Canada and Canadians...

...Canadians working and RVing in the USA and Americans working and RVing in Canada.

Canada RVing and Canadian RV Workers Related Links and Resources for RVers and Workcampers - click here.

Canadians Working in the United States

The way I understand it, Canadians cannot legally work in the USA without a work visa, commonly called a Green Card (though I've been told it is actually pink). Work visas are issued to workers in various categories. Typically, these are for performing unique services such as modeling or entertaining, for people with skills that are in high demand, and for workers willing to do jobs that Americans don't fill.

It is my understanding that the procedure is similar to Americans wanting to work in Canada. The employer first gets permission to hire foreign workers. The prospective worker gets a specific, firm job offer, and then files an application with a fee.

The best source of information I've found is on the Immigration and Naturalization website. http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/services/tempbenefits/TempWorker.htm

Americans Working in Canada

Canada (except in special circumstances) requires US citizens to have an employment authorization, otherwise known as a work visa, before working in Canada. This is the way I understand it, but you should check with the Canadian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate for official information: The employer must first get permission to hire foreign workers. The prospective worker needs to have a specific, firm job offer before applying for the work visa. There is a non-refundable fee to apply. It is then up to the worker to prove to the immigration officer that he has the job and the qualifications to perform the job, that he intends to work in Canada only on a temporary basis, and he needs to satisfy all other requirements for entering Canada. You can find this information and other services for non-Canadians interested in working or traveling in Canada at the Canada International website. http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/menu-e.asp

Another Resource
by Dean Husarik

I spoke this morning to Peggi McDonald who is the author of the book Spirit of the Open Road. She and her husband, John, have been traveling for the past 14 years and both are Canadians. Peggi and John are RV Lifestyle Consultants and do seminars across the country. Their website address is http://www.rvliving.net/.

The interesting thing is that they have spent several winters in Ontario, Canada living in their RV. So if your funds will not carry you through a winter in the US, You will find some tips and advice on how to do this on their webpage http://www.rvliving.net/advice.htm.

There is information on Canada's largest RV club called "Explorer RV Club" and the publication called RV Gazette on the website, as well.

Share your input for this column. Mail your ideas to: Dean Husarik, 64 Millrise Crescent SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2Y 2H5, CANADA. Or, email me at boondocker@usa.com. My web site address is http://www.angelfire.com/oh/Boondocking.

I also have a boondocking club on Yahoo... http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/boondocking and you are invited to join and to participate; it currently has 181 members.

Immigration and Naturalization Service

The official information site for laws and regulations regarding green cards is at
http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/index.htm.

List of Resources

For an extensive list of resources for Canadian's desiring to work in United States, go to http://www.sackskolken.com/links/Canada/CawkUSA.html.

Learn About the Full-time RVing Lifestyle from Someone Who Has Lived Fulltime in a Recreational Vehicle for Over Ten Years.

Click and order the e-book now:
How to Get a Life by Living Full-Time in a Recreational Vehicle (Living in an RV)
by Coleen Sykora

RV Living -- site of Canadian RV lifestyle consultants John and Peggi McDonald.
www.rvliving.net

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An alternative to volunteer work camping. Working RVers earn money while RVing.