devsheeran

After I graduate, in the next few years (I still have time to plan), I'd like to spend a few months in Hawaii before heading off to university. I'm currently hoping to graduate high school a semester early, so sometime in January 2019, and go from there.

My questions are, is there a job market out there for 18-year-old Canadians in Hawaii. I know it's hard to get a job depending on the field you are in as is. I would be getting a job while I was there, so it's not a vacation. I need money to survive, especially in one of the most expensive places in the US.

Also, what should be done about where to stay? I do know a family there, they are "cousins" you could say. The oldest may be moved out by then and I could rent a room there, possibly. Obviously, this would have to be offered by them and discussed. I would also be willing to rent a place and have roommates to lower the cost as well. Should this be considered?

I'm thinking of leaving Canada at the end of January/start of February and then returning after 5-6 months, as I don't think I can stay longer than that without a visa.

I've visited Hawaii once before, during spring break. And if all works out well I may be returning during the spring break of 2018. I know I'd be leaving my family and friends behind but ever since I was young I've had the urge to travel and explore the world. Even though I've been to Hawaii already, I fell in love with it and have had the urge to return one day. And I think spending a few months would determine if it was just a "want to visit" or "want to live" there.

Thank you.

kanunu

I am no expert, but I believe that, as a Canadian, you can't legally work in the US without a "green card". And they aren't that easy to get.
You should research that area first, so you can better focus the rest of your plan.
My best suggestion? Start saving money now.
I certainly can't disagree with your desire to spend time there.... good luck!

suze

Agreeing with the post above, your first challenge is you need to figure out if you are allowed to legally work in Hawaii.

Since you need employment to be able to make this dream happen, that's the piece of information you need to know that you are missing at this point.

A prelimimary Google search with the words "can a Canadian work in the usa" this popped up:

"You cannot apply for a work visa on your own without a job offer. You must first have a job offer from a U.S. employer who will sponsor you for a work visa."

I wish you luck with this dream!!

Perhaps you will have to modify it to: make money in Canada (work several jobs at once to save money) and go to Hawaii for only 1 month or however long you can afford with the money you have saved up??

nanabee

I believe universities accept foreign students. What if you apply as such to the University of Hawaii? You could conceivably be there for 4 years. You can also check out the local community colleges which also might accept foreign students.

jamie99

Here is the official word, short answer is NO unless you have a job offer as a professional. As a high school graduate I doubt if you could qualify. You are too young to tend bar (US drinking age is 21) or serve drinks.
https://travel.state.gov/content/vis...ent/nafta.html
Don't you think it kind of mean spirited to potentially take a job from a native citizen who may need it to make ends meet?
Some folks in Hawaii have to work two jobs.

nytraveler

Foreign nationals (even canadians) can;t work in the US without a working visa, which is very difficult and expensive to get since it requires that your employer prove there is no american who can do the job.

Many young people come on a tourist visa and just stay, working for cash under the table (but that would mean an employer willing to do this illegally and you do something like wash dishes or daily construction or act as a nanny - with no benefits). An you would be illegal and subject to deportation if found.

Agree that I would focus on working to earn money now and go for a much shorter holiday without working in HI. Or, apply to the university there and you can stay year round if you take summer courses - and possibly work part time as part of that deal (you would have to check).

devsheeran

Thank you all for the clarification. I will most likely just save money and vacation to Hawaii for a couple months or travel through Europe/Asia.

POMAH

"prove there is no american who can do the job."
We got that covered with the 11million Mexicans working all over the US illegally doing all the word Americanos refuse to do. Such as farm work, construction, toilet cleaning, beer chugin', homeless street defecatin', bottle picker uppin',
burrito makin', and the like.

nytraveler

Well, unless your name is Trump, in which case all you have to do is swear that no American can do your domestic jobs and bring in any number of foreign nationals to work here at much less than minimum wages.

Like all those resorts that bring in kids from europe for the summer, giving them meals in lieu of much of their salary and leave them to live 6 or 8 in bunk beds in small rooms.

suze

<save money and vacation to Hawaii for a couple months or travel through Europe/Asia.>

Much better plan!!!

btw Asia is way cheaper than Europe. Your money would go a lot further in Thailand, Vietnam, etc. than in France or Italy.