Obtaining a Temporary Visa

by Diane Russell, Feature Writer

My first loyalty is to Canada. So I'm not going to broach the subject of leaving Canada and emigrating to the U.S. on a permanent basis. Certainly there are Web links designed to help those who wish to become permanent residents, but their instructions are convoluted at best (although a good technical writer could simplify them). For permanent residency, my recommendation would be to hire a lawyer if this is the route you wish to take.

North American Free Trade Agreement

At some point though, many of us have pondered the idea of "temporary" employment in a different country. Perhaps the opportunities for advancement are more prevalent. Or maybe it's just time for a change of scenery. Remember the old adage "with an education, you can go places"? Well, it's true. Thanks to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), if you're in a designated profession and can find employment, you're welcome to apply for a TN (temporary) Visa, which legally entitles you to work anywhere in the USA.

U.S. Immigration Web Site

A good place to start is the U.S. Immigration Web site. Go to http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_types_temp_nafta.html.

• Select "Visa Types for Temporary Visitors" from the left-hand column.
• Then select "Mexican and Canadian NAFTA Professional Worker".
• Scroll down to "NAFTA Professional Job Series List".
• From this alphabetical enumeration, locate your area of expertise. Education and/or work experience required is designated for each category. Technical writers, for example, are expected to hold a degree/diploma plus least 3 years experience in their field.

Conditions and Restrictions

Still interested? Let the job search begin — and no, this Visa does not allow for self-employment. It does, however, afford you equal opportunity with an American-trained prospect. If you've applied for a permanent Visa while job-hunting, employers are legally obligated to hire an American citizen over a Canadian. TN status, however, grants you equal footing.

Requirements for a Temporary Visa

Once you've located that sought-after position, it's time to make it legal. Some may suggest hiring a lawyer. Don't waste your money. You can do it yourself at any border crossing. The aforementioned Web site provides a list of what to bring to the border for a TN Visa, which reads something like this:

1. Request for admission. The Web site does not tell you this, but this means a verbal request...from you! ("I'm here to apply for a TN Visa")
2. Letter from employer. This is the sticky part: there are no guidelines on the Web, but we learned the hard way (getting rejected the first try because the letter was "only 2 sentences and did not contain enough information"). To keep the powers-that-be happy, the first sentence has to request TN Visa status for you. The letter must also contain a job description, hours to be worked, and salary range. Finally, it must specify a time period for the Visa up to, but not exceeding, 1 year. At the end of the year, you can keep your job by simply renewing your Visa.
3. Appropriate university degrees/certificates. Don't worry about bringing those prized possessions in their exquisite frames; the photocopier they use can accommodate anything.
4. Canadian passport
5. $50.00 US, plus tax

Social Security Number

The Visa is issued while you wait, after which you are free to enter the country. However, you cannot actually begin paid employment until you obtain a social security number. To get one, go to www.ssa.gov/locator/ and locate a Social Security office that will be convenient for you to attend in person. Cards are issued free of charge and take approximately three weeks to process.

This type of Visa does not lead to permanent residency; it is expected that you will return to Canada at some point. Additionally, if you have substantial financial assets, you may want to discuss the implications of this with a qualified advisor before deciding to relocate. But it's good to know that your education can indeed take you places — and you're always welcome back!

About Diane Russel

Diane recently re-located to Quechee, Vermont. Her TN Visa will soon be put to good use at a hospital in Windsor, VT.