Detailed information on what Canadian Nurses need to ensure their travel experience on the TN Visa is as smooth as can be!
Resources to help you along your journey!
1. Better Salary & Travel Stipends
2. Working conditions & Patient Ratios
3. Scheduling & Time-off
4. New Travel Experiences, Cities and People
5. Better Lifestyle Opportunities
Are you a Canadian nurse considering a change in your career path? If so, you might want to consider taking your nursing career to the USA. Here are some of the top reasons why:
Whatever your reason is you can definitely explore and make more travelling the USA as a Canadian Travel Nurse, reach out to us with any questions you may have!
1. Hospitals & Healthcare are the largest industry in the USA
2. Private hospital systems use Managed Services Providers (MSP) to handle staffing shortages
3. The MSP implements a Vendor Management System (VMS) to source potential candidates
4. Multiple Agencies connect to VMS to source jobs
5. Recruiters find Nurses for their specific agency
6. Nurses are the most needed resource in America.
If you feel like you need help navigating the American healthcare system, jump on a quick meeting and we’ll help you get started
1. Gain 1-2 years experience in the nursing specialty of your choice
2. Research target states
3. Apply for an ITIN (if heading to California)
4. Apply for a State license
5. Apply for Visascreen, Visa4Nurse or ERES
6. Find a nursing job
7. Prepare your TN Visa documents for border crossing
8. Apply for a SSN
The TN Visa Process for Canadian RNs is a series of steps that Canadian Registered Nurses (RNs) must follow to work in the United States. Here is a breakdown of the main steps involved in the TN visa process for Canadian RNs:
It's important to note that the TN visa is valid for up to three years and can be extended for additional three-year periods. However, the TN visa is a non-immigrant visa, so it does not lead to permanent residency in the United States. If looking to permanently relocate, Hospitals in are always looking for Nursing staff and will usually sponsor a Greencard.
If you need help navigating the process, reach out and we will pair you with an Adventure Mentor to get you started off on the right foot.
1. Previous nursing experience
2. NCLEX
3. Credential Evaluation Services (CES)
4. TN Visa
5. Charting Systems
6. Nursing specialities
7. English proficiency exam (if coming from Quebec)
One to two years of experience as a nurse is typically required to work as a travel nurse because this type of nursing involves a higher level of responsibility and requires a significant amount of clinical experience. The training period is usually very short so you need to be able to adjust quickly to a new work environment. As a travel nurse, you may be working with unfamiliar equipment, procedures, and protocols. Adaptability is key.
Most agencies or hospitals won't consider your application if you have less than 1.5-2 years of experience. It is important to note that you can't try a new specialty while travel nursing. For example, if you have worked in Pediatrics for the last two years, you won't be able to take an ICU travel nursing assignment.
If you are working as a nurse is Canada, you will most likely have already passed the NCLEX. Your Canadian NCLEX is equivalent to the US NCLEX, so if you graduated in 2015 or later, you will only need to transfer you exam results when applying for a state license.
If you are from Quebec or graduated before 2015 and have never wrote the NCLEX, read the following for more information.
The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a standardized exam that all registered nurses (RNs) in the United States and most of Canada must pass in order to obtain their nursing license. The exam is developed and administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and is designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities that are essential for safe and effective nursing practice.
Check out the other guides for deeper dive on each state requirements, but before you can write the NCLEX, you will need to apply to a state license and to obtain an ATT (Authorization to Test) from the Board of Nursing before writing the exam.
You will need to register on the NCSBN website. You will be asked to enter the code of your nursing program. If you studied in Quebec, you will notice that Quebec is not part of the province's list. You will need to use a general program code for Canada which is CA99F00000
Wherever you go, you will need to use a Credential Evaluation Service (CES) to ensure your Canadian nursing education is up to the American standard.
There is 3 main CES for international applicants:
More on this in Guide 6 - Choosing your credential evaluator service
The TN visa is a nonimmigrant work visa available to Canadian citizens under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Canadian nurses who meet certain requirements can obtain a TN visa to work in the United States.
To qualify for a TN visa as a nurse, the applicant must hold a state license or have a Canadian nursing license that is equivalent to a U.S. state license, possess a diploma or degree in nursing, and have a job offer from a U.S. hospital, agency or employer.
Once the requirements are met and the TN visa is granted, it is typically valid for up to three years. It can also be renewed for periods of three years. The length of the visa will depend on the length of the job offer and the employer's need for the applicant's services.
There are numerous different charting systems depending on the hospital system you will be working for. The 3 main charting systems you will encounter are:
If you are already comfortable using one of those, it will be an asset that makes your resume a little stronger, but its not 100% necessary. The hospitals offers on-site training but be ready to learn quickly as some hospital systems only give you 1-2 days to understand the charting system before starting your contract.
The most in-demand RN specialties in the USA can vary depending on the region and healthcare facility, but generally speaking, the following specialties are often in high demand:
Higher demand generally equals higher rates. Keep in mind that the industry continues to shift depending on the market conditions in different regions & states.
If you don’t have one of those specialties, there are always options, feel free to reach out to a group admin to learn more!
As a Quebec Nurse, you will need to take an exam to demonstrate your proficiency in English. There are two tests available, the TOEFL and the IELTS. Each state has different requirements of scores but the baseline is around 83 on the TOEFL. We recommend doing the TOEFL over the IELTS, as some State BONs do not accept the IELTS.
States that only accept the TOEFL: California, Hawaii, Georgia, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, Ohio
See below for the simple steps to get your State license in each of these states!
There are many other options depending on your preferences and specific situation. Reach out to us if you wish to learn more about the licensing process in another state.
Steps:
See Official Washington BON information here:
https://nursing.wa.gov/licensing/apply-license/educated-outside-united-states
Steps:
See Official Minnesota BON information here:
https://mn.gov/boards/nursing/licensure/apply-for-a-license/rn-lic-exam-canada-prog.jsp
Steps:
See Official New York BON information here: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/nursing/attention-canadian-educated-rn-license-applicants
Access the Forms here:
https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/registered-professional-nursing/application-forms
Steps:
See Link for a step by step in more detail: https://www.bon.texas.gov/licensure_examination.asp.html
Steps:
See Link for a step by step in more detail: https://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/index.shtml
Writing the NCLEX-RN
If you are working as a nurse in Canada and graduated in 2015 or after, you have most likely have already passed the NCLEX.
Your Canadian NCLEX is equivalent to the US NCLEX, so if you graduated in 2015 or later, you will only need to transfer your exam results when applying for a state license.
If you are from Quebec or graduated before 2015 and have never written the NCLEX, read the following for more information.
If you have not already passed the NCLEX-RN, you must register to take the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE (the company that offers the NCLEX–RN in the U.S. and Canada). You may register online at: https://wsr.pearsonvue.com/nclex/
Before you can write the NCLEX, you will need to apply for a state license and to obtain an ATT (Authorization to Test) from the Board of Nursing before writing the exam.
You will need NCSBN's Canadian program code for your BN, BSN, or BScN program in order to register for the NCLEX. Canadian Program Codes and other NCLEX information are available at: NCLEX Exam Codes - and check your jurisdiction with the dropdown menu here: https://www.regulatoryatlas.com/jurisdiction-selectio
RN’s from Quebec can use: CA99F00000
All Other provinces use School Codes
Link: https://www.jsilny.org/services.aspx/
Link: https://www.eres.com/services/professional-license/nursing-license
As a travel nurse, choosing the right agency and recruiter is an important decision that can greatly impact your experience and success in the field. Here are some tips for choosing a recruiter:
Overall, take the time to research and choose a recruiter who has the experience, communication skills, availability, and trustworthiness you need to have a successful Travel nursing experience.
Check out our Bonus Guide 5: Questions to ask a recruiter!
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have!
Depending on your specialty, you will need to have up to date certifications (eg. BLS, ACLS, PALS). Even if you took those courses in Canada, most employers will ask for you to retake the American classes from the American Heart Association (AHA).
The AHA offers a lot of course options, you can generally take most of the class online then book an in-person skills session to have your qualifications confirmed. See here: https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/healthcare-professional
Some employers will allow you to start your contract before completing those courses if you agree to complete them in a set period of time after the start of your contract. Check in with your recruiter to verify what the best avenue is for you and the hospital you will be placed at!
Some courses are offered in an online-only format. Be careful if you decide to go that way because certain Hospitals don’t recognise those courses and you might have to retake them.
To be able to receive your salary from the hospital or Agency hiring you, you will need to have a cross-border Canadian bank account or an American bank account. You can call your bank to see if they could change your bank account to a cross-border one.
If you choose to open an American bank account, you might need an American address. This type of bank account is required to obtain an American credit card (see American credit card post for more info).
When opening a bank account in the US, it’s better to go with a bank you already have an account with in Canada. Here are some banks doing business in both countries:
RBC:
TD:
BMO Harris:
Having an American credit card is required if you wish to order anything online while you are in the US, because most websites will ask for a credit card number linked with an American Zip code for the transaction to go through.
Obtaining an American credit card can be tricky since credit card providers will generally require an American address. A lot of Travel Nurses won't have an American address, for example if they are living in an extended stay hotel. You could always use the address of a friend/relative who resides in the US or a mail address (as long as it is not listed as a commercial mail receiving agency).
Also, credit card providers often require applicants to have an American bank account.
Here are some options to obtain an American credit card:
The credit card can be linked with your Canadian cross-border account, but make sure you have an American Zip code on file, to be able to order online (as explained earlier).
They provide credit cards to Canadians, taking into account your Canadian credit history (see the post about credit history transfer for more information on that).
They have a partnership with Novacredit so they consider your Canadian credit history also.
Transferring your Canadian credit history to the US will allow you to have a higher credit limit if you get an American credit card. Also, if you are looking for a mid-term rental, you will need a credit history report to provide to potential landlords.
Novacredit completes credit history report transfers from Equifax, so you can establish your US Based credit history for accommodations, rentals, ect.
Learn more on their website: https://www.novacredit.com/
Most nurse travelers will want to have an American phone number so they can stay in touch with their Canadian relatives while on assignment in the US.
It's always possible to have a Canada-USA plan on your Canadian phone that would allow you to call, text and use cellular data, but be aware that your new American friends may be charged when they contact you on your Canadian number.
Here are some available Canadian phone plans deals:
You can also use Apps like WhatsApp to text/call in Canada or the USA, be this requires a wi-fi connection so this might not be a reliable option.
It's good to know that you can carry 2 SIM cards in a single Iphone: 1 E-SIM & 1 SIM. This allows you to have a Canadian and an American phone line in a single cell phone.
Here are some of the best American phone plan deals for Canadians:
If you are bringing a pet with you on your travel nursing journey, make sure to have their health file while crossing the border. Their shots and certifications have to be up to date to the American standard.
Check out what you need to know about about your pet crossing the border with you here on the USDA website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/bring-pet-into-the-united-states
If you plan on traveling for less than 6 months a year, a good option is to subscribe to travel insurance. Here are two travel insurance options:
Allianz Global:
Manulife:
If you are going to the USA for more than 6 months of the year, your Canadian travel insurance may not be valid based on your provincial health care. You can get health Insurance through your agency or hospital, or alternatively can get a health insurance stipend from the agency or hospital you work with.
Refer to Bonus Guide 6: Housing & Stipends
Documents you will need to bring:
We highly recommend you organize all your documents in a folder to ensure a smooth process.
After you cross the border, ensure you go to a Social Security office to get your SSN as soon as you can. You usually need it before you can start your contract.
Keep in mind you can only cross the border 10 days or less before the starting date of your contract.
Keeping active while on assignment will benefit your body and mind, as well as help you build your social network. There are a number of gym membership options in the states.
Here are a few to get you started:
ClassPass: Allows you to check out different facilities in your new city. It runs on a point system. Depending on the options available in your city, you will have access to a ton of gyms, yoga studios, spinning classes, aesthetics services and so much more.
Low cost, nationwide providers:
Luxury facilities:
Here are some options to take care of your accounting needs:
PPA Tax: https://ppatax.com/
TravelTax: https://traveltax.com/about-us/
Throwbridge: https://www.trowbridge.ca/
Dimov: https://dimovtax.com/tax-services/expat-international-taxation/
You will want to avoid transferring your money back and forth between Canada and the USA because you will lose money every time with exchange fees.
Wise Online Money Transfers specializes in converting foreign currencies, and sending international bank transfers. If you want the best rates for your international money transfers, open an account with them, they have lower rates than all major banks!
There are a couple apps that can help you during your journey:
Volo: Local sports & activities in 12 cities
MedVenture: Meet Travel Nurse friends (Westcoast mostly)
Venmo: The American E-transfer
Quickbooks: Keep your accounting up to date for cross border
AllTrails: Local Hiking Trails
If you are taking your car with you on your American journey, it’s good to know that your Canadian car insurance is usually valid in the USA (we recommend checking in with your company before you go because your policy might have some exclusions). If you are staying in the states more than 6 months, you will need to subscribe to American car insurance.
Canadian insurers that have affiliates in the USA: Both these companies operate in Canada and the USA but are registered as different operational entities. If you're currently insured with one of these companies, check in with your broker to see if they can do an international transfer to their affiliate.
All State:
Wawanesa:
USA car insurance companies: Based on rates we compared, here are two of the bigger name agencies with the lowest rates that will accept an international driver's license (you may need to order your drivers abstract from your provincial DMV):
If your agency or hospital does not cover liability insurance, it is advisable to purchase liability insurance while working in the USA, it costs around $100 per year and one option is here: https://www.nso.com/Get-a-Quote.
If you are getting a mid-term rental, it's wise to subscribe to renters insurance. Here are some companies you could use:
Building a support network is critical to ensure you feel secure and fulfilled in your new city. Here are some tips we gathered from seasoned Travel Nurses:
Use social media in a meaningful way. We all are a little guilty of wasting time on social media, gazing at cute pups' pictures for longer than we would like to admit. But socials can also be a great way to connect with other Travel Nurses and access valuable resources, advice and support. There are a ton of local Facebook groups you could join based on your lifestyle interests. And of course we recommend you keep in touch with our Facebook page to share your Travel experiences and learn for other Nurses journeys.
The key points addressed in that treaty are:
The Canada-US tax treaty is a bilateral agreement between Canada and the United States that provides guidelines for the taxation of income earned by residents of one country who also earn income in the other country. The treaty is designed to avoid double taxation, which occurs when the same income is taxed in both countries.
For Canadian Travel Nurses working in the USA, the tax treaty has several potential implications.
First, it determines which country has the right to tax the income earned by the nurse. Under the treaty, income earned in the USA by a Canadian resident is subject to US income tax, but the nurse may also be required to pay Canadian income tax on that income. However, the treaty provides a mechanism for avoiding double taxation through a foreign tax credit, which allows Canadian residents to claim a credit for taxes paid to the US government on their Canadian tax return.
Second, the treaty may affect the nurse's eligibility for certain tax benefits, such as deductions and credits. For example, the treaty may limit the nurse's ability to claim certain deductions or credits on their US tax return if they are also claiming the same deductions or credits on their Canadian tax return.
Third, the treaty may impact the nurse's residency status for tax purposes. Under the treaty, the nurse's residency status may be determined by factors such as the length of time they spend in each country, their ties to each country, and their intention to return to Canada. Depending on their residency status, the Nurses may be subject to different tax rules and obligations.
It is important for Canadian Travel Nurses working in the USA to consult with a tax professional to ensure compliance with both US and Canadian tax laws and to take advantage of the benefits provided by the Canada-US tax treaty.
A basic breakdown of some of the things to keep in mind while traveling can be seen here: https://www.travelnursing.org/travel-nurse-taxes-comprehensive-guide/
If your personal accountant has limited knowledge of the cross-border tax system, you can contact some of the following contacts:
PPA tax, who is great for Canadian travel nurses and have cost effective rates for both Canadian and American tax returns, helping advising on best practices to maximize returns for Canadians. Karan Narang: https://ppatax.com/ - 519-946-2921
TravelTax: https://traveltax.com/about-us/ as their staff is knowledgeable, especially Joe Smith, their founder, from a Travel Nurse perspective!
Reach out to any us for ask any questions you may have!
CollectivCare is a non-profit organization working to inform and guide Canadian Nurses interested in exploring what the nursing market in the USA has to offer. We are working on innovative models of care that can benefit the well-being of nurses. We are dedicated to providing Canadian Nurses with the opportunity to find the environments best suited for their lifestyle and needs. We focus on what really matters to each Nurse, whether it be maximizing their stipends or connecting them with trusted Nurses in their new city of choice in the USA.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want some advice about your journey to Travel Nursing or finding the American cities best suited for you. We can match you with opportunities based on your skill set, timeline and lifestyle needs.
The Good
One of the best-paying agencies, and they cover or reimburse most expenses. They have the biggest network by a large margin across the USA. They are based out of California and have facility relationships in the west coast’s and southern states with coverage all across the country for contracts. They also have knowledgeable recruiters on the TN visa process.
The Bad
Contracts rates have been cut halfway through contracts, albeit not as much as some other providers. Some recruiters are great, and some are not as much.
The Good
They provide a wide range of job opportunities in various healthcare settings. You’ll see some contracts on Vivian and they have an extensive network on the upper east coast. They operate under numerous different brands throughout the continental USA.
The Bad
The agency's communication and transparency regarding job placements or issues with scheduling and workload management can be suspect depending on the nurse you talk to. Also known to cut contracts at a moment’s notice.
The Good
Nurses may appreciate the agency's personalized approach to finding suitable job placements, competitive pay rates, and support throughout the hiring and placement process. The Agency also owns Host Healthcare, who has a similar approach. They have contracts across the nation.
The Bad
History of recruiters saying they have knowledge of TN Visa but have been known to misinform, which can lead to border issues, Tendency to lower rates or stipends, not as vast of a network of MSP and VMS systems in hospitals and therefore rates can be a little lower than agencies with a larger network.
The Good
Nurses may appreciate the agency's supportive and open communication, and some recruiters have knowledge of the TN visa process, make sure you ask! They operate under a couple of different brands throughout the continental USA, and most of their hospital connections are throughout the eastern USA.
The Bad
Slightly lower rates than agencies with a larger reach, especially in the southern and western USA, recruiters can be hit or miss, and can lower rates midway through the contract.
The Good
TNAA has a strong presence in several states, including Texas, Florida and Arizona. They have a relatively good reputation and also have made a significant equity investment into the Gypsy nurse.
The Bad
Limited to no knowledge of the TN Visa process, Recruiters also can sometimes bait and switch contracts and have been known to reduce contract rates mid-term. Becoming equity owners of the Gypsy Nurse, there may be some biased opinions in there.
Side note
It's important to do your own research on specific staffing companies to make your own informed decisions - speak to other nurses traveling but remember there is always some bias with the referral fees making each nurse some extra cash. At the end of the day, find someone you have a good connection with and have access to the right contracts in the locations you want to work in!
Connect with us if you have any questions or want some deeper insights.
Let's talk about bill rates! As a Travel Nurse, you might be aware that you're paid one amount, but the Travel Nursing Agency bills the healthcare facility where you work at a higher rate. But do you know why there's a difference, and where that extra money goes? This guide is here to inform you. It offers an overview of where the money goes and why, with some insider information.
First things first, what are bill rates? Bill rates are the total amount a Travel nursing Agency charges a healthcare facility for supplying them with a Travel Nurse to fill a specific role. This rate isn't the same as your pay rate, which is the amount you actually receive. The markup is the difference between the two rates.
Let's break down the numbers. The typical breakdown of where the bill rate goes is as follows:
The amount left for the Nurse’s pay and related expenses is between 56% and 77% of the original bill rate. The expenses related to hiring a Nurse include:
It's important to note that bill rates can vary by Hospital in the same city and even by Agency for the same position at the same hospital. Agencies try to negotiate higher pay packages, resulting in higher bill rates, because when you make more money, they make more money.
There are three primary types of bill rates: standardized, negotiated, and bid. Standardized bill rates are set at the time the Agency and the Healthcare facility execute a Master Service Agreement (MSA), which is typically good for 2 years. Negotiated bill rates are similar to bid bill rates but differ in the fact that they can be negotiated on a broader spectrum than just an individual submission. Bid bill rates occur when facilities and MSPs allow agencies to 'bid' on the bill rates upon submitting a Nurse candidate.
At the end of the day, Agencies typically have a 8 to 18% net profit margin after the Nurse receives her earnings and all the bills have been covered from the original bill rate.
Hope this helped you understand the system a little better. Understanding bill rates can help you advocate for yourself and ensure you're receiving fair compensation for your hard work.
Each state has its own Board of Nursing (BON) that regulates nursing practice and issues nursing licenses. The time it takes to get a nursing license varies by state and can depend on several factors, including the state's requirements for education, testing, and background checks, as well as the volume of applications being processed by the state nursing board.
Other factors can add time to the process, for example, if you were educated in Quebec, you may have to take an English proficiency exam, have your nursing documents translated and write the NCLEX.
These are 10 states and the licencing timelines, that do not require an SSN, according to the article here:
Other states that may require an SSN (or ITIN), and how long it typically takes to get a nursing license there
It's important to note that these time frames are estimates and can vary based on individual circumstances and any additional requirements imposed by the state's nursing board for international requirements. Some states have expedited processing options available for an additional fee.
Working with Canadian RNs
Pay
Hospital Relationships
Benefits
Housing
Some travel nurse companies provide housing assistance, but if they offer housing stipends, you can use websites like Furnished Finder, Airbnb, VRBO, Facebook or Craigslist to find your own housing. However, be sure to compare costs with agency housing, especially if the city is known to be expensive. Taking the stipend and finding cheaper housing can result in tax-free cash in your pockets, if you have a tax-home in Canada and do not commute to work.
Others
Travel stipends are a type of reimbursement provided to Travel Nurses to help cover the costs associated with their Travel and lodging expenses while they are on assignment. Travel stipends are typically paid in addition to the Nurse's regular hourly wage or salary and can vary depending on the location of the assignment, the length of the assignment, and other factors.
GSA rates, also known as General Services Administration rates, are the maximum allowable per diem rates for employees and contractors who travel for work within the United States.
The GSA sets the per diem rates for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses for different locations within the United States. These rates are updated annually and are based on the average daily rate for lodging and the average cost of meals and incidental expenses in each location.
For Nurses, this stipend may cover expenses such as travel, lodging and meals.
For lodging, Nurses can usually choose between:
If the Nurse chooses to book their own lodging and the cost is lower than the stipend, the agency will still pay the stipend amount in full, and the Nurse can pocket the rest.
Same goes for the meals and food cost, the employer pays the Nurse a fixed amount, how she spends it is up to her.
It is important to note that travel stipends are typically not taxable, as they are considered reimbursement for expenses incurred while on assignment.
If you choose to book your own accommodations, you can use this list of resources to find housing:
It can also be good to look for extended-stay hotels in the area to see how they compare, depending on the city.
In every American state and Canadian province, except Quebec, the NCLEX is the licensing exam required to become a Registered Nurse. The exam is developed and administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and is designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities that are essential for safe and effective nursing practice.
Before you can take the exam, you will need to apply for a state license and to obtain an ATT (Authorization to Test) from the Board of Nursing. The cost for writing the exam is $200 USD.
Registering for the NCLEX-RN: You will need to register on the NCSBN website. You'll be asked to enter the code of your nursing program. You will notice that Quebec is not part of the province's list. Use the general program code for Canada which is CA99F00000.
If your nursing education was taught in French, you will need to pass an English proficiency exam to demonstrate your English level is sufficient to work in the US. The only schools generally exempted from this requirement are: McGill University, Dawson College, Vanier College, John Abbott College, and Heritage College.
There are two exam options, the Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Each state has their own requirements regarding passing scores (see our guide about the specific states for more information) but the baseline is around 83 for the TOFEL. We recommend doing the TOEFL over the IELTS, as some state Boards of nursing don’t accept the IELTS.
States that only accept the TOEFL: California, Hawaii, Georgia, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, Ohio
You will need to have your transcripts, diplomas and certificates translated from French to English before sending them to the Board of nursing for evaluation. Be aware that some Boards only accept translation by translators certified by the American Translation Association (ATA). This can get pretty pricey.
Here is the contact information for the cheapest ATA certified translator we found:
Rachel Pierce:
All documents you will need to provide your CES must be first translated to English, unless you plan to use the translation service offered by the CES (see the post about CES for the costs of those services).
Tax-home options available for Canadian Nurses on a TN visa in the USA:
TN visa renewals: The TN visa is valid for up to 3 years and can be renewed every 3 years. To renew your TN visa, you must continue to meet the eligibility requirements, including having a job offer from a US employer.
Green card sponsorship: If you are interested in staying in the USA permanently, you may be able to apply for a green card if you take on a permanent position within a hospital in the USA. Your employer would need to sponsor your green card application, and there are specific requirements that must be met in order to be eligible.
It is important to note that each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages, at the end of the day, it depends on what is the best situation for you both long and short term.
Reach out if you want to learn more about the opportunities in the USA.
If you are traveling in the states with your Canadian car, there are a few things you need to know. Here’s some information on the different options you have.
Temporary importing:
You can temporarily import your Canadian licensed car to the US for personal use for up to one year at a time without permanently importing it. However, if you decide to keep it in the US for more than a year, you have to complete the permanent import process before the 365 days are up. If you fail to do this, your vehicle would be subject to seizure for non-payment of duty.
Getting started:
Before importing your car to the US, we advise you to read the overview on importing a vehicle to the US from the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Depending on your situation, importing your car can be a confusing, time-consuming, and sometimes impossible process, so it’s not for everyone. Please note that regulations can change without notice, and you should always consult the relevant agencies for complete guidelines and up-to-date information. Some procedures may differ depending on which state you reside in, so check state requirements too.
At the border:
If you intend to keep your car in the US beyond a year and convert it to a US registration, declare this to the customs officer at the border when you cross into the US. You will need to provide the officer with your vehicle registration as well as a completed DOT Form HS-7 and EPA Form 3520-1 and any supplemental documentation to prove that your car meets safety and emissions standards.
If everything is in order, you will receive written approval that you have met all the requirements from the customs officer, which you must then take with you to your final destination where you will register your car and convert it to a US registration and ownership. Make sure to ask the customs officer to stamp your passport at the border so you can prove when you entered the US, as this may be helpful later on in the process when you register your vehicle.
Duties:
Automobiles are generally subject to a duty of 2.5% of their current value when they are imported to the United States. However, vehicles manufactured in USMCA countries (U.S., Mexico and Canada) are usually exempt from this duty.
Safety and emissions compliance:
All vehicles imported into the US must comply with US Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) set by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and US emission standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
When bringing your vehicle from Canada into the United States, you will be required to present the following completed compliance forms:
All vehicles less than 25 years old must meet all US FMVSS standards to be imported into the United States. You can determine if your vehicle is compliant by looking for an FMVSS certification label (usually inside the car door or under the hood). If your vehicle has this label, you should have no problem importing it to the US from a safety standards standpoint. However, in many cases, your vehicle only has a label certifying it complies with all Canadian motor vehicle safety standards (CMVSS).
The driver’s license transfer process varies from state-state, check the website of the state’s DMV for more information. Keep in mind that you have a maximum of 6 months to transfer your car insurance to the USA. See section 5 of Guide 11 for more details about your car insurance options in the States.
Hope this helps you on your journey!
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