Canadian Questions?

lalaxton · Nov 21, 2006

To all those Canadians working in the U.S.:
1) How was the transition into the American System of Health Care?
2) How long did it take to get a green card?
3) How long till spouses can get apply for a work visa after coming to the U.S.?
4) Can anyone offer tips on INCOME TAXES?
Thanks to all!!!!:rotfl: :rotfl:

To answer you questions:

1) The transition was not any harder than going from one Canadian Hospital to the next, except for getting used to charging the patient for every item, basic nursing is the same in both countries. Become familiar with the scope of practice in the state you are going to, there may be some changes but they are usually minor.

2) Took me 6 months to get my green card, I hear these days the average is much longer, over a year. If you are going down to work in the US on a visa my suggestion is to find an immigration lawyer who will help you sift through the complex process, well worth the money you will pay.

3) As my husband did not qualify for any kind of US visa we had to wait until I had my green card, he then got his at the same time and was able to work.

4) As far as taxes are concerned. You pay income tax in the country where you are a resident. So even if you are a Canadian working in the US you will pay US taxes. The first year you are away you should file taxes returns in both countries, so everyone can keep track of where your money is going!LOL Actually both countries have agreements about income taxes so you should not owe one country tax on money you made in another.

Hope this helps!

m_chatelaine · Nov 23, 2006

Thanks so much!!! It is nice to hear from you about your experiences. I was wondering if you remember what year you filed for a green card?

:smilecoffeecup:

lalaxton · Nov 24, 2006

Thanks so much!!! It is nice to hear from you about your experiences. I was wondering if you remember what year you filed for a green card?
:smilecoffeecup:

1992 as far as I remember

RADONC-RN · Dec 12, 2006

Hi,

I have been in the US now for 14 yrs. I was made to apply for my Green card after being on yearly work Visas for 9 yrs. It took me 5 yrs to get my green card most due to the 9/11 problem. You now have to contact the CGFNS to obtain their certificate first, which includes taking an exam similar to the Canadian exams. Once you get this certificate you can also take the NCLEX. Even though there is a great nursing shortage here , the requirements to get here are getting harder. I really do agree with getting an excellent immigration lawyer. I got a bad one who didn't know the rules(like taking the CGFNS exam). That really held up things a lot. Good Luck.