QUOTE(Sylvia_n_Joseph @ Apr 24 2008, 09:56 AM)

If you come in through JFK and you get a stamp that allows it you can work for 90 days after your arrival. You then have to wait for your work approval. Most companies won't hire you because of the potential break in employment.
Note: The OP is Canadian, US immigrations handles the paperwork at most airports in Canada, so a flight to JFK will tend to be like a domestic one, and most likely wont go through the POE there, so wont see the Immigrations officer at JFK and miss getting that stamp there.
Search a bit, some of the border crossings have been known to issue the stamp.