Question on Working in the US.
 

I am wondering whether there any people that are Canadian citizens and have worked in the US before and could shed some light as to the documentation/criteria that I will need to meet before I can work there.

I am a Canadian citizen and going to school full time, trying to get a 4 month work experience at a company in the US and they have informally offered me an opportunity there. What do I need to know and what sort of stuff do I need to apply for before I head down there?

I know getting a work visa is one of them... anyone know where I can find further information and how long it usually takes? And what sort of other stuff should I kinow? I am aiming in starting there early September.

Serious replies only. Thank you.

You will need a Visa.

The company that will hire you should help you in obtaining said Visa.

The type of Visa you need depends on the work you will be doing in the US.

http://www.grasmick.com/transfer.htm
http://www.grasmick.com/business.htm#top

Whats your educational background?

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i'm still studying at univ, just looking to get work experience as part of a coop term. Homeless posted two links, and from either of them, I think i fit best as the B1.

The reason I asked is because the TN visa is often the quickest and easiest to get.

I looked and TN doesn't apply to me. It looks like B1 or another student recommended J1 visa to me. However, he went through CDS International and they have a program where they help guide you through everything, but the cost is $950. It is surprisingly expensive for a visa, is it typically that much? And where do I get the visa done? At the US Consulate?

jeanne,

You're work offer place should be the place to get it done for you. You doing it yourself will always take longer then a US company doing in your place. Cuz they're the ones wanting you.

Talk to your upcoming employer, HR dept usually knows the quickest and fastest way to get it done.

Does anyone know whether it is imperative to get a Social Security Number from the States?

don't need a ssn

i had an L1b for about 4yrs. unless ur planning to move their permanently and get a green card.

again like everyone else stated talk to your company's hr dept, this is not something you should have to handle. they can also rush it for a few hundred dollars more

you'll need to submit your resume, copies of your passport, id.

I think you have to get a SSN since you will probably be paying American taxes.

I have a L1 Visa and I had to get a SSN and start paying American tax even though I don't even live in the States, just work.

my work got me a b1 visa when i was there for a week

Ask your school's co-op department to guide you through this process. There's no reason why you should be doing this on your own. Your school should take over the process and liaise directly with the employer who has given you an offer.

First of all, it is difficult to get a work visa in the states, and you should definitely not be going through this process alone. Contact the company who is hiring you, and they should be able to tell you what you need, and how to get it.

If they're able to help you, eventually, you'll be issued the Visa at US Customs, and IF you need a SSN (depending on how they're paying you), you'll have to get that once you land in the States.

For now, don't even bother looking into it yourself, get the hiring company to work with you and help you with the process. To be honest, it's a pretty big hassle for them and you probably shouldn't get your hopes up.

Thanks everyone. For those wondering, the school said I should go thru the visa sponsoring agency called CDS International. I'll be going through them and the CDS will be working with the company in getting everything ready... Obviously, I'll need to pay a fee to get it thru...

I have also talked to the company and they said I'll be fully responsible for it. This is not a full time position but just an internship so I can understand where they are coming from. Anyhow, thanks a lot for everyones help.