Working in the States
 

Canadian Citizen but how to get a Permanent work authorization in the States?

Some jobs I am looking at states "All candidates must have permanent U.S. work authorization.".

Will a US Work permit suffice? If so, what kind of eligibility do I need to have?
I mean, I am looking at possibilities of working there for an internship of some sort, and I am currently not hired by any US employer yet...

How should I approach this?

Serious replies only please. thanks

This should be in the Employment Forum.


But tell us what kind of formal education you have. It could help us answer your question easier.

Sorry, are you able to move this in? Thanks, EB.
Formal education is still in the process of getting a BBA but would like to get an internship in the states.

you need to get sponsored by a US company in order to work there. Another way is if you are a special skilled performing artist. Also if you're an intern you can go there for intership however you need to have simliar education background in your field and also need the intern to write you an application, there is also a list of eligible fields for internships. Either way you need sponsors. Google it and you'll find a ton of info, but it all boils down to you'll need a company to sponsor you.

i googled and first few sites:

http://www.expertlaw.com/library/imm...ork_visas.html

http://www.visa2003.com/visa/work.htm

http://www.workpermit.com/us/employee.htm



another way is go marry an american.

A friend of mine just went down... it's not as hard as I thought it was for Canadians... all you need under NAFTA is a letter of offer for a job and that's it... and you need to belong to a "specialty group" ie: you do not have to be a professional engineer or anything, but for example you can put down that you are a graphic artist and that counts as a "group"...... I always thought it was more difficult but he's down there working legally and he never got a green card or had anyone sponsor him.

Thanks guys. From what I see it though, it seems like one needs to be eligible to work in the states PRIOR to getting hired by the employer? If that's the case, wouldn't that just filter out all the applicants from Canada?

Also, if I do apply for a work permit AFTER I get an offer from the firm, how long does it typically take? I know if it's for Canada, it takes a pretty long ass time... =/