Coming on NAFTA visa - how does it work?

[TheMaze]

I'm a US citizen and I have a job that is sponsoring a NAFTA visa for me. I am landing at Toronto Pearson airport next week, and a little unsure what I need to bring with.

I am bringing:
1. Copy of my college degree in a field allowed under NAFTA visas, associated transcripts, and WES assessment of it
2. Copy of my resume showing prior work experience in suitable fields
3. Letter of Intent requesting the visa
4. Ties I have to the US (specifically, a copy of my US house deed and my bank account statements for US accounts)
5. My current passport

Is there anything else I need? In particular around (4) it is my understanding that, as NAFTA visas are temporary, they are looking for ties back to the US that would give me reason to return to the US. Is there anything else I should bring?

Also, I'm unclear on how importing my "stuff" works, and have gotten many conflicting answers. Even talking to lawyers has not brought a clear answer to light. Specifically, my questions are:
1. Do I need an itemized list of what I am bringing? I do not own any single item worth more than $10,000 CAD, with the possible exception of my car (it is right on the border)
2. Do I need to put down a deposit as far as duty on what I am bringing?
3. I am not bringing anything with when I get the visa - I am essentially coming to Canada to get the visa stamp, rent an apartment, then will leave and return a month later with my belongings.

Essentially, how does this work on a visa?

 

[TheMaze]

Anyone?

 

[MasterDen]

I'd like to know more about this also. Does the TN visa come with a work visa? Or is that separate?

 

[TheMaze]

So I just did this today and now have my work visa. I'm a bit unclear on the question you are asking though. The NAFTA Visa (I'm not confident that TN is actually the correct name when Canada issues it) is a single visa that allows me to live in Canada for the defined period (it can be issued for up to 3 years, but can also be renewed when close to expiration) and work for the specific company and job position named on it. It is *NOT* an open work visa - I am only legally eligible to work at the specific role it is issued for. However, the same visa allows me to legally stay in Canada for its duration - meaning if I were to lose my job, I could still live in Canada, but I would need to get another one to take a new job.

If you could clarify your question, I'll be happy to try and answer it.

 

[MasterDen]

Thanks man! I was under the impression that the NAFTA visa and the temporary work permit were different entities. Great to know! So basically, I go to the border and they'll give it to me. Thanks for the information you gave me regarding the job switch also. I am accepting 2 part time positions, and was wondering what happens if I get a new position somewhere else. Based on what you said, I can switch companies. Unless, I misunderstood you.

I have a few more questions:
1. Do they take Credit card for payment?
2. Can you apply for the initial one to be 3 years? Or is that only when renewal time comes? I would like to know how to go about the 3 year one as this position could turn into a slightly longer position.

Thanks!

 

[scylla]

Just because you're from the US and have a job offer in Canada doesn't automatically mean you qualify for a work permit under NAFTA. Your occupation has to fall under NAFTA. Have you verified that it does?

Also, to the best of my knowledge, it needs to be one full time role (part time won't be accepted). Although I could be wrong on that point.

 

[MasterDen]

My profession is included under NAFTA for sure. I just scanned the CIC NAFTA section. Ironically, I can't even find a section about full time/part time or number of hours. I am gonna dig for it.

 

[TheMaze]

I entered at Pearson airport and they took credit - I would imagine other borders are similar. I am not certain if you can hold 2 at the same time/use them for part time work, so you should look into that.

 

[MasterDen]

Question for you on NAFTA. Did your employer have to do anything other than draft a job offer to you?

 

[TheMaze]

Question for you on NAFTA. Did your employer have to do anything other than draft a job offer to you?

Yes. Two things:
The offer letter needs to hit some specific points, so I would recommend that a lawyer draft it. It's not a complicated letter (only 2 pages) but it does need to hit some key points, so I would say a typical offer letter won't be sufficient.

The employer also has to fill out a short web form online (I believe on CIC's website) and pay a small fee ($200CAD-ish). They will get a confirmation number when they do that - you will need that number at the border when you show up.

I also brought with my college diploma/transcripts, certifications related to my industry, some financial documents (as proof of ties to the US), a copy of my house's deed (more proof) a copy of my birth certificate. They also supplied me with a copy of my manager's diploma (I'm not actually certain this was necessary).

They process was actually pretty painless - I'd say about 40 minutes and it was done. I suspect the the paperwork I brought with was excessive - but the goal was to get it the first time without issue, and that's exactly what was accomplished.

 

[MasterDen]

Yes. Two things:
The offer letter needs to hit some specific points, so I would recommend that a lawyer draft it. It's not a complicated letter (only 2 pages) but it does need to hit some key points, so I would say a typical offer letter won't be sufficient.

The employer also has to fill out a short web form online (I believe on CIC's website) and pay a small fee ($200CAD-ish). They will get a confirmation number when they do that - you will need that number at the border when you show up.

I also brought with my college diploma/transcripts, certifications related to my industry, some financial documents (as proof of ties to the US), a copy of my house's deed (more proof) a copy of my birth certificate. They also supplied me with a copy of my manager's diploma (I'm not actually certain this was necessary).

They process was actually pretty painless - I'd say about 40 minutes and it was done. I suspect the the paperwork I brought with was excessive - but the goal was to get it the first time without issue, and that's exactly what was accomplished.

Thanks for the response!