Any Canadians work at Disney after they retire

[Hockeychic]

DH and I where talking about where we would like to retire and of course Florida was the winter destination of choice. I said that I would like to work part time at Disney to add a little spending money to the retirement fund. He doesn't think as Canadians we could work there.

Does anyone know what is required for a Canadian to work in Florida if they are a part time resident???


Thanks

 

[Hockeychic]

Wow no one really???

 

[bunnyfoo]

I have a couple of friends who work in the US full-time. They had to arrange for work visas which their companies took care of. I also know that in order for the company to have hired them, the company had to prove they were not able to find anyone else (specifically a US citizen) to fill the position. I'm not sure if the same would apply to part-time work.

HTH

 

[sicilianbaby]

I actualy have some knowledge for once! Go me!

I'm a teacher of adult classes (students trying to get their grade 12) and one of my students worked at Disney at Epcot in the Canadian Pavillion for two years full time. They really like hiring Canadians there.

 

[maryliz]

Isn't the EPCOT Canadian Pavillion program something that is opened up for young kids to gain some experience? I think it's pretty tough to be accepted into this program. I don't think you can just apply to work there through regular Disney channels.

I personally want to be the person with the microphone at the back of the tram ... "I SAID no further boarding ... get your butt and your family and that open stroller with a baby in it off of my tram and behind the posts and wait for the next one!" Any guess how long I'd remain employed as a CM ???


MaryLiz

 

[sicilianbaby]

MaryLiz,

It's deffiently not just young students. My students are adults (I think I mentioned that) and he was 38 when he worked there and worked there for a few years.

 

[dsneygirl]

I actualy have some knowledge for once! Go me!

I'm a teacher of adult classes (students trying to get their grade 12) and one of my students worked at Disney at Epcot in the Canadian Pavillion for two years full time. They really like hiring Canadians there.

DH and I are both alumni of the International Program at Epcot. You are on a special VISA and a 12 month contract. It is possible to stretch it to a 15 month contract but as soon as your VISA expires you are out.

It is 95% young people (Dh and I were 20 and 22) but there were a handful in my group who were 30+ but certainly no retirees :lol:

You would have to have a working VISA same as any other foreigner to work at WDW.

 

[grover]

I saw lots of *older* folks working at epcot and other parks..
If any of ya'll have treaty status you are able to work in the USA--and not have the hassle of the regular channels (hoops) to go thru. Something about the Jay treaty.
G in W

 

[Hockeychic]

thank you all. I just think it would be the perfect job to work p/t when I retire and spend my winters in Florida...well that is the plan anyways

 

[maryliz]

That's cool that they accept others than just the cute 20 year olds Don't we have a Cdn Dis'er that is starting their contract at Epcot either this month or next? I want to say it's "evilqueen" that used to work at one of the Toro Disney stores.

Interesting about the treaty status info, Grover. See how much we learn on these boards that is non-Disney related !


MaryLiz

 

[barb45]

I would love to do this too - if we can ever retire. You'd think there would be different work rules if you were only doing it for the winter months - you are talking snowbird right??

 

[bunnyfoo]

Speaking of the Snowbirds ... maybe they might have some more information on working in the US on a part-time basis. Don't they usually deal with they kind of stuff? I found their contact info here: http://www.snowbirds.org/html/contact.html

 

[canucktyke]

Hi, yes we have a DIS'r who is starting at Epcot soon - Evilqueen. My son is also starting the same program in Sept. Disney also have a summer program for college students. The people working the college program can be placed anywhere e.g. a driver on the safari or a lifeguard at a resort, the year long International program placement (like my son) is at the Epcot Pavillion of their own country.

 

[StuartMI]

Does anyone know what is required for a Canadian to work in Florida if they are a part time resident???

All depends on your status in the US. If you enter as a part-time vacationer/resident/seasonal/whatever then they aren't going to give you work authorization. As someone pointed out, you'd need to have a company sponsor you and if that was to happen you'd have to work a certain number of hours under very strict rules.

I believe the sponsor programs above require you to enter the US on a certain visa status and then be required to leave immediately as soon as your status expires.

Keep in mind, too, that since you will not give up (presumably) your Canadian permanent residence, you must declare US income on a US 1040 tax return, as well as on your T1 return so basically you get nailed twice (I still say CCRA are vultures).

I would recommend looking here at the I-765 form which is the application for employment authorization in the US:

http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-765.htm

If you are a permanent resident, or citizen, of course work restrictions are not enforced and you are free to work when/where you choose. However, this I don't believe would apply.

Other places you can turn to for help are:

http://www.visajourney.com
-and-
http://www.britishexpats.com

Both have forums with very knowledgable people. Good luck!

 

[barb45]

I recall seeing a book at the library called "Snowbirds for Dummies" or something like that. There must be info about working. I'm sure that there are snowbirds that need to supplement their income while they are down there for 6 months at a time. Also about the tax thing - the tax you pay to the US are credited on your Canadian return so that you are not paying twice but I think we pay more in Canada so you do have to pay on top of what you already paid in the states.

 

[surfer_ed]

This my dream as well. I want to retire from the stressful corporate life and have a part-time job as a ride operater or ice cream scooper at Disney.

I know when I was there, last may, I met a older guy from Edmonton working at one of the shops in MGM. I didn't have time to ask him about his Visa status but he mentioned he had been there for several years.

Maybe by the time I retire the work rules will be more relaxed.