Working for a month in California

[Monica]

Hi,

I am currently unemployed (or a consultant) in the IT field (web developer/computer programmer). A relative said he could get me temporary work (about a month) in California. What are my options? I was born and live in Canada and had been working in IT for 5 years. I have a BA in an unrelated field and 1 year degree from a computer college.

Thanks,

Monica.

[lawsrlaws]

What job does he/she have for you?

[Monica]

Probably some computer software administration/tech support.

Thanks.

[Reba]

Unless you can get a work visa of some sort, you can't just go to California for a month and start working. Not legally anyway.

[Dremani]

Your options would be to see if the temporary work can be extended for more than a month. You are well qualified anyway and you have experience. I would say to get your friend to extend the time frame for the work as along as it falls under the TN visa or H1B. Going to California for a month to work doesn't really make much sense. I would really explore my options if I were in your position and use your qualifications to your advantage.

[Monica]

Thanks for the info. How long would I need to work for to be eligible to get a TN visa? I tried looking it up, but I could only find the maximum time frame (3 years).

[Dremani]

Well, although the TN has a maximum 3 year period, you can renew it (technically applying for a new one) for another 3 years. However, the employer may only need you for 1 year which would mean you would be granted a TN for one year based on the time alloted by the employer.

Basically, you are eligible for a TN for three years permitting the employer start and end date falls into a 3 year period.

[Monica]

So if a month is too short for a TN visa, what is the minimum time required?

Thanks.