Working on the RV road
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Thursday, January 31, 2008

Are Canadians permitted to work in the U.S.?

The answer is yes - IF they have a green card. A green card is not easy to get so, more often than not, the answer is no.

Canadians Ken and Karen, responding to a post on one of the forums, sent this comment:


Please let the Canadian couple who were asking about working/ volunteering in the U.S. know that they can't work in the USA, and that even volunteering (working for a site) is considered by Immigration as working and more importantly taking away a job from an American. This is especially true if someone calls them and complains. They (Immigration) are obligated to respond. We have considered doing this years ago and have been told by two different couples that they knew of this happening. It is fine until someone calls Immigration. The result is that the one couple who were caught were escorted to the border and banned for life from ever returning back into the U.S. Needless to say our winters are too cold to spend in Canada so we declined the offer to volunteer for a free site.
I have heard of Canadians doing an exchange in the U.S. for their site but had not heard that this was considered working. I have asked a friend who works for the National Park Service if the same applies to volunteering for a government agency. I have not heard back but will report on her answer when I do. In the meantime, Canadians, be cautious. You probably don't want to jeopardize your ability to enter the U.S. Thanks, Ken and Karen, for this information. Jaimie

For information on Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, see RVBookstore.com.

posted by Jaimie Hall at 2:23 PM

10 Comments:

  • What about US citizens workcamping in Canada?

    Bruce

    By Blogger Bruce, at February 16, 2008 6:23 AM  

  • The only circumstance under which a Canadian can work in the USA without having a green card is following a "disaster" when certain professions or trades are in short supply. Under NAFTA rules you must meet eligibility requirements. There is a long list of work categories that qualify - doctors, nurses, insurance adjusters etc. After a major storm there often aren't enough skilled folks to handle the work that arises. The disaster must be declared by the President or Governor or a state. You then must apply for a TN-1 permit at the point of entry, satisfy Homeland Security and the INS that you have the requisite skills, provide a letter offering employment from a US firm stating where you will be employed and approximate monthly earnings. If the TN-1 is granted it is generally good for a year and can be renewed but you must return to the point of entry to have renewal processed. Also, if you finish up your work for one employer and have another job offer of the same kind, you must return to the point of entry to have the TN-1 amended. Getting caught without the permit is indeed a handcuff party and you will be banned from entering the USA for at least 5 years. You can a list of the eligible professions on the internet with a good guide at http://www.grasmick.com/nafta.htm

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at February 16, 2008 7:40 AM  

  • Just do what the rest of the illegals do, go into the nearest town and buy a social security card!

    Or, apply for a tax payer ID number which allows one to do volunteer work with non-profits legally for short periods. The challenge is to then provide truthful documentation from the non-profit indicating you have a specific skill to contribute which cannot otherwise be found. i.e CPR certification or Industrial first aide. We're Canadian and we've never been declined.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at February 16, 2008 7:43 AM  

  • Thanks for the additional information for Canadians. Jaimie

    By Blogger Jaimie Hall, at February 16, 2008 10:33 AM  

  • Volunteering by definition means there is no reward, right?
    As a Canadian I volunteer for the Veteran's Hospital with no problem. They did fingerprinting, criminal record check etc. so government departments definitely know I am here and, it seems approve of my 'work'. There is certainly no financial benefit to me in this case but it is one example of a Canadian working in the US.

    By Blogger mintomary, at February 17, 2008 7:03 AM  

  • It depends. See Questions 17 and 18 of the FAQs at: http://www.volunteer.gov/GOV/FAQ.cfm

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at February 17, 2008 9:03 AM  

  • This looks like the creation of another urban myth. We have been volunteering in the US for almost ten years. We have volunteered for the Federal Govt. (Dept. of the Interior - Wildlife Refuges), State Govts. (State Park Campgrounds) and now for a County Park. We have been fingerprinted on two of these and have always made it very plain on our application we are Canadians. We have been advised that as long as we are not being paid and not working for a commercial operation we are not of any interest to IRS or Immigration. By the way - you cannot be just "picked up and escorted to the border and banned for life". To be banned for life you have to be deported and that involves major offences and at least a hearing or more likely a trial. Volunteering in the wrong place hardly qualifies.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at February 22, 2008 10:03 AM  

  • I have a problem,There is a Canadian workcamping at our park and is getting free lot rent for working and some other perks.My problem is I needed a job and applied but was denied a job here.
    he is taking a job from me an American x-Marine Vietnam vet.
    I need a phone number to call and complain.Can you help.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at February 22, 2008 2:06 PM  

  • "This looks like the creation of another urban myth." Very interesting. I contacted a friend in NPS but have not heard back from her. However the Web site referenced is a government site. It sounds like you are following all the procedures and being allowed to volunteer. Glad it is working for you.

    "I need a phone number to call and complain.Can you help." Did the employer lead you to believe it was because his positions were already filled? It could have been that you did not have the skills he needs. To have it investigated, you would probably need to contact the Immigration and Naturalization Service. You should be able to find one online or in the phone book.

    Jaimie

    By Blogger Jaimie Hall, at February 23, 2008 10:32 AM  

  • I was curious what the end result was of the Ex-Marine who was complaining that he didnt get the job.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at February 26, 2008 11:09 AM  

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