Do canadian citizens need work visa for usa

Before any foreign national can work in the United States, they must obtain proper work authorization. This is commonly referred to as a work visa. Although Canadian citizens enjoy easier access to the United States, they must also obtain a proper work visa before commencing work inside the United States. Work visa options primarily depend on the type of work you will be doing and your qualifications. There are several different work visas available for Canadians to work and live in the United States. See what options are available for Canadians to work and live in the United States.

What is the best work visa for a Canadian citizen?

Before any foreign national can work in the United States, they must obtain proper work authorization, including Canadians. There are several work visa options for Canadian citizens to work and live in the United States, your situation will determine which visa is the best fit, or if there is an option at all. See what options are available for Canadians to work and live in the United States.

Our US Immigration Services for Canadians

TN-1 Visa Status for Canadian Citizens

Unde the US Canada Mexico Agreement (USMCA) qualifying Canadian business professionals with job offers or contracts with US-based companies are able to obtain TN-1 visa status to work in the United States. There are 63 qualifying professions available under TN-1 visa status. If you are Canadian and you have a job offer in the US, you may be eligible for TN-1 visa status under the USMCA. If you qualify for TN-1 visa status you can apply the same day at a port of entry and begin working in the United States right away.

TN Visa Professions & Occupations List

H-1B Visas for Canadians

The H-1B visa is designated for those working in qualifying specialty occupations. A specialty occupation is a profession that requires at least a 4-year degree or the equivalent years of experience.  In many cases when your profession doesn’t fall under the TN visa professions list, the H-1B might be your only option. There is a limit on the number of H-1B visas issued each year and they are subject to an annual lottery. If you are a Canadian and your profession requires an H-1B visa, you should plan well in advance.

H-1B Visas for Canadians

L-1 Visas for Canadian Citizens

If you are a Canadian citizen and you work for a company that has offices in the United States, you may qualify for an L-1 visa. The L-1 visa was created for the transfer of employees between qualifying US companies and their related foreign entities. Those working in executive, managerial or specialized knowledge positions can qualify to work in the US under the L-1 visa.   If you are a Canadian citizen being transferred to the United States offices of your Canadian employer, you might qualify for the L-1 intracompany transfer visa.

L-1 Visas for Canadians

O-1 Visas for Canadians of Extraordinary Ability

The O-1 Visa category has been designated for Canadian citizens that can demonstrate they have achieved extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who have a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and have been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements. If you are a Canadian citizen and can demonstrate achievement of extraordinary ability in your field, you might qualify for an O-1 visa. F

O-1 Visas for Canadians with Extraordinary Ability

E-1 Visas for Canadian Citizens conducting Trade

The E-1 Visa category has been designated for Canadian businesses and professionals that participate in the trade of goods or services primarily with the United States. If you are a Canadian business or professional that conducts more than 50% of your international business (Excluding Canada) with the United States, you might qualify for the E-2 visa as a trader.

E-1 Visas for Canadian Traders

E-2 Visas for Canadian Citizens investing in Business

The E-2 Visa category has been designated for Canadian citizens that have made a substantial business investment in the United States while creating jobs for US workers. The E-2 visa allows qualifying Canadian investors the ability to work and live in the United States for the purposes of managing their business interests. If you are a Canadian citizen that has made a substantial investment in a business enterprise in the United States, you might qualify for the E-2 visa as an investor.

E-2 Visas for Canadian Investors

We Can Help!

The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik Immigration Law have more than 20 years of experience helping Canadian citizens to live and work in the United States. Contact us today for an assessment of your legal situation.

You must have a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor you for a work visa. There is no way to apply for a work visa on your own without a job offer, or without the support of a U.S. employer.

Working in the United States is not as simple as applying, getting a job, and moving to the U.S. Instead, you need to have a valid work visa or work permit in order to legally work in the U.S.

• H-1B Visa for Canadians
• TN Visa for Canadians
• L-1 Visa for Canadians
• O-1 Visa for Canadians

Examples of jobs that do not qualify for a work visa

While there are several work visa categories that Canadians may be eligible to be sponsored under, not all jobs or job offers will qualify for a work visa. Some examples of jobs that would not qualify for a U.S. work visa include:

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