I have been approached by a US company who is interested in hiring me. This will probably mean that I have to move to the USA. Unfortunately, I don't have my Canadian citizenship yet and will only qualify for this in a year from now. The US company will sponsor my US visa.

Like so many others on this site, I've been struggling to find work. I do highly specialized electrical engineering work and there is not much of this available in Canada.

I have seen some jobs advertised in Canada, which I would be able to do; but they ALWAYS want at least 5 years' experience. I am, for all practical purposes, a new grad with very little experience.

So, my question is, if I accept the job in the USA and then return to Canada in time so I don't lose my PR, will I still have the problem that recent immigrants have with not having CANADIAN experience?

I prefer living in Canada and will see the US job only as a steppingstone to get a job in Canada. Any advice?

Marli,

I don't know your field of expertise, but generally speaking, US experience would count towards Canadian experience in many fields. The two countries are very intergrated in many ways.

Personally, I prefer living in Canada too. However, finding work in one's field obviously plays a huge part. As far as I recall, you can leave the country for 6 months without losing your PR status. If you take the US job, you'll have 6 months to decide whether you like it and the US or not.

It depends on how badly you want to stay in Canada vs. US and how likely it is you'll find what you are looking for in Canada.

(Not sure I was of any help)

Hi Robert

Why do you say 6 months? On the GIC website, it says that

• You will remain a permanent resident until you become a Canadian citizen, as long as you spend at least two years of each five year period in Canada
• If you spend more than two years of a five-year period outside Canada, you may lose your permanent resident status (certain conditions apply)

Like I said, my knowledge is pretty outdated.

Marli,

It might be interesting to know WHERE in the US this company is based? Is it possible to commute "just" across the border? I have a neighbour who works in Blaine, has a sponsored US visa and travels every day the 25 minutes to and from work.

The other thing is can you Telecommute for them? I think you do that now for the company you are working for already. Would it not be possible for at least a year until you get you Citizenship?

RE Citizenship: The fact that you have been out the country has to be taken into consideration too. That may extend when you can apply for citizenship.

Hey Adele.

Their offices are in Boston and San Francisco. There is a chance that I could telecommute like I'm doing now. But I just want to know all my options before I go for the interview. I hope to convince them to employ me here... I don't wan't to lose my Canadian PR status!