work visa Canada to US.

dale22x

Hey guys,

I just graduated recently, and I've been sending a few applications States side. I'm in Toronto, Canada.

I was wondering if anyone knew of a way for me to be able to take a job in the states. From my recent research, I've learned that I am not eligible for a tn visa since I apparently need either a degree, or 3 years experience. I have neither. I only have a 2 year college diploma, and no significant experience.

Is there any way to get around this dilemma. It would be a shame to not be able to take a job because of something silly like this.


essentially I'm looking for away to work in the states, with or without permanent resident status, and without having to wait.

Thanks alot

Keg

best bet would be a 1 year temp visa that is renewable. essentially without a degree or work experience there isn't any other option that i've been able to find.

dale22x

do you know what that temp visa is called? I thought thats what the tn visa was.

I have no problem with having to renew anything. I just want to be able to work right away if i get an offer.

James Edwards

That is the TN visa. Good for one year, renewable, but can not be used towards getting a green card the way an H1B visa can. H1B is good for 3 years and counts towards being able to get a green card (which you need to be working in the US for 6 years before you can even apply for). H1B is more difficult to get and takes longer to process, and is actually more of a lottery system. There's no guarantee you will get one even if you have the proper credentials. Neither is the TN for that matter, but it's generally easier and faster to get one if you do have the right credentials AND an employer willing to support your crossing into the US.

I doubt you'll be able to get a TN visa with no work experience and no degree. In addition to that you'll need signed documentation by your sponsor (employer) in support of your application. This document is the most important thing to bring with you when you apply for the visa, in person at the port of entry. You cannot just apply for a TN visa, then go look for a job (US customs will want to see that you have a job lined up when you cross the border). Most employers are not going to be willing to put that much effort into lawyer's fees and sponsorship for someone fresh out of school when there is no shortage of fresh meat already in the states. The TN visa is more about allowing you in on a temporary basis so that your experience and skillset can be taught or taken advantage of to benefit the company while you are there. You'd have to be really, REALLY good and they'd have to go out of their way to prove beyond reasonable doubt that you are indispensable compared to any other person fresh out of school.

I would focus on staying within canada for a few years, get some experience, further training, and most importantly, building your portfolio. Nobody will even consider hiring you and helping you get a visa without a good portfolio.

pliang

Most companies prolly have consultants dealing with issues like these but yeah first background is everything...if not worth the trouble they will get someone who can.

PaK

I gradtuated with a 2 year degree and tried to get a game job in the states for 2 years, and I couldn't. Only after I had the work expereience did I get a company to sponsor a TN visa for me. I am now on my 3rd TN visa.

I have a suggestion for you, Ubisoft is doing a huge hiring initiative, and Montreal is not very far from Toronoto. Make a great portfolio and apply there, and you'll probably get in. Get your experience before applying to the States again.

There is also Eidos Montreal (the Canadian studio for my company) and they might be looking for someone.

-R

Renaud Galand

I've to agree with PaK. I'd try to get some job experience before getting hired by a US company. From what I know, it's expensive in term of money and time for a US company to get you a visa (at least from EU to US, don't know from Canada to US, tough, but I guess it's more or less the same (?)) and as PaK said there are a few great company in Canada as well .

dale22x

Yea this seems to be what everyones telling me.

Well I don't' have a problem working in Canada at all. It's just that I've had an interview for a company in the states, and I'm not entirely sure what would happen if i got the position. They know, my experience and my education level, so i suppose they know what they are doing. I just wanted to know if missed anything I'm expected to do or already have done on my part.

PaK

The TN visa application cost is $50.00.

Tulkamir

Just a warning, I've had some friends in similar situations that didn't work out. They basically went through the entire hiring process, the company tried to get them visa's, and just couldn't. It's worth looking into it all still, but from what I've seen it's tough to get the visa and pretty unlikely.