Dear evaskor,
It looks like it's been several months since you posted and I'm not sure you ever received a reply. I only recently joined this forum, and I thought I'd try to help...even if you have moved along, perhaps there is someone else in a similar situation...
Chapter 16 of the NAFTA (aka Temporary Entry for Business Persons) explains everything you need to know as to whether or not you qualify for a Work Authorisation as a professional. One site where you can view this chapter, as well as the NAFTA in its entirety, is
http://www.sice.oas.org/trade/nafta/naftatce.asp.
It also is pretty clear as to what documents you need and the fees involved...the more you can be prepared, the greater likelihood you will get your Authorisation (aka work visa). Whatever is not covered in the NAFTA is covered in the Work Authorisation application.
For the application itself, you can take a look at the details here:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.html. This also makes simple references to the NAFTA and any FAQ's.
Just know that you need a 'letter of hire' from your prospective employer before you apply...your Authorisation is also only good for that employer, that position, at that location...so be sure it is the job you want!
I had no trouble getting my Work Authorisation, nor renewing it every year...NAFTA qualified professionals are very fortunate to have it so easy, compared to the other areas of employment...I did everything on my own, had no need to consult with a lawyer, and got my Authorisation in one day.
Bring a U.S. Citizen allowed me to visit the man who is now my husband here in Canada (he is also an American and was here on a Student Visa at the time). When the job I now have was posted, I applied...NAFTA requires that the educational degree you have and the job you take are congruent, don't forget that.
I am an American citizen and have worked for the BC Government for almost 6 years now. I was the first American to be hired within my Ministry and the only one to be on a Work Authorisation, so it was a learning experience for everyone...I actually had more knowledge of my rights and the procedures than my employer at the time of hire!
Once you get someone who is willing to hire you, the rest is easy if you've done your homework. You need your offer letter, your educational transcripts, your birth certificate, passport, completed application, fees, and anything else that is listed on the application or in the NAFTA guidelines.
I took all my documents to the Immigration office in Victoria, BC (where we were living) and met with an Immigration Officer to see what else I would need...assuming I was going to have to go back to the U.S. for port of entry to apply...but, given that I had all of my documents and my employer wanted me to start ASAP, and that it was a government position, the Officer graciously offered to issue my Visa right then and there. He took all my documents (which made me very nervous!) and it was ready the following morning.
Since then, I have successfully reapplied each year for renewal (on my own, without assistance), as my job is a permanent position and my ongoing employment is contingent upon that authorisation renewal. The process really isn't that difficult as long as you pay attention to details (I mean this all to be encouraging, not conceited or condescending!
). it's just a bit lengthy due to how busy they are, so be sure to reapply about 6 weeks before the date your Authorisation is set to expire.
However, even if it expires before you have been renewed, as long as you applied for renewal before the deadline, you are covered by "Implied Status" so your job is protected until you hear one way or the other from Immigration about your renewal.
Anyway, I hope this makes a little sense and is helpful to someone. As I said, I was fortunate to have had an employable profession and to have done my homework...and to have had it all go relatively easy over the past 6 years. So, whatever help I can offer to any U.S. citizens seeking professional employment in Canada under the NAFTA, please let me know.
When I think I almost paid a law firm $1800 for something I could obviously do myself, I feel sick...so I'm hopefull to help a few others avoid that expense if possible.
Cheers!
Denaunie
