Canadian nurses moving to US

World International

Published

Hi,

I'm new to the forums...I found this website so helpful when I was preparing to write the NCLEX-RN Now that I've passed it and have my state license I am confused about the rules surrounding Canadian nurses applying for jobs in the US.

I replied to an online job posting on Monster and was invited to an interview. But what do I tell the border service people when I go to the US for this? Is my trip personal or business? Will I get hassled for saying it's an interview? What kind of documentation should I bring with me? I can't get my 212® or TN visa until I have a letter offering me a job but it seems that it's illegal for a nurse to actually "look for work" in the US. That's why I've looked online on general job sites but now that it's 'crunch' time I'm totally at a loss for how to proceed.

After working so hard to pass the NCLEX and obtain my US state nursing license I would hate to make a stupid mistake now to mess up my chances of being allowed to work in the US.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! :)

Thank you,

C61 :mad:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC/MDS/PPS.

Contact US CICS...from their web site....good luck at the interview

Contact Us

If you have a question about immigration procedures, or need clarification, call our National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at:

1-800-375-5283

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the International forum

You will be applying for a TN visa so have you applied for Visa Screen Certificate? if not you need to apply as soon as you can as you will need it then you apply for the visa. Do not lie at the POE. It is not illegal to look for work. If you get the job you also need a job offer letter. There are a few posts already on Canadian nurses going through the process have a look for them

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so much for your replies. I will definitely look at the other posts! I wouldn't want to lie unintentionally by error or omission so that's why I'm trying to gain as much clarity on this as I can before I go (i.e. I didn't know what to say as for personal or business or how much documentation to bring with me). I have applied for my 212® certificate. Maybe I should bring a copy showing I've applied for it to the POE.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CTICU.

Attending interviews is a valid reason to enter using the VWP (if eligible).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hmm.. I'm not familiar with the acronym VWP. Will go look it up now.

Thanks :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh..

While Canada isn't one of the 34 participating countries in the VWP http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html

There are similar eligibilities (just no need for biometric digital photos or machine readable passports it seems). Hmm.. I'm probably going to call the consulate to find out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CTICU.

Be aware that consular staff are not really responsible for what advice they give over the phone. Entry is solely dependent on the border officer on the day. Having said that, provided you take evidence you will be leaving after your interview (lease, letter from job, etc), I can't see that you'll have a problem.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

"take evidence you will be leaving after your interview (lease, letter from job, etc)"

Oh...good advice! I hadn't thought of that. Thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CTICU.

You're welcome. Just remember his/her job is to keep out unlawful immigrants. Your job is to convince them that you will leave, and make it hard to refuse entry.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment