Just making sure I have it right...

Good Morning All,

I am a Canadian citizen and am planning on beginning work at New York City in a couple of weeks (thats how the offer worked out) for about a year plus. So far I have done a little bit of work, and would welcome suggestions/critiques/advice/recipies

Having never been to the US (at all), I have the following documents in hand to present at POE (not sure if I should fly down, or drive down) for a TN Visa:

Offer letter

Bachelor's Degree from U of Toronto

Official Transcript

2xIndustry Standard Certifications

Canadian Passport

Canadian Citizenship Card

Also, once I get a TN Visa(I understand that this is for one employer only), will I be able to travel between Canada and US without any problems (visits etc.)

I will be staying with a friend for the short duration until I can get my own place.

I believe the first thing to do is to apply for SSN, and then I will have to worry about things like health care/medicare/driver's licence/bank account/credit card. My employer is willing to pay $100+ per month to help with health care premiums. Is that too much, too little, average?

Taxation purposes, I don't believe I will be able to "sever all ties" with Canada, namely because I will have family here, and I do own property here. Any recommendations on how to proceed on this angle? (and if you know a good accountant in NYC or Toronto, I would be grateful if you would forward the info to me)

Also, anyone in NYC ? Any recommendations on which areas to avoid, which areas that I should look at for a residence. It is just me, so I can always look for a one bedroom apartment/basement apartment sort of thing.

I will be working at almost the southern tip of Manhattan Island, so I thought it would be good if I got an apartment for rent at/near Jersey City/Hoboken. Good?Bad?

At this point, any help would be great. Hey, if you want, I can bring a can of Timmies along

Thanks very much for your help.

Until next time, keep your tips up!

Offer letter
Bachelor's Degree from U of Toronto
Official Transcript
2xIndustry Standard Certifications
Canadian Passport
Canadian Citizenship Card

I'm not sure, but when I went for an L1B visa I was required to take along some company information as well as the job information. I had to take the company prospectus and stuff. Check with the instructions on the application form, it may be different for TN visa.

Also, once I get a TN Visa(I understand that this is for one employer only), will I be able to travel between Canada and US without any problems (visits etc.)

You should have no problems going back and forth for the duration of the visa. But you may get "attitude" at the border, that's normal. I think they just get bored and like to play with us.

believe the first thing to do is to apply for SSN, and then I will have to worry about things like health care/medicare/driver's licence/bank account/credit card. My employer is willing to pay $100+ per month to help with health care premiums. Is that too much, too little, average?

There may be a spot on the application form that will automatically submit an application to the SSA for an SSN for you. Check the ap, if not, you may have to wait a couple weeks after your arrival before you'll have a SSN. Pretty much everything will stem on getting that, you're a non-person in the US if you don't have an SSN. In NYC you probably don't need a driver's license anyhow.

As for $100 for health care, that's about average, but you'll probably also be contributing about the same, or more, depending on your plan. I pay just over $200 a month for me and my husband here in NC. And that's just a basic bare bones plan. My employer pays about the same. Health insurance is exhorbitantly expensive in this country!

I will be working at almost the southern tip of Manhattan Island, so I thought it would be good if I got an apartment for rent at/near Jersey City/Hoboken. Good?Bad?

Its a fairly quick trip, either by subway or ferry. I've been there for visits, but I really can't say whether or not its a good place to live. I have one friend from Jersey, and he bought himself an apartment in Manhatten a few years ago. Where does your friend live that you're staying with? In the city or across the river? Ask around with your co-workers. NYC is an expensive city, a little less so once you cross into New Jersey, but not by much I imagine.

Good luck to you, and have fun! NYC is awesome.

Thanks Reba.that was a very thorough reply, really appreciate it

I do also have a letter stating the roles and responsibilities of the job in question, so that should help as well.

Good to know about the SSN. I rechecked my health premiums.they are at about 175 per month from the company's side.but yea I looked around, it IS expensive!

I'm not sure about the exact address.but its not in the city.

Now.if I can just figure out the banking stuff, the basics would be covered.

Most banks won't let you open an account unless you have an SSN. Which really can make life difficult! Check with your employer, they may be able to help you work something out tho.

**edit to add**

Oh wait now! I just remembered RBC! They're everywhere now, and very considerate to Canadians in the US. Go to a branch there in Toronto and open an account, then you can do all your banking from a US branch in NYC! Should be no problem that way