Job hunting experience in the US

Hi Folks,

I would like to start a discussion on the forum member's views on job hunting in the U.S.

More specifically, how did the forum members find their first jobs in the US ?

Secondly, is it alright to tell the immigration officer (at the border) that one is headed for an interview ?

Thanks in advance

rogers42

Hi There:

It all depends on your background and experience. If you find trouble finding job directly, you can do sub-contracting. To elaborate, there are many consulting companies in the U.S. that can sponsor you for TN/H1.

Just google out.

Regards,

Thanks for the reply.

Just curious to know what people tell the immigration officer while on their way to a job interview ? Would it be considered a business trip or vacation ?

Thanks

rogers42

You tell them you are going for a job interview and thats it. They will not stamp anything usually.

In terms of hunting, I found my new position through a network relationship. very difficult for US companies to hire canadians unless the company is very big in size and has the ability, resources and does it often.

Thanks
CH

Thanks for the reply.

Just curious to know what people tell the immigration officer while on their way to a job interview ? Would it be considered a business trip or vacation ?

Thanks

rogers42

First of all figure out what immigration category you're likely to fall in. If you can get a TN-1, then you look for jobs that will get you in under that category. TN-1 is fairly simple and straightforward for an employer to comply with, so you look for a job the same way you normally would, essentially.

If you're going to need a visa then it gets more complex, because the employer is only likely to cough up the money and do all the paperwork if they really want you badly. In that situation you look for jobs in the related visa category where that skill is particularly in demand.

Look for companies run by Canadians as well.

Another common way is to get a job with a US company that has offices in Canada and then get transferred to the US on an L-1A or L-1B. Personally this would be my favoured route if I did it again.

Well, if you tell INS at the border that you heading for an interview, they will deny you entry with 100% certainty. There is no way they will let you in the country if they even suspect that you are heading to the States to look for work. If they even suspect that you are currently unemployed, they will deny you entry as well. The mindset is that you are taking jobs away from Americans, and naturally, they are very protective of their citizens. Off the record, you would need to do the following: Tell INS that you are visiting a friend or relative or just vacationing. Interview at companies who are aware they will need to sponsor you for a work visa, either TN or H1B. Secure a valid job offer and paperwork from the firm. Head back to Canada and then apply at the border for a work visa.

My advice to you is to send out resumes and cover letters explaining your situation. Arrange a bunch of interviews around the same time frame, and then head down. INS has a record of your entry and departure dates, so they will start questioning you if you make very frequent trips to the States without a valid work visa.

With all due respect to Ken, I had a different experience crossing the border for an interview. Mind you, this was in December of 1998 and times have changed. When asked the purpose of my visit, I stated very specifically that I was going for a job interview. I had zero problems. The funny thing is, I remember on that trip that I had more problems with the Canadian border officials on my return than I did going down because I only had my driver's license with me.

Regards,

Deb

My husband rarely tells the interviewing company about his status up front. Once he's having the first interview, if he likes the opportunity and they seem to like him, and a second interview is being set up, he will tell them about the TN, how easy it is to get, how many he's had, the letter he'll need and that he'll take care of getting it himself.

It seems to be a mixed experience entering when you tell them you're there for a job interview. B-1 status for Canadians is broader than for other nationalities, it should cover job interviews as it mentions "business meetings". Given that it's also broader for Canadians anyway you should be able to do it.

How you phrase it seems to be the key, i.e. you are entering for a specific job interview with a specific employer at a specific place at a specific date and time. As opposed to: "I'm looking for a job." Which will get you refused entry.

Hi Folks,

Thanks for the replies and the valuable feedback.

rogers42