Two of the most well-liked locations for professionals looking for new employment opportunities are the United States and Canada!
These countries are popular destinations for foreign workers due to their wide range of employment opportunities, strong economies, and fascinating lifestyles.
However, getting a job and the required work permits in these countries come with their own set of rules and regulations.
We will walk you through the steps to work in the US and Canada, including the different types of work visas in each country, the application processes, and requirements.
Working in the US
An Overview of the US Job Market
The work market in the United States is dynamic and diverse, offering possibilities across multiple industries like technology, healthcare, finance, education, and engineering.
Nonetheless, competition for jobs can be fierce, particularly in large areas like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Sectors for Foreign Workers in the US
- Technology: The US is home to Silicon Valley, the global hub for tech innovation.
- Healthcare: There is a high demand for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and medical researchers.
- Engineering: Opportunities are abundant in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
- Finance: New York City is a major financial center, offering opportunities in banking, investment, and insurance.
- Education: English teachers and academic professionals are in demand, particularly in higher education institutions.
Different Types of US Work Visas
Depending on the duration and type of your employment, you may need a work visa or permission to work in the US. Your country of origin determines the kind of visa you require, the work offer, and your qualifications.
H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations)
- Eligibility: For individuals employed in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields such as IT, engineering, mathematics, and science
- Requirements: Possess a job offer from a US employer who will sponsor your H-1B Visa. The employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor.
- Duration: The H-1B Visa is initially granted for three years and can be extended for an additional three years, totaling six years.
- Application Process: The employer files Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with USCIS.
L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transfer)
- Eligibility: The L-1 visa is for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to a US branch, subsidiary, or affiliate
- Requirements: The worker must have held an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge position with the organization for at least a year during the previous three years while working outside of the US.
- Duration: L-1A (for executives and managers) is granted for up to seven years. L-1B (for specialized knowledge employees) is granted for up to five years.
- Application Process: The employer files Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with USCIS.
O-1 Visa (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement)
- Eligibility: The O-1 visa is for people with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics or individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary achievements in the motion picture and television industry
- Requirements: Provide proof of your extraordinary ability or achievements, along with a job offer in the United States
- Duration: Initially granted for up to three years, with extensions available.
- Application Process: The employer files Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with USCIS.
E-2 Visa (Treaty Investor Visa)
- Eligibility: This type of visa is for nationals of countries with which the US maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation who wish to invest a substantial amount of capital in a US business.
- Requirements: You must make a significant investment in a new or existing US business.
- Duration: Initially granted for up to two years, with unlimited extensions as long as the business operates.
- Application Process: Apply through the US consulate or embassy in your home country.
Application Process for US Work Visa
Secure a Job Offer: Before you can apply for a work visa, you need a legitimate job offer from a US business that is ready to sponsor your application.
Employer Applies for a Work Permit: Depending on the kind of visa, the US employer might have to submit a petition to the Department of Labor or USCIS. The appropriate authorities will review the job offer to ensure it satisfies the visa conditions.
Apply for a Work Visa: Once the work permit is approved, you can apply for a work visa at the US consulate or embassy in your home country.
- Required Documents:
- Completed visa application form (DS-160)
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay
- Job offer letter or work contract
- Proof of qualifications (degrees, certificates)
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, pay slips)
- Medical examination and police clearance certificate (if required)
Attend an interview at the US consulate or embassy.
Receive Visa and Travel to the US: If your application is granted, your work visa will be issued. When you arrive, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will need to see your visa and any supporting documentation.
Working in Canada
An Overview of the Canadian Job Market
Opportunities exist in a number of industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, and natural resources, within Canada’s robust and diversified economy. Major cities like Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto are well-liked by foreign workers.
Sectors for Foreign Workers in Canada
- Technology: Canada is becoming a major hub for tech companies, particularly in Toronto and Vancouver.
- Healthcare: There is a growing demand for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and allied health workers.
- Natural Resources: Opportunities exist in oil and gas, mining, and forestry, particularly in provinces like Alberta and British Columbia.
- Finance: Toronto is Canada’s financial capital, offering banking, investment, and insurance roles.
- Education: Teaching and academic roles are available, particularly in higher education.
Different Types of Canada Work Visas
Depending on the type and duration of your job, you may require a work permit or visa to work in Canada. Your country of origin determines the kind of visa you require, the work offer, and your qualifications.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- Eligibility: This is for employers who need to fill temporary labor shortages with foreign workers
- Requirements: Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) must provide the employer with a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) proving that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the post
- Duration: Temporary work permits are generally valid for the duration of the job offer, up to a maximum of two years.
- Application Process: The employer applies for the LMIA, and if approved, the worker applies for a work permit.
International Mobility Program (IMP)
- Eligibility: For specific categories of workers, such as intra-company transferees, professionals under free trade agreements (e.g., NAFTA), and young professionals
- Requirements: LMIA is not required under IMP; workers must meet the specific criteria of their category.
- Duration: The work permit is valid for the duration of the job offer.
- Application Process: The worker applies directly for a work permit.
Global Talent Stream (GTS)
- Eligibility: For highly skilled workers in specific occupations, particularly in technology
- Requirements: To guarantee that hiring a foreign worker would positively affect the Canadian labor market, the company must be a part of the Global Talent Stream and get a Labour Market Benefits Plan.
- Benefits: Streamlined application process with work permits processed in as little as two weeks
- Application Process: The employer applies for the GTS, and if approved, the worker applies for a work permit.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Eligibility: For international students who have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution
- Requirements: You must have completed a program of study that is at least eight months long at an eligible Canadian institution.
- Duration: The work permit is valid for the length of the study program, up to a maximum of three years.
- Application Process: Apply for the PGWP within 180 days of completing your study program.
Application Process for Canada Work Visa
Secure a Job Offer: You need to hold a legitimate job offer from a Canadian employer before you can apply for a work permit. For the majority of work permits, the employer might need to get an LMIA.
Employer Applies for LMIA (if required): The Canadian employer must apply for an LMIA from ESDC, showing that they could not find a suitable Canadian candidate for the position.
Apply for a Work Permit: Once the LMIA is approved (if required), you can apply for a work permit online or at a Canadian visa office.
- Required Documents:
- Completed work permit application form
- Passport with validity for the duration of the permit
- Job offer letter or employment contract
- LMIA (if required)
- Proof of qualifications (degrees, certificates)
- Proof of financial means
- Medical examination and police clearance certificate (if required)
Depending on your country of origin, you may need to provide biometrics.
Receive Work Permit and Travel to Canada: If your application is accepted, your work permit will be issued. When you arrive, present your work permit and all necessary paperwork to the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer.
Conclusion
Working in the US or Canada offers plenty of fascinating prospects for professional and personal development. However, thorough preparation is necessary, which includes finding employment, obtaining the necessary work permit, and being aware of the social, cultural, and legal ramifications of working in these countries.