NAFTA Work permit - is it really that simple?

[TheMaze]

I'm a US citizen and interested in moving to/working in Canada. I have a college degree and work experience that would fall under either NOC code 0213 or 2171, and am seeing a job in the same area. I've been looking into a NAFTA visa and it almost seems too easy - like I'm missing something. It basically sounds up like I show up with my $150 and Canadian job offer letter and I get it. So, some questions:
1. Is it really that simple?
2. Is it instant? It sounds like I do it as I'm crossing the border.
3. Is there any reason it might be denied/any other catches?
4. This seems to be formally called a TN Visa - is that correct?
5. Can I legitimately say that I am authorized to work in Canada when applying for jobs that would fall under this? I obviously can't have it until I have the job offer in-hand, but it sounds like it's essentially a rubber-stamp.

Thanks!

 

[cisco_kidd]

I was in your position beginning of this year.

It can be done without the need of a lawyer. It's not "simple" just need to make sure you have your ducks in a row. You will need to have a letter written by your company stating you are coming over on such and such noc code, how much you will be paid, and that it will be a full time 40 hour position (the requirements to qualify for Nafta). You will need to show your degree as well. They gave me a bit of a hard time though. My company was instructed by someone in immigration when they were preparing the paperwork to be in the airport in case they were called down to show proof of employment. I told my officer they were in the building and she refused to have them come down but instead wanted their CRA tax ID sent and proof they were a registered business. So it all depends on the officer you get, everyone will have a different experience.

It is instant however I suggest your point of entry be the airport.

TN visa is what the US calls it. In Canada it's a "Labor Market Opinion excempt work permit"

At the end of the day, you will need to seek an employer that's willing to go through the hoops of providing you with the necessary documents as they will be doing the majority of the contract writing and the letter to immigration.

 

[scylla]

5. Can I legitimately say that I am authorized to work in Canada when applying for jobs that would fall under this? I obviously can't have it until I have the job offer in-hand, but it sounds like it's essentially a rubber-stamp.

No - you certainly cannot say this. You're not authorized to work in Canada in any way, shape or form right now. Saying this would be lying and would piss off (and completely blow your chances) with any future employers. Stuff like this gets you blacklisted in HR databases of large corporations - don't do it. As explained, it's not just a rubber stamp. The employer has to be willing to go through the process and do the leg work.

 

[cisco_kidd]

No - you certainly cannot say this. You're not authorized to work in Canada in any way, shape or form right now. Saying this would be lying and would piss off (and completely blow your chances) with any future employers. Stuff like this gets you blacklisted in HR databases of large corporations - don't do it. As explained, it's not just a rubber stamp. The employer has to be willing to go through the process and do the leg work.

Uhhh, yikes I missed that. Scylla is right, that is a no no.