US Work Visa's for Canadians

[katt789]

Hi folks!

I've been searching around for a while on the boards/internet in general on information for work visa's in the States, being from Canada. I've wanted to work for Disney for a while now, and after auditioning a few times, had decided to look into other careers they offer. I went to apply for one today and found I had to have a SSN before I was able to apply online.

I'm wondering now after looking at stuff about visa's…is there a way to obtain a work visa for the states if I do not currently hold a job offer?


And yes, I have looked into the Cultural Rep program, and it's not exactly what I am looking for.

Hope someone can help!! Thanks!

 

[redrosesix]

We've been looking into this too, specifically for work and school visas, and I'm pretty sure the Visa (no matter which kind you have) is linked to a specific job offer. So the answer would be no.

However, you can get a visitor's visa to go to interviews, arrange housing etc. But then you'll have to go back to Canada to officially enter the country on the visa, if they give you one.

 

[rjan67]

You would need a specific job offer. I suspect that you would need an H1B visa - as I believe this covers entertainment workers, but there is quite a bit involved to get one and a few thousand dollars. I work on a TN visa which is more or less for workers where there is a deficit in an essential service i.e. nursing, pharmacy, respiratory therapists etc. That is easier to obtain as long as your paperwork is in order, including a letter from your employer stating wage etc.

 

[Gigi22]

And, they can refuse you. This happened to my BIL who had a job offer in writing, and fulfilled all the requirements. The US Customs/Immigration officer at Pearson decided to deny the visa request. BIL did get in on a work visa, but his future employer had to get involved and spend a lot of money to assist him.

 

[rjan67]

Very true! I once had an officer not like my employers letter. Same standard letter that is prepared and given to hundreds of employees at my place of work at the time. I went back and had them revise it. Had to leave the U.S. and enter again - this time I chose a different point of entry. While I was having my paperwork processed by a very nice officer, I pulled out the original letter and asked what was wrong with it. He just smiled at me and said - "nothing". That was many years ago and haven't had any trouble since.