Before my interview, I may want to let some skeletons out

[bradcanuck 1]

During my AOS process my wife and I rang up a lot of debt. With the wedding and CC debt piling up and me unable to leave to work in Canada, I found myself having to take side contracts from employers in Canada. This was before my EAD arrived. So yes, I was working "under the table" so to speak.

I feel I need to fess up during the interview that I did this. If asked, should I be honest? Are people forgiven for this typically? I am afraid I will get a stern IO that will slap us in the face with a denial due to bitterness etc. Let me know.. 11 hours and counting. Thanks.

[sereia 0]

if it was from employers in canada, wouldn't you be allowed to work because it wasn't an american company? that raises a good question.

either way i wouldn't admit to anything at the interview. just my imho.

[JoeCanuk 3]

The last time I looked, Canada was a sovereign country and the United States had no right to tell Canadian citizens what they can and cannot do in their native country. I wouldn't sweat it. It's none of their business and really nothing you need to tell them. Good luck.

[athena_ny 1]

During my AOS process my wife and I rang up a lot of debt. With the wedding and CC debt piling up and me unable to leave to work in Canada, I found myself having to take side contracts from employers in Canada. This was before my EAD arrived. So yes, I was working "under the table" so to speak.

I feel I need to fess up during the interview that I did this. If asked, should I be honest? Are people forgiven for this typically? I am afraid I will get a stern IO that will slap us in the face with a denial due to bitterness etc. Let me know.. 11 hours and counting. Thanks.

Even if they were Canadian companies, you were on US soil so I would think it would be considered unauthorized work, but unauthorized work is forgiven through marriage to a USC. It wasn't even brought up at my husband's interview, and per the INA, they cannot deny you for working alone.

If asked, I wouldn't lie.

Edited: Krikit clarified that is it okay, since you weren't working for a US company. I didn't know this...learn something new everyday Either way then, you should be fine and I still wouldn't lie

The last time I looked, Canada was a sovereign country and the United States had no right to tell Canadian citizens what they can and cannot do in their native country. I wouldn't sweat it. It's none of their business and really nothing you need to tell them. Good luck.

He wasn't IN Canada, he was in the US, the companies were just Canadian companies.

Edited January 11, 2008 by meow mix

[JoeCanuk 3]

Sorry. The words "employers IN Canada" led me to believe he was IN Canada.

[Krikit 1,163]

You are working for a Canadian-based company, so US work authorization does not apply. I did the same. All the EAD does is give you the right to work for an employer in the US, and the US employer the right to hire you. Think of it this way..... when someone employed in another country comes to the US on business they do not have to apply for employment authorization first. That is because they are not here working for a US-based company.... they are working for a foreign-based company.

Edited January 11, 2008 by Krikit

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I agree with Krikit. EAD is for working in the US, for a US company. I considered being on contract with my former employer since I could work remotely.

I don't think you had a problem...what did you do illegally? Do you figure they'll ask if you worked? I think you'll find a few people on VJ who've done the same.

Cheers

[tanyakaraman 0]

My husband owns his own business in his home country and has continued to earn a living from it after arrival in the US. As far as I know, he is only prohibited to work for a US based company until he receives EAD...I never read anywhere that there is a problem with what he or you are doing. I wouldn't bring it up at the interview, but if asked specifically, I see no reason to lie about it.

[bradcanuck 1]

Thanks so much. I didn't think I did anything wrong. It's not like I was working for a US co (not like I would be able to find anyone to give a non social holder a job anyway LOL!)

I feel 100x better now. Okay we're prepping, go time in exactly 3 hours!

[Krikit 1,163]

Thanks so much. I didn't think I did anything wrong. It's not like I was working for a US co (not like I would be able to find anyone to give a non social holder a job anyway LOL!)

I feel 100x better now. Okay we're prepping, go time in exactly 3 hours!

You didn't do anything wrong, Brad. You'll be fine. We'll be thinking of you. You can do iiiiiiiitttttt!!!!!

P.S. Don't forget to report back in as soon as you're done.

[Sapphire 0]

If any, I think a problem could be with taxes, but the only thing you can make out of it so far would be to consider that:

1) you are not an USC and not even a resident in USA;

2) the employer was a foreign one, not based in USA;

3) the only "local" element would be that you worked on USA territory.

I doubt it, from the general principles of international law and taxation that I know, that this could constitute reasons enough for you to register and pay taxes here, as long as they are paid for this income in the country where your employer resides (especially that I believe Canada and USA must have a treaty to avoid double taxation...).

Go relaxed to your interview and best of luck! We are all praying for you and you will be fine

Edited January 11, 2008 by Sapphire

[~*Maria*~ 1]

Good luck with your interview Brad

[payxibka 10,044]

You are working for a Canadian-based company, so US work authorization does not apply. I did the same. All the EAD does is give you the right to work for an employer in the US, and the US employer the right to hire you. Think of it this way..... when someone employed in another country comes to the US on business they do not have to apply for employment authorization first. That is because they are not here working for a US-based company.... they are working for a foreign-based company.

This is so wrong.... employment authorization is required for working in the US for ANY company that has US nexus

Edited January 11, 2008 by fwaguy

[Nanusia & Lukaszek 0]

You are working for a Canadian-based company, so US work authorization does not apply. I did the same. All the EAD does is give you the right to work for an employer in the US, and the US employer the right to hire you. Think of it this way..... when someone employed in another country comes to the US on business they do not have to apply for employment authorization first. That is because they are not here working for a US-based company.... they are working for a foreign-based company.

This is so wrong.... employment authorization is required for working in the US for ANY company that has US nexus

I agree with fwaguy. EAD is required to work in the US.

Here's something straight off the USCIS site:

"EAD: This document proves you are allowed to work in the United States."

Brad worked while in the US... even though the company was Canadian based.

[athena_ny 1]

You are working for a Canadian-based company, so US work authorization does not apply. I did the same. All the EAD does is give you the right to work for an employer in the US, and the US employer the right to hire you. Think of it this way..... when someone employed in another country comes to the US on business they do not have to apply for employment authorization first. That is because they are not here working for a US-based company.... they are working for a foreign-based company.

This is so wrong.... employment authorization is required for working in the US for ANY company that has US nexus

I agree with fwaguy. EAD is required to work in the US.

Here's something straight off the USCIS site:

"EAD: This document proves you are allowed to work in the United States."

Brad worked while in the US... even though the company was Canadian based.

That's what I thought...but everyone else seemed to disagree so I edited my post in case I was giving bad info.

Is there any way you can ask a qualified immigration attorney before the interview, Brad?