Timeline for work permit (TN Visa) under NAFTA???

[farrelli]

Howdy,

I'm a US citizen who's had more than a decade of experience as a computer systems engineer and want to move to Canada. I may be interviewing for a position at my ideal employer but I know that immigration would be the stumbling block. Does anyone know how long it takes to get a permit to start work? Also, I've heard that though they used to be only one year, now they're issuing three year permits. Is that true?

Thanks!

 

[aerogurl87]

I applied under the NAFTA category as an intracompany transfer. I sent my application out to Buffalo on December 12 and just received my approval for the application today on January 20th. So a little over a month for me. And my work permit is valid until July of 2012.

 

[PMM]

Hi

Howdy,

I'm a US citizen who's had more than a decade of experience as a computer systems engineer and want to move to Canada. I may be interviewing for a position at my ideal employer but I know that immigration would be the stumbling block. Does anyone know how long it takes to get a permit to start work? Also, I've heard that though they used to be only one year, now they're issuing three year permits. Is that true?

Thanks!

'

The employer will have to apply for an LMO after advertising the position for 2 weeks(slight difference for BC & Alberta ) and prove that no Canadians/PR are available for the job. Processing time for LMO 2-12 weeks depending on the city. Actually most are 1 year these days.

 

[aerogurl87]

Note also that if you apply under a NAFTA category you will be exempt from having to provide a LMO.

 

[word]

Note also that if you apply under a NAFTA category you will be exempt from having to provide a LMO.

Just found this thread, though I'm a little late here.

I'm american, drove to the border northbound in February 2011 with
1. Letter of Intro from my Canadian Employer,
2. Letter of offer from my Canadian Employer,
3. Docs establishing qualifications (resume or University Degrees),
4. $150 payment by credit card to CBSA

Nothing else in advance. No LMO. 2 hours later, they issued the TN at the arrivals hall. Not sure what the longer lead times mentioned here are for. The TN process under NAFTA has almost made obtaining the temporary work permit a formality.

The only catch is your profession must be on the short list under the NAFTA treaty.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Does anyone know if I can, given the proper corporate sponsor, pursue Provincial Nomination for permanent Canadian residency if I am present under TN status?

Thanks!