"immigrating" to the US

[drew_goring]

I am wondering if anybody has any information or links on this. I am strongly considering heading down to the United States after I am finished my education. I will be graduating in April 2008 as a Petroleum Engineer. What would I have to do to move down there semi-permanently with a possibility of me obtaining citizenship eventually.

I just would like to know what I have to go through before I start applying for jobs and make any major decisions. I am a healthy single caucasian with no children if that affects anything.

[nhcigarfan]

You can start your review here.

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/?NS_cid=1


I don't do immigration law but I think you start with a work visa and then move up to a green card.

Edit - After a brief review I would start here: http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/visa_tn.html

It is for just Canada and Mexico under NAFTA. It is good for 6 years

or

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/visa_h1b.html

for Professional work visa. This is also good for 6 years and if the company sponsors you, you can apply for a green card.

Edit No: 2 - the green card is permanent.

Now I have no idea if you still have to pay Canadian taxes working in the US. That's for a different thread, but you will pay US taxes.

As far as citizenship goes, I think they just changed the test and requirements but I'm not sure.

[chefchris]

i reckon you outta stay outta mah country. don't be pollutin us with your...with your hockey sticks and ... milk in a bag .... GIT !

[Big Jack]

I think the easiest way, is thru Mexico.

[drew_goring]

i reckon you outta stay outta mah country. don't be pollutin us with your...with your hockey sticks and ... milk in a bag .... GIT !

mmmm...milk in a bag.

Actually, I don't think I have even seen milk in a bag.

Thanks for the links and info. I didn't realize that it was such a straightforward process. Looks like I just have to have my company sponsor me.

[Cabaiguan Juan]

I think the easiest way, is thru Mexico.

Yeah, what jack said, then come to DC. Come find me, I'll get you a job finishing concrete. My Field Office Manager will get you a green card, and help you study for the citizenship test, you just need to learn spanish, and in 4 months of finishing concrete for $6.15 plus benefits, I can get you a citizen ship.

[heftysmokes]

Hey Drew-
I talked to my wife about this, and although she knows NOTHING about immigration laws, she does work for a really fucking big petroleum company. They bring in Canadians all the time and from what she understands, her company pretty much takes care of everything for the employee when they come into the country.
She also said it is a lot easier to get into a job in the States if you start with the company at one of their Canadian locations. I'm guessing that with a Petroleum Engineering degree most of your potential employers will be multi-national so you might want to look to start in your home country and then transfer from within.
PM me if you have any specific questions. She might not have the answers but she can probably find out for you.

[Empire23]

Go to Los Angeles, CA. Take $100 and you can buy an I.D. and a social security number for $100.

[drew_goring]

Hey Drew-
I talked to my wife about this, and although she knows NOTHING about immigration laws, she does work for a really fucking big petroleum company. They bring in Canadians all the time and from what she understands, her company pretty much takes care of everything for the employee when they come into the country.
She also said it is a lot easier to get into a job in the States if you start with the company at one of their Canadian locations. I'm guessing that with a Petroleum Engineering degree most of your potential employers will be multi-national so you might want to look to start in your home country and then transfer from within.
PM me if you have any specific questions. She might not have the answers but she can probably find out for you.

Thanks for the info. Does your wife have anything to say about Schlumr? They are one company that I am considering, and they have offices in Calgary.

[WhiteWidow]

As long as you have a job you should be cool.