Moving on Up –American IT Professionals needed in the "Best Nation on Earth"

By Catherine Creary (ccreary@OutlookExchange.com)

For the seventh straight year, the United Nations has named Canada the best nation in which to live. Are you one of the thousands planning to make the move to the Great White North? If so, you'd better have a work permit when you reach the border - or you'll be facing off against the Mounties.

Don't know the process? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Where do I start?

Of course, moving to another country isn't a decision to be taken lightly. First, you're going to want to read up on the culture, compare salaries, and talk to your family. Once that's done, you can start thinking about getting that work permit. If you're an IT professional and a U.S. citizen, you can take advantage of the North American Free Trade Agreement and fill out an application for Employment Authorization. The Employment Authorization document is the work permit that you will need to enter Canada.

Where do I apply for this Employment Authorization?

Here, you have some options. You can complete an application for Employment Authorization upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry, or you may apply, before departing for Canada, at a Canadian consulate or embassy in the USA. The application fee is $150.00 Canadian (approx. $100 in US). If you choose to apply by mail and your application for employment authorization is denied, the Canadian government keeps your cash. Get used to it. They do that often up here.

What are the requirements for IT professionals?

A bachelor's degree or two-year post-secondary diploma and three years experience is a minimum requirement for entry. You must be applying for an occupation listed in NAFTA job listings for professionals. You must also have an offer of employment with a Canadian company that includes the following:

• the proposed employer or employers the profession (including position title and duties) for which you seek entry
• the purpose of entry
• the anticipated length of stay
• the educational qualifications required to perform the job
• the arrangements for remuneration of services to be rendered

You can work for more than one company at a time, provided all employers are listed on the employment authorization. Keep this in mind when you're applying for jobs up north. Oh, and unlike the US, you don't have to worry about finding a single, full-time job to provide health insurance. Ottawa has that covered.

What documentation should I provide?

To qualify for the Employment Authorization, you need several pieces of documentation, including an offer letter from the prospective employer on company letterhead, your degree or diploma, birth certificate (U.S. citizens aren't required to show a passport) and proof of work experience. This last item can simply be letters from your past employers, also on letterhead. I've been granted Employment Authorization.

I've received my Employment Authorization.  What's next?

Pat yourself on the back and treat yourself to a bottle of Canada's finest beer! Your Employment Authorization document gives you the ability to enter and exit Canada at your leisure for up to one year from the date of issue. "One year?", you say.   "Is that all?"  This leads us to our next question...

How long can I remain in Canada?

So you've found your ideal job, packed your belongings, and arrived at the border with your documents . How long can you stay in the best country on earth? Well, that 150-dollar Employment Authorization may only buy you a one year maximum, but don't panic - extensions may be granted in one-year increments. Extensions can be applied for through the mail with no fuss or worry. There is no set time limit on how long you can remain in Canada as a professional, so you can apply for extensions yearly and eventually apply for permanent residency. You will know that you truly belong here when you refer to the winter weather in Minnesota as "balmy".

What else do I need to know?

First, don't complain about the frigid winters, or demand your weather reports in Fahrenheit. Don't brag about the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" hockey team - though it's a nice effort to learn the differences between icing and offside before moving up here. Trade in your baseball gloves for a hockey stick. Learn to skate.

Finally, don't think that rumor about Canadians being polite means you can leave your manners down south. Stifle that snicker when the immigration officer says, "eh?" or asks you "aboot" how long you're planning to stay. Smile, have all your papers in order so they can process you as fast as they can, and once you're granted entry respond with a politely Canadian "merci".

Oh yes, and welcome to the best nation on earth!