Getting away - Working in Canada/America

[slimtim]

Hi all,

Sometime soon I would like to get away to Canada and/or america to work and also do some more freelance photography.

My rough plan so far is to go to somewhere like Fernie (or somewhere else if someone has a better idea?) in Canada and do a season snowboarding and taking pics. I would hopefully get some form of part time job to pay the rent do freelance photography on the side. I would then like to go over to Whistler and spend a season mountain biking, riding the best trails in the world and of course doing some freelance photography.

So basically has anyone got any experience with obtaining a work visa for canada? How do I do it? From what I have read on the internet it seems it is a bit difficult, but others have told me it can be easy. If I wanted to work as a freelance, how does that work with tax and visa etc? Anyone know?

Any other advice anyone could offer would be much appreciated. I'm lucky that being young with no ties I can up and go so I'm going to make the most of it!

Thanks in advance.

Tim

[Rogan]

as for freelance Tim, anything under 600 dollars needs no tax forms and you shouldn't say anything about it. Get paid in caaaash. If I am going to get paid more than 600 for a photo gig I ask for half up front and the other half on completion. Thus avoiding more taxes. I probably shouldn't be saying anything. Next thing I get audited. Not sure about the Visas though.

Oh yeah, Banff is incredible!!!

Do have a online portfolio?

[pathalla]

Originally Posted by Rogan

as for freelance Tim, anything under 600 dollars needs no tax forms and you shouldn't say anything about it. Get paid in caaaash. If I am going to get paid more than 600 for a photo gig I ask for half up front and the other half on completion. Thus avoiding more taxes. I probably shouldn't be saying anything. Next thing I get audited. Not sure about the Visas though.

Oh yeah, Banff is incredible!!!

Do have a online portfolio?

Rogan, did you know I work for the audit division of the I.R.S.?
Now I am willing to "overlook" that comment regarding untaxed income which should have been reported on a 1099. I'll just need a few cases of that excellent coffee you sell.....

[Stoo]

Tim, Fernie is an amazing place to ski. As is Whistler. Banff area. Jasper...

I can't offer any assistance with anything since I live here and don't need a visa... yet!

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by pathalla

Rogan, did you know I work for the audit division of the I.R.S.?

Dude; I *used* to like you....

jky

[Jono]

Originally Posted by slimtim

...... I'm lucky that being young with no ties I can up and go so I'm going to make the most of it!

Thanks in advance.

Tim

...and now I just want to kill you!.......
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Just go for it whilst you can. Make it happen, whatever. You will only regret it if you don't.

Cheers, Jono (Slightly green with jealousy)

[Alan]

Tim, See PM ref. BUNAC.

[slimtim]

thanks for the replies guys.

Rogan, $600 I guess is not all that much (current exchange rate is 2.29 Can$ to the £!) so I would hoep to earn more than that. Anyways, i'll have a chat with mr tax man here and see what he says. Perhaps I could earn money over there and have it paid into an english account ?

Banff, everyone seems to like it, why is it so good? better than Fernie?

Jono, ha I think you're definately right in that I'll regret it if I don't do it.

Alan, cheers for the PM, have replied.

So can anyone else help me out? Was thinking maybe trying to get a design/stress engineering job at one of the mountain bike companies in california after my year or so of dossing. Any pointers to help me out there?

Cheers guys

[Limey Linda]

Do not know about Canada but regarding the USA; you will have a huge problem if you want to work legally. You will have to get Resident Alien Visa ( Green Card). Unless, you have a spouse or parent who is a US citizen the the waiting list is about 5 years. You can get a tempory work permit that costs about $1000 dollars, I think, takes about 6 months to get and you will need to have a job lined up first. Sorry about the bad news. Please note that the FBI are now sending the directors, etc. of companys that hire illegal aliens to prison.
Regards.

[slimtim]

ok, its not looking overly easy! I think maybe I'll have more luck if I get a job offer and then that company can sponsor me.

Just looking at doing a similar thing in Queenstown NZ. I think Pop might be able to offer me some advice here....