Hello.

I am a Canadian citizen and am planning to travel across the US border in the next week or so for job interviews. (going to NYC) I was wondering if other people in this situation have had any difficulty crossing the border for job interviews? Is there anything I should take with me in preparation? Perhaps a letter from the potential employer saying something about an interview? I know that crossing the US border has become more difficult now so am a bit concerned that they won't let me go across if they know it is for a job interview?

Please advise.
Thanks,

gtrekker

Hello Gtrekker2003,

I don't know the answer to your question. My intuitive guess is that you could say you're going to a business meeting, which is actually true.

In addition to soliciting opinions here, you might want to post the same question at the Fodors United States forum.

All the best.

It is important that you contact a reputable immigration lawyer for advice. The first conversation is often free or low cost. Immigration and work permits are complicated topics, so please don't rely on advice from non-professionals. The INS has broad power to deny your entry to the US if they believe you are illegally seeking work, and you don't want that to happen.

Thanks for the responses. This would definitely not be illegal work. I'm going for interviews with several companies and they will be providing me with a work visa. I am just going to NYC to interview and decide whom I want to work for and check out the work scene there. It's definitely legit. I am concerned though that if the immigration officials learn I'm going their for job interviews that they will deny my entry.

Has this happened to others before?

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that this would be illegal work. But as you know, there right and wrong ways to answer the border guards' questions (equally true coming in to Canada from the US, by the way). I know people who have been denied entry to the US and Canada for completely legitimate internal company business meetings because their answer to the "Where are you going today?" was that they were "going to work" instead of "going to a meeting". Talk to a lawyer.

I'm sorry but you do NOT need to "talk to a lawyer" if you are entering for a ligitimate reason which you obviously are.

The better question is where DID you get the idea that you might be turned away because you are coming for a job interview? Totally mystifying.

Intrepid1,

I got this idea because a friend of mine was denied entry into the US from Canada because she was UNemployed at tat time (in fact she was in between jobs) and the customs officials said that they don't want her to go into the US to be looking for a job!!!!

I was shocked myself. She was also a Canadian citizen.

So, since then I have been a bit concerned. However, I have been working in the States on a TN visa for the past 10 years but have taken a couple years off but want to go back to work there.

Hence, the worry!
gtrekker

I have absolutely no experience going across the border for a job interview, but they might ask for the physical proof of this interview (ie: an e-mail, an official letter from the company, business card with contacts of the company). Some sort of contact from your potential employer would be crucial, I'd imagine. They should also be able to provide you with some sort of idea of what to expect.

My wife and I live in the US, and have crossed the border many, many times to vacation in Canada, and have never had any problems entering or returning. However a co-worker and I were going to Montreal on a business training trip and it was a whole diffeent process. As soon as the Canadian guard found out the purpose our trip, we had to go into the office and fill out several lengthy forms, and even produce our training signup paperwork. I don't know for sure, but I suspect entering the US from Canada for a business purpose might trigger the same procedure.

I think you're very wise to seek advice...the following is a link to a Buffalo Immigration Lawyer's Forum (similar to this one) where you can post questions and get good info.

http://www.grasmick.com/board/?topic=topic1

My husband and I used to sell product into the U.S. and crossed the border to visit customers from time to time. U.S. Customs always gave us a hard time when we said we were crossing on business. They take a very dim view of Canadians coming into the U.S. to take away jobs from American citizens. If I were you, I would not want to tell them I was coming over for a job interview unless I absolutely had to.

You've probably already been for the interview. I'll chip in my two cents. I think I'd simply state that I was going to spend a few days in NYC. Not sure that any more details would be required. I'd love to hear how this worked out for you.

Been to Canada many times from the US and never had any problems, except I will note that Rental Cars tend to get a more careful check and extra questioning. (Avoid using a rental car.) I've used rental cars that had been rented in the States as well as in Canada.

-Sharon