Stories of Finding Employment

[betazed 0]

I hope someone corrects me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure I read that a Canadian living in Washington somewhere, still crosses the border to go to work. That may be an option for you.

But as Canadians, don't forget, we CAN receive EI for the first 90 days after crossing the border, and again with the EAD. Check out the EI thread!! You can't imagine how good that feels!!

Cannot leave the US while Adjusting Status after marrying...fyi

*slaps forehead!!* :blush: :blush: Right!! Silly me....ok..forget that!!!

However, what if you can work for them online!? Is that an option with them? I met a gal that lived on the mainland and moved to Comox Valley..*where I live*. She worked for a lawyer, and they liked her so much, they gave her an online job so she could do her own hours and work from home!! Look into that. Major dream job..to do some online..*a real job that is*...

Oh...I think the other Canadian that crosses the border was a CR-1 now that I think about it. Can't remember who though.

Quite alright. You meant well. My current employer is wondering if I can still come up, so they can just transfer me to the casual/auxiliary pool. I'd basically be filling in for my co-workers when they're on vacation.

Alas, other than the AOS issue, there's enough distance to make the commute draining in the long run.

Thanks again, everyone, for sharing your experiences.

[TimandJoyce 1]

Oh...I think the other Canadian that crosses the border was a CR-1 now that I think about it. Can't remember who though.

That was neiks...she is a Canadian CBP officer who crosses daily for her job.

Thanks!! I knew I read something...I'm not near as crazy as I though I was...

*shhhh don't tell the med doc I said that...*....

[domegirl1978 1]

Thanks for the support on that guys!

I cannot see myself selling myself short by taking a pay cut of more than 10-15 thousand dollars for the EXACT same job I do now. I would feel crappy about that. And that comment about employers taking advantage now is 100% true. Once the economy picks up again people will be quitting in droves. I just figure that I have an education and many years experience in what I do and people are really screwing others over because of the economy.

Now don't get me wrong, if things were super tough I'd do whatever I had to to make money, work at Wendy's if I had to. It`s nothing to be ashamed of even though some people I know would rather die than take a minimum wage job which really bothers me. My grandparents came to Canada with less than 5$ in their pocket and a 1 year old (my mom), busted their butts their whole lives and worked like dogs at low paying jobs to have what they have now. They learned the languages and skills they needed to survive and excel in a new country. Some days they didn`t even have the money to eat and my grandparents would not eat to be able to feed my mom and aunt instead. I find so many people in this day and age lazy and I include myself in that group sometimes. A hard days work today is definitely not what it used to be. To this day my grandmother will tear up and say to me: `Most people nowadays don`t know what work really is, to not have food, they take everything for granted. I`m so happy you don`t know what it is to go hungry.` And you know what, that fuels me even more to bust my butt and work hard and be proud of the work I do.

I've had the idea of my own business for a few years now. I work in administration and as a personal assistant to my 2 bosses. I do everything for them. Even the things I should not be doing like their grocery shopping and buying wine for them. Technically something their wives should be doing considering they are at home all day and don't work but I guess they are too busy at the spa. Lets just say I didn't sign up for the job initially thinking that I'd also be doing the paperwork to get their kids into school and buying school supplies but after 6 years its kind of become the norm.

So now I am thinking to myself: Why the heck am I doing all this personal stuff and errands for my bosses at my office when I could have my own business running personal errands for people and businesses charging 20-30$ and hour for all kinds of services? And from there I've been obsessed with how to start the errand business. I'm moving to Florida and there are alot of businesses, young professionals and elderly that could really use my services.

If someone like my uncle who is an engineer and makes over 100$ an hour needs 5 errands done for them and it'll cost them 2 hours of their time why not pay me 40-60$ to do it instead of losing over 200$ of their salary. Makes sense, no?

[Jenni and Bo 0]

Thanks for letting us know about your own experiences. I'm definitely fearing my luck with finding employment with the recession. Even before thing got really bad, everyone has been suggesting that I not move for a while.

I think we need more information. I'm not employed, and haven't been looking for work so I'm the last person that could give you any information, but your question is very general. Yes, some experiences could give you ideas, but it might take a load off your mind if you could tell us where you're going to be living in the US and what area of work you're looking for, what education you have, and even what mode of transportation you'll have.

Good point! To specify:

+I'll be living in Seattle proper.

+I currently work a government job up here in Vancouver that deals with report-writing, investigations, accounts payables, and previously, employee benefits.

+I have a Bachelor's in Criminology from Simon Fraser. I had originally wanted to go into some form of law enforcement (prior to even meeting my husband), but my only goal now is to see how an SFU degree will fare in Seattle's job market.

+I will be taking my car with me when I move over to Seattle.

One thing I find an advantage is that I don't get too optimistic to the point where I'm delusional. When people ask "So what kinda work do you think you'll be doing down there?", I usually respond with:

"Making candles in a factory owned by Pottery Barn."

The scary thing is, I think that is aiming high these days.

I hope someone corrects me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure I read that a Canadian living in Washington somewhere, still crosses the border to go to work. That may be an option for you.

But as Canadians, don't forget, we CAN receive EI for the first 90 days after crossing the border, and again with the EAD. Check out the EI thread!! You can't imagine how good that feels!!

Yeah, so that whole EI for the first 90 days? Don't put all your hopes into it. Seems that there is about a 50/50 chance that you will get it...

I did not...and I filed the 2nd day I was in the country. They didn't tell me I wouldn't get it until the end of my 3 months (tell me I wasn't miffed beyond words)

I think it depends on which person in the EI office looks at your file. Under SSA rules, K visa are supposed to be able to work - but under IMMIGRATION laws (which are federal and therefore should trump SSA), K's cannot work.

If you get the nice lady and she knows the loophole. you will get EI - if you get whatever person I got you won't For sure still apply, just dont get your hopes up like I did...sucks if they say no. You will be able to start collecting once your recieve your EAD if you are told you can't get it for the first 90 days, but I was waiting on that money for a lot of things...I'm hoping I won't have to wait too long to find a job after my EAD arrives.

[JillA 2]

^^Unfortunately that's true, if you check the EI thread Ryck was just denied EI as well

[Flames9_RN 359]

One always has choices. If one needs $$$$ to survive, one has options, such as working longer in Canada and saving money, or go for the CR-1 where 1 can work right from the start, and able to collect EI. The job market will pick up again, its slow for nursing in the DC area, but it will improve.

[JillA 2]

One always has choices. If one needs $$$$ to survive, one has options, such as working longer in Canada and saving money, or go for the CR-1 where 1 can work right from the start, and able to collect EI. The job market will pick up again, its slow for nursing in the DC area, but it will improve.

That's what I did! Moved back home with my Mom and saved $$ for 5 months before moving, that savings has lasted me a nice while here

[TimandJoyce 1]

Yeah, so that whole EI for the first 90 days? Don't put all your hopes into it. Seems that there is about a 50/50 chance that you will get it...

I did not...and I filed the 2nd day I was in the country. They didn't tell me I wouldn't get it until the end of my 3 months (tell me I wasn't miffed beyond words)

I think it depends on which person in the EI office looks at your file. Under SSA rules, K visa are supposed to be able to work - but under IMMIGRATION laws (which are federal and therefore should trump SSA), K's cannot work.

If you get the nice lady and she knows the loophole. you will get EI - if you get whatever person I got you won't For sure still apply, just dont get your hopes up like I did...sucks if they say no. You will be able to start collecting once your recieve your EAD if you are told you can't get it for the first 90 days, but I was waiting on that money for a lot of things...I'm hoping I won't have to wait too long to find a job after my EAD arrives.

What?? So sorry to hear that...apparently somewhere along the line Canada caught up with things! I remember seeing a link somewhere from a Canadian government site about collecting EI in the States. Haven't found that link yet...but I'll keep searching. I hear ya big time on needing that money for a lot of things. The bright side is that I don't think the EAD takes too long after AOS.

One always has choices. If one needs $$$$ to survive, one has options, such as working longer in Canada and saving money, or go for the CR-1 where 1 can work right from the start, and able to collect EI. The job market will pick up again, its slow for nursing in the DC area, but it will improve.

That's what I did! Moved back home with my Mom and saved $$ for 5 months before moving, that savings has lasted me a nice while here

Unfortunately not an option for me. Plus right now, my hours are cut back a little at work....yeesh!! If it's not one thing it's another!!!! Boy I hope my house sells quick!!

[Reeena 0]

I started looking for employment just before I received my I-551 stamp. The state I live in has a plentiful amount of jobs so I got quite a few interviews right away. I needed a job ASAP so the newspaper was my best friend. I literally called every number for every job I thought I could do.

I got a job in less than two weeks after I started looking. In fact, I didn't even have my green card in hand yet, just my 551 stamp for few weeks I worked. I also didn't have my social security number either yet but I was working for a small business that could get away with that sort of thing.

Is it actually a stamp (I-551) only because in the hubbys visa it mentions upon endorsement (I was thinking this means the visa) serves as temporary I-551 for 1 year... and I was wondering if that was correct... I thought it was a "stamp"

I wanted to scan his passport (visa portion) and post and see if they stamped it correctly... all it says is that he was admitted on such and such date and CR1 is written in the middle of the circle where it say class until??? Weird!!

Thanks

[Flames9_RN 359]

I started looking for employment just before I received my I-551 stamp. The state I live in has a plentiful amount of jobs so I got quite a few interviews right away. I needed a job ASAP so the newspaper was my best friend. I literally called every number for every job I thought I could do.

I got a job in less than two weeks after I started looking. In fact, I didn't even have my green card in hand yet, just my 551 stamp for few weeks I worked. I also didn't have my social security number either yet but I was working for a small business that could get away with that sort of thing.

Is it actually a stamp (I-551) only because in the hubbys visa it mentions upon endorsement (I was thinking this means the visa) serves as temporary I-551 for 1 year... and I was wondering if that was correct... I thought it was a "stamp"

I wanted to scan his passport (visa portion) and post and see if they stamped it correctly... all it says is that he was admitted on such and such date and CR1 is written in the middle of the circle where it say class until??? Weird!!

Thanks

mine just had what appears to be a normal entry stamp!! nothing special

[trailmix 77]

What?? So sorry to hear that...apparently somewhere along the line Canada caught up with things! I remember seeing a link somewhere from a Canadian government site about collecting EI in the States. Haven't found that link yet...but I'll keep searching. I hear ya big time on needing that money for a lot of things. The bright side is that I don't think the EAD takes too long after AOS.

From the Canada VJ Wiki page.

This information applies only to CR1/IR1 K1 and K3 visa holders - who may be eligible to collect Employment Insurance after they have moved to the U.S.

Contact Information:

The out of country EI office number is: 1-877-486-1650

The information on out of country claims is here: http://www1.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/inf...anada.shtml#top

The website for EI is here: http://www1.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/menu/eihome.shtml

The online application is here: http://www100.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/ae-ei/dem-ap...lish/home2.html

Important notes:

- Do not quit your job too early. A week or two should not matter, however any longer than that and your application for EI may be denied.

- Apply immediately upon entering the U.S., absolutely within 30 days of quitting. Your application may be denied if you do not apply within the 30 days.

Applying:

- You can apply online Online Application

- Ideally your ROE will show your reason for quitting as - relocating to be with spouse/get married/etc - however even if the reason shown is 'quit' you may still be eligible based on the information they will gather from you after you submit your claim.

[wowswift 3]

I started looking for employment just before I received my I-551 stamp. The state I live in has a plentiful amount of jobs so I got quite a few interviews right away. I needed a job ASAP so the newspaper was my best friend. I literally called every number for every job I thought I could do.

I got a job in less than two weeks after I started looking. In fact, I didn't even have my green card in hand yet, just my 551 stamp for few weeks I worked. I also didn't have my social security number either yet but I was working for a small business that could get away with that sort of thing.

Is it actually a stamp (I-551) only because in the hubbys visa it mentions upon endorsement (I was thinking this means the visa) serves as temporary I-551 for 1 year... and I was wondering if that was correct... I thought it was a "stamp"

I wanted to scan his passport (visa portion) and post and see if they stamped it correctly... all it says is that he was admitted on such and such date and CR1 is written in the middle of the circle where it say class until??? Weird!!

Thanks

its the right one. they do it like that now. I was freaked out too since i thought we were going to get the actual I-551 stamp, but you don't lol. green card comes pretty fast though

[Reeena 0]

Thanks guys. I was worried... when we were there at the border activating the visa they took him into a separate area, so I could only see him through the glass. I wrote on a paper and held up to the glass telling him to make sure it says he can work... haha.

[TimandJoyce 1]

What?? So sorry to hear that...apparently somewhere along the line Canada caught up with things! I remember seeing a link somewhere from a Canadian government site about collecting EI in the States. Haven't found that link yet...but I'll keep searching. I hear ya big time on needing that money for a lot of things. The bright side is that I don't think the EAD takes too long after AOS.

From the Canada VJ Wiki page.

This information applies only to CR1/IR1 K1 and K3 visa holders - who may be eligible to collect Employment Insurance after they have moved to the U.S.

Contact Information:

The out of country EI office number is: 1-877-486-1650

The information on out of country claims is here: http://www1.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/inf...anada.shtml#top

The website for EI is here: http://www1.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/menu/eihome.shtml

The online application is here: http://www100.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/ae-ei/dem-ap...lish/home2.html

Important notes:

- Do not quit your job too early. A week or two should not matter, however any longer than that and your application for EI may be denied.

- Apply immediately upon entering the U.S., absolutely within 30 days of quitting. Your application may be denied if you do not apply within the 30 days.

Applying:

- You can apply online Online Application

- Ideally your ROE will show your reason for quitting as - relocating to be with spouse/get married/etc - however even if the reason shown is 'quit' you may still be eligible based on the information they will gather from you after you submit your claim.

Wonderful!! Thank you!!! Funny how it doesn't let me into the application site, but probably cause I'm still in Canada!! I'll have all my info, and I'll be applying right away anyways...cause you just never know. If I have to wait until EAD that's ok. If all goes well at my interview, I'll be working until Aug. 15th, and moving on the 18th, so I can apply as soon as I cross the border.

[betazed 0]

How long was it for you guys before you got you were legally able to look for work?

They say 30 to 90 days, depending on a variety of cirumstances.

Edited May 27, 2009 by betazed