So, you want to move to the States eh?

[brownieg_11]

I have a cousin who just bought a liquor store about a year ago with another one of his cousins who lives in the states. At first the store was legally in the usa cousins name, but now my cousin went over there and added his name to everything too. He has yet to get a visa or anything, but plans on getting a e-2 visa, i was wondering is he legally able to work at his store or not. He told me that its not a problem, as i am currently looking to buy a liquor store myself?

[agnelson]

You both need individual visas. Planning to get one and getting one are 2 different things.

he isn't legal. E-2 would require that his investment produce US jobs.

[PWH]

"as Canadians we can visit the US for up to 6 months at a time, or per calendar year, whichever comes first. During that time, you are considered a Visitor, and not eligible to work. At all. Not even telecommute to a Canadian job over the internet. You cannot work in the US unless you have a work permit. Even for a foreign employer."

I would like to know where it is stated that a Canadian (or any non-American for that matter) cannot bring work to do while in the US. There are two cases: employed & self-employed. I am sure many persons, e.g., self-employed consultants, would do this. How in the world does that jeopardize any American's employment - presumably the intent of the laws?

[Reba]

Ask a CBP next time you cross the border.

The law is the law. Unless you have a work permit, you cannot legally work while on US soil. Sure, lotsa people do it, but if you tell them at the border when you're going in that you plan to work while there, they will turn your ass around and send you home. And then any subsequent attempt to visit, you will be sent to secondary inspection and grilled for a couple hours.

[indywrestler]

So it says 6 months per calendar year.. does this mean January to December? For instance If I went there in September would I have to leave by February? Or would it re-start in January and I would be okay staying there until June? Thanks for your help!!

[Dremani]

indywrestler » Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:41 pm
So it says 6 months per calendar year.. does this mean January to December? For instance If I went there in September would I have to leave by February? Or would it re-start in January and I would be okay staying there until June? Thanks for your help!!

No. If you go from Sept to Feb/March..You would stay out of the U.S. for the same period you were there. So in other words.

Sept-March>>>U.S. then March-Sept>>>Canada then Sept-March>>>U.S.
6 month intervals. There is no resetting here unless you've spent the same amount of time out of the U.S.

[indywrestler]

So if I were to go to the US for 5 months, and then go back to Canada, would I still be able to enter and exit the US, and spend up to 30 days in the US at various times throughout the year?

[Reba]

on paper yes.

USCBP could however refuse your entry if they feel like it.