Canadian Nurses Traveling in U.S.

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Hi All,

I just signed up with a travel agency and will be starting an assignment in California. I am currently working in another state on a TN visa as a staff nurse not a traveler. This may be a bit off topic, but I am wondering what to about my vehicle. I have it imported in the U.S. and have a U.S. Drivers license and plates. I'm really not sure what to do about it as a traveler as I will be going to different states. I know that Canadian insurance companies will not insure a car in the U.S. if you are working there. I've looked into renting a car for the typical 13 week assignments and it is very expensive. If there are any Canadian nurses traveling in the states I would love to hear some advice!

Also, I am wondering how long you can take in between assignments while maintaining TN status. I know there are a lot of restrictions and I was planning on going back home for a couple weeks in between assignments.

Jenn

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Specializes in Home Care.

I'd be very careful about working and/or living in the States under the correct visa status.

Suggest you contact the Department of Homeland Security to enquire about your TN visa.

I'm also thinking you have to establish a permanent residence somewhere for your vehicle for licensing and insurance.

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I am currently on a TN visa for my job. Canadians do not require a green card to work in the U.S. as an RN. My vehicle was imported into the U.S. which is legal and permitted on a TN, however, I am not sure how it works as a traveler which is what I am trying to find out.

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I do know that I have to apply for a NEW TN visa for the travel position if that is what you meant by "living in the states under the correct visa" The current TN is only good for my current job. Any new job a new TN visa is required.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
I do know that I have to apply for a NEW TN visa for the travel position if that is what you meant by "living in the states under the correct visa" The current TN is only good for my current job. Any new job a new TN visa is required.

I noticed you tried to PM me, I cleared up a spot in my inbox.

I'm afraid I don't really have much to offer in this situation though. I have been stationary in one state since I came to the USA. I haven't had to look into the whole car/licensing/insurance issue for multiple states. Couldn't you ask your travel agency? I mean, logically, it has to be something they've encountered before with other travel nurses.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

You'll have to ask the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) or a similar agency in the state you will be traveling to. Each state has specific rules. California actually requires a vehicle owner who accepts a job, buys a home, rents an apartment, enrolls in an educational institution, or intends to live in California to register the vehicle within 20 days to the state. You may register it later but fees will be assessed based on the time the 20 days is up.

New Vehicles or Vehicles Never Registered in California

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

But as a California resident, I've known of RN travelers from out of state who never changed their car registration while on assignment here.

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