Looking to move to the US

Hi,

You might have answered some of these questions before but i will ask anyways.

I am researching to move to the states because I am a single mother in need of a new beginning. Not sure if this is the right thing to do but is really trying to find out as much information as I can before I make any decision.

1. I don't think I fall under the categories for the TN1 Visa so how do i go about getting a work visa?

2. Are there employers who are wiling to hire Canadians that does not fall under the TN1 Visa?

3. I have a 7 year old....would he be able to attend school?

4. How long does the visa process take?

Please any info you have will help.

First of all, I would highly reconsider any move to the US at this time. The job market is crap right now because of the economy, and shows no sign of improving in the near future.

If you are still determined to move to the US, we need more information about you to give you a more detailed assessment. What kind of job are you looking for? What qualifications/degrees do you have? Most US work permits require you to have at least a bachelor's degree, along with a job offer from a US company.

Yeap, unfortunately unless you have a university degree and/or a current job in Canada where they could transfer you to a US office for the same job, your options are severely limited.

And the economy SUCKS big time right now. If I were anybody looking for a new start, I wouldn't be looking toward the US at all!

Canada is really big. How about pick another province? No visa needed.

Yes the economy as we know it right now isn't the greatest. But I'm a believer in sticking to your goals. If a move to the U.S. is what you desire, GO AFTER IT! It will be difficult at first when doing your research and searching for employment, but its really all about networking with people and asking questions.

If you have the qualifications for a TN or an H1B then you should go ahead and pursue employment in the U.S. in your field.

How long will it take to get a visa?

The TN you get at the port of entry either at the airport or by land.

The H1B takes a little longer being that there is more paperwork to be filed through your employer.

1. I don't think I fall under the categories for the TN1 Visa so how do i go about getting a work visa?

Depends on what your skills are, if you don't have a degree then really the only option is H-2A (seasonal agricultural worker) or H-2B (seasonal worker) which has a quota of 66,000. And it's valid for a maximum of a year. You might be able to get it the following year but with H-2B it's tricky.

Do a search on here on H-2B.

Thanks for all the replies I really appreciate it.

I know its a long shot but like I said I am just researching and I am not looking to relocate right at this moment. I was looking more towards the coming year.

I don't have a degree but I have a diploma in Paralegal Studies....I know however that the laws there and here are different and don't think my diploma would matter. My working experience is mostly based on a lot of clerical/secretarial type of work.

I'm not looking to marry anyone just to get paper so does anyone know of any other ways to gain some kind of status without marriage and or a work visa?

I'm not looking to marry anyone just to get paper so does anyone know of any other ways to gain some kind of status without marriage and or a work visa?

No, this is just not possible. You cannot move to the US without some legal documentation, like a work permit, which gives you the right to live and work in the US.

With only a diploma, an H-1B is probably not possible for you. A TN is definitely not a possibility for a paralegal. Not to mention, jobs in the legal industry are difficult to come by at the moment.

Yeap, unfortunately unless you have a university degree and/or a current job in Canada where they could transfer you to a US office for the same job, your options are severely limited.

And the economy SUCKS big time right now. If I were anybody looking for a new start, I wouldn't be looking toward the US at all!

Canada is really big. How about pick another province? No visa needed.

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indeed something to think about i.e. another province, why not ? No visa or paperwork needed and no employer specific work permit.

I'm not looking to marry anyone just to get paper so does anyone know of any other ways to gain some kind of status without marriage and or a work visa?

It sounds like you would really prefer to work in the U.S. You absolutely need to have a visa to legally work in the U.S. Have you considered another province? Although these suggestions have been made, I gather this is not what you're looking to pursue.

Yes, unfortunately a diploma is not recognized for grounds of a working visa in the U.S. Have you ever considered changing careers?

Nursing has a major shortage in the U.S. maybe you get a bachelor degree which will make it easier for you to find work out here.

Just a thought

I don't have a degree but I have a diploma in Paralegal Studies....I know however that the laws there and here are different and don't think my diploma would matter. My working experience is mostly based on a lot of clerical/secretarial type of work.

Pretty much as I said it above, I'm afraid. Any sort of legal qualification in Canada isn't of much help in the US unless they're specifically looking for someone with Canadian legal experience, and a diploma doesn't help really with immigration into the US.

If you want to start up your own business you could have a look at E-2 I guess, it requires a "substantial investment".