Can Canadian Citizens Work in the U.S.?

The NAFTA trade deal made working in the U.S. easier than ever for Canadian citizens with the creation of the TN visa.

So, yes, Canadian citizens can work in the U.S.

• Have a job offer from a US employer who will sponsor them for a work visa
• Obtain a work visa from USCIS

There are a number of other visas that allow Canadians to work in the U.S. as well, but which visa is ideal for you? Read on for a breakdown of the work visa options for Canadians in the U.S.

There are jobs in the U.S. for Canadian citizens. And TN visa holders also have to pay taxes in the U.S.

Can Canadian Citizens Work in the U.S.?

Yes, Canadian citizens are allowed to work in the U.S. as long as they have a work visa. Canadian citizens have the following work visa options:

• TN visa for Nafta professionals
• L1 visa
• H1-B visa
• O1 visa

Each visa covers a different category of workers and has its own criteria for eligibility. As a Canadian citizen seeking work in the U.S., the visa that you should apply for will depend on your type of employment, your credentials, and the length you wish to stay in the U.S., among other factors.

Read on below to learn about the different ways a Canadian citizen can work in the U.S.

TN Visas for NAFTA Professionals and Canadian Citizens

TN visas are a popular choice for Canadian citizens seeking work in the U.S. because they have minimal eligibility requirements and are relatively easy for Canadians to obtain. Also, TN visas last three years and can be renewed easily.

Eligibility for NAFTA Professionals

To qualify for a TN visa, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be a Canadian citizen
• Work in a field that is on the NAFTA list of approved professions
• Work in a position that can only be filled by a NAFTA professional
• Work in a prearranged position for an employer; self-employment is not permitted
• Have qualifications for the position, including education or employment history

Requirements for Canadian Citizens

Under TN worker classification, Canadian citizens do not actually need a visa to enter and work in the U.S. While Canadian TN workers can apply for a formal visa with the United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS), Canadian citizens can also simply apply for TN nonimmigrant status when they first enter the country.

Applying for a TN visa with the USCIS can take a couple of months to process and is more expensive than applying at a port of entry. Also, applying at a port of entry gets you a quick decision on TN status, so if you get denied you know why immediately.

Canadians must submit the following documents to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol at a legal port of entry to establish eligibility for TN nonimmigrant status:

• Proof of citizenship
• A letter from your American employer describing the position that you have been hired for, how long you are staying, and your qualifications for the position
• Documents that prove your credentials
• Payment of relevant entry fees

Other Visas that Allow Canadian Citizens to Work in the U.S.

While the TN visa has the simplest application process of any work visa that lets Canadians work in the U.S., there are several other options as well. These visas are generally more difficult to obtain and have higher eligibility requirements.

L1 Visa for Canadian Citizens

The L1 visa allows companies to temporarily transfer a foreign employee to work in the U.S. at an American branch of the same company. This visa is reserved for workers who are classified as managerial or executive, or who work in a “specialized knowledge” capacity. The L1 visa is a “dual intent” visa, so L1 visa holders do not have to maintain a foreign residence while in the U.S.

To qualify for an L1 visa, you must:

• Have worked outside the U.S. full-time for one of the past three years
• Have worked for a qualified organization outside the U.S. in a managerial, executive, or “special knowledge” capacity
• Have been transferred by your employer to an American-based branch, affiliate or subsidiary of the employer

H1B Visa for Canadian Citizens

H1B visas are among the most popular and well-known of U.S. work visas and can be used by Canadians to work in the U.S. The H1B visa is for individuals with at least a Bachelor’s degree who seek work in the U.S. in a “specialty occupation.” Specialty occupations are occupations that require a Bachelor’s degree or higher and include fields like architecture, finance, engineering, and accounting.

To qualify for an H1B visa, Canadian citizens must:

• Have a job offer from a U.S. employer who will act as a sponsor for the visa
• Be working in a “specialty occupation”
• Get paid the minimum wage in the state that you will reside

Obtaining an H1B visa requires entering and being selected in the H1B visa lottery. However, Canadian citizens with an advanced degree can apply for the U.S. Master’s Cap Visa. The Master’s Cap category has its own pool in the lottery, and applicants not selected in the Master’s Cap pool are then entered into the general pool, so they have a better chance of getting selected.

O1 Visa for Canadian Citizens

The O1 visa lets individuals with “extraordinary skills” in their fieldwork in the United States for up to 3 years. There are a number of ways that applicants can prove their skills, including:

• Winning international prizes, grants, or awards
• Being a member of a prestigious national or civic organization
• Having work featured in major national or international media

There are two different types of O1 visas, the O1A, and the O1B. The O1A visa is for individuals with exceptional skills and recognition in certain fields like science, technology, finance, education, or athletics. The O1B visa is for individuals with exceptional abilities in the arts and motion pictures.

Read More

• Moving From a TN Visa to a Green Card: The Ultimate Guide
• How Long Can a Canadian Stay in the U.S.?
• TN Visa – The Complete Guide
• How to Transition from a TN Visa to H1B Visa
• 7 Best Canadian Banks in the USA for TN Visa Holders

Conclusion

Getting a work visa in the U.S. is easier for Canadians than almost any other nationality, and you have several options to choose from. However, most of these options require a job offer and proof of credentials, and some require more substantial credentials than others. The TN visa is the simplest and most accessible option, while the H1B and O1 visas are for highly accomplished individuals, and the L1 visas are for specialized knowledge managers.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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