How Visas work for Canadians

I'm currently a Canadian student with hopes of getting into a target school in the US and immigrate there in a couple years. I'm not an American citizen so I was wondering how this process works for me.

Most people say the H-1B Visa is usually how people get a job at most banks but now the process for H-1Bs has been made stricter with the base salary having to be 130k which I don't think any banks will give as a first year analyst. I've also read about a TN Visa which is for Canadian and Mexican citizens only. I've heard that this is only for working if with no intent to immigrate. I also don't know how long NAFTA will last with Trump's plans of leaving.

How would a Canadian get into an American bank if educated in American target or a Canadian school like Ivey/Queens? Thanks in advance.

(I know the changes to H1B happened like half a year ago, excuse my ignorance in American politics and visas)

18 Comments
 

If you study in the US, you'll be able to work there for a couple of years without it being an issue.

Pretty sure the TN Visa is here to stay, and that those H1-B limitations have not been put into place.

 
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I'm currently working full-time in the US under a TN. If the bank is large enough or has hired Canadians in the past, their HR team will be familiar with the TN application process. I would say exactly what you detailed above if asked during the interview (can even leave out the H1B part).

This shouldn't be a huge issue as they obviously recognize you're from Canada and will likely presume you aren't a US citizen. Feel free to PM me.

 

If he/she is training in the US, I am guessing that he/she will be getting paid in the US. Therefore one requires a social security number. This is why he/she would require a TN/H1-B. You may however be eligible for a J-1 Visa (its a student visa) which is much easier to get.

 

My bank is a US BB, but I'm employed in Canada (paid in CAD).

I did ask them, I am still waiting for the reply. I followed up a few times, still no answer. So I figure I will ask you guys here.

So do I need a TN Visa?

 
Best Response
time_justMy bank is a US BB, but I'm employed in Canada (paid in CAD).

I did ask them, I am still waiting for the reply. I followed up a few times, still no answer. So I figure I will ask you guys here.

So do I need a TN Visa?

If you are only there for 6 wks, I don't think so. But again, a US BB would most likely handle this for you. I would sit tight and wait for a response. When I worked in the US, the bank handled the TN Visa, but it took them awhile to get everything settled (I don't think I got all the documentation till June...) If they weren't going to help you with it, they would have given all the hires some warning early on

 

I still believe not, since you will be getting paid in CAD from the Canadian Entity of the bank.

I've got some friends who went for training for 2-3 weeks in the states and didn't need a Visa.

I will be asking my team tommorow just to make sure.

 

I was under the impression that all Canadians had to undergo a routine physical so that a doctor could guarantee the two halves of their head wouldn't separate...

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Hey thanks for the reply guys. I finally heard back from them. Just for reference if any one is wondering, a Canadian analyst would be entering as a business visitor since you are going there for training only. You would need letters from both sides of your bank (US & Canada) to prove your business visit. Also, an itinerary, like your flight ticket, to show you're heading back to Canada. Next, you need your latest pay stubs and a business card of your own to show you work for the company. Let HR know this, and they should prepare the business letters for you.

 

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