really look forward to I think is that the number of people applying for H-1Bs might go down because the economy is tanking in the US. But I've never liked H-1Bs, a lot of employers use them to pay low wages although in theory there is a Labor Dept. certification that they have to do to prove the salary is competitive (which is another reason employers don't like them).

Either that or get married to a US citizen or get a degree!

Thank you Steven, that's very good information to have. Much appreciated. I did get a marriage proposal when I was down there last, but I didn't think having known the guy for only 2 days would have made that a good idea. Now I know better!


As for Reba, I apologize if I gave any indication that I was a naive tourist who deserved to be condescended to. I've spent plenty of time in NYC, enough to have warranted finding an apartment and a roommate and dealing with all the literal and figurative crap that one deals with while living in NYC. But 100-person lineups at Whole Foods and late-night changes to the E train aside, I love that city more than anything. I'm not pursuing this because I want to eat at the Hard Rock Cafe and see Broadway shows every night. Y'know, why am I even trying to defend myself? Your mind is already made up about me and my flimsy motivations. I'm surprised to find this kind of attitude on a forum designed to help people, and even moreso to get it from a moderator.

I haven't made my mind up about anything other than the very real fact that the US really is not all that people think it is. The economy sucks right now, and will get worse. Finding a job is difficult for citizens, and trying to find an employer who is willing to shell out thousands of dollars for a foreigner is nill to unlikely, considering most employers don't know how long they'll be able to keep their current employees employed.

I look at thing realistically, and try to point out the reality to others is all. If you're not actually here in the US, you probably don't see how bad it is. I'm here. Trust me, it sucks

" find an employer who is willing to shell out thousands of dollars for a foreigner is nill to unlikely, considering most employers don't know how long they'll be able to keep their current employees employed. "


Please elaborate? Thousands of dollars to do the papers for an employee?

Since you don't have a degree and from your posting it sounds like you do not qualify for a TN visa. Your other option may be an H1 visa. An H1 visa, as Reba indicated can cost thousands of dollars. This visa will need to be sponsored by an employer.

Many employers will sponsor this visa for high valued jobs where the cost justifies the value you will bring to them. Given the current economy there are many Americans looking for a job (due to layoffs from the real estate/mortgage industry) and so it may be tougher to get hired.

You still have not stated what type of job you would be looking for.

All I know is, I've spoken to a lot of Canadians lately who've moved from the US to Alberta because the job market is way better here.

If you've got a pulse and most of your limbs, we need you. I wish I was joking. Read this.

And please don't think this means we only need people to work on the bitumen conveyor from Fort McMurray to Fort Saskatchewan. We need EVERYBODY. Accountants, medical staff, civil engineers, construction workers, bus drivers, people to work in shops, you name it.

Look at this: www.crossironmills.com - who the hell is going to staff it?