Some inquiries regarding getting into the states

[speedyink]

Hey everyone, my first post here. I just have a couple questions, as this seems to be a very difficult area to find clear answers.

First, How long can I stay in the US with just my Canadian Passport? They say countries of the Visa waiver program can stay 90 days, but it doesn't say anything about Canada, they don't list it as one of the 27 countries that participates. Does that mean I can stay longer than 90 days because of this?

Second question, I WAS getting a job there with Radio shack, but the employee relations lady flatout told me (after I was promised the job from the DM and store manager and the plane ticket was booked and everything) that they don't hire people with the H2b Visa, instead I had to get this other Visa which apparantly granted me the ability to just look for a job while in the states and magically they can just hire me. I'm calling BS on this one, but if anyone knows of such a Visa I would love to know about it.

Third, I have no idea what Visa to apply for with my experience and level of skill. I am a highschool gradute with years of customer service under my belt. I seem to specialize in Retail (electronics). I'm also quite computer savvy, though on a computer technician scale, not a systems analyst scale (which cuts me out of the TN). So, is it even possible for me to legally work there, and if it is, which Visa is the one to go with? I always thought the H2-B but the Radio shack lady made me think otherwise.

Thanks for any help with this, this whole immigration thing is quite overwhelming.

[Steven]

No you're right, H-2B is about the only suitable visa in this situation as you don't sound as though you qualify for anything else. Although frankly getting it would be a tough job, generally people who get them are working in the hospitality industry.

USCIS will let you in for up to six months as a B-2 visitor, provided you can show them you have sufficient funds to stay that long, do not have immigrant intent, etc.

[speedyink]

Ok, thats what I thought.

I'm not talking about going there with the B-2 Visa, I mean just with my passport. I found information saying that since I'm canadian I don't need a Visa to enter the states, but it doesn't specify as to how long I'm allowed to stay there.

[Reba]

You can go to the US without a visa, but technically your status is B2 visitor. You can't work under this status, nor can you search for a job while under this status.

As you're not eligible for TN, and if Radio Shack won't sponsor a H visa, I can't see how you'd get yourself work authorization, unless you stayed in Canada a few more years and got yourself a degree of some sort that qualifies for TN.

What's wrong with Radio Shack in Canada? Why go to the US just for a retail job anyhow?

[Steven]

I'm not talking about going there with the B-2 Visa, I mean just with my passport. I found information saying that since I'm canadian I don't need a Visa to enter the states, but it doesn't specify as to how long I'm allowed to stay there.

You're B-2, you just don't need a visa because you're a Canadian citizen. B, C, D, F, H, J, L, M (I think), TN and some P entries don't require visas for Canadian citizens.

[speedyink]

Ahh, gotcha, thank you. I'm not moving to the states to get a job, I want to move to the states for the sake of moving to the states. I just prefer it there.
I chose Radio Shack because they promised me a job. I really don't have to work there, and honestly I'd be over qualified there anyway. Unfortunately they backed out though, and I already have my plane ticket there for the end of the month, so I figure I'll just stay there for a bit, since I've already saved up a bunch of money.

[rangermcfadden]

What's wrong with Radio Shack in Canada?

Well they've gone under twice and closed all of their Canadian stores.

[Reba]

I guess its been a while since I needed a Radio Shack in Canada. They were still around when I left 4 years ago.