I am a young Canadian woman looking to live in the U.S. (specifically California). I do not currently have a degree or diploma as I am trying to decide what to do in terms of a career path. I am skilled in many areas and have diverse interests so I have struggled to decide where I would like to commit my time and money. All I know for certain is that I want to build a life in California. For some reason I have always felt drawn to this state and recently visited and truly felt as if I had discovered my home. I was offered many "under the table" positions while visiting but wish to work legally in the United States. I was wondering if you could tell me what my options may be? I currently manage a photography/film studio in Toronto and am also a Producer, Administrative Assistant and Office Manager (Among other things). My current position demands that I wear many diverse hats and assume many different roles at different times. I have been told that I have an overwhelmingly warm, welcoming and charming personality. I love working with people and helping others to the utmost of my ability. I am incredibly hard-working, passionate and determined, so I tend to be quite successful in whichever arena that I choose to commit myself to. Other than a student visa or marriage is there any way that I could legally live and work in the U.S?
Thank you so very much for all of your assistance!
:)

Also, are work/live visas available for those under 30 like in Australia? I am not sure if I qualify for the diversity visa. My father is from Slovakia and my my mother is Canadian... does this have any bearing at all on the Visa that I could possibly qualify for.

I am a young Canadian woman looking to live in the U.S. (specifically California). I do not currently have a degree or diploma as I am trying to decide what to do in terms of a career path. I am skilled in many areas and have diverse interests so I have struggled to decide where I would like to commit my time and money. All I know for certain is that I want to build a life in California. For some reason I have always felt drawn to this state and recently visited and truly felt as if I had discovered my home. I was offered many "under the table" positions while visiting but wish to work legally in the United States. I was wondering if you could tell me what my options may be? I currently manage a photography/film studio in Toronto and am also a Producer, Administrative Assistant and Office Manager (Among other things). My current position demands that I wear many diverse hats and assume many different roles at different times. I have been told that I have an overwhelmingly warm, welcoming and charming personality. I love working with people and helping others to the utmost of my ability. I am incredibly hard-working, passionate and determined, so I tend to be quite successful in whichever arena that I choose to commit myself to. Other than a student visa or marriage is there any way that I could legally live and work in the U.S?
Thank you so very much for all of your assistance!
:)


To be qualified for employment visa, you must be specialist in certain areas which means you must have both degrees and experience. See details here: Temporary Workers (http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1271.html)

Do you have family in the US that could sponsor you? If not basically all you can do is file for a visa based on being a skilled worker as lawandee said or apply for the immigration diversity lottery... a bunch of people are picked at random to enter the US legally each year.. link below, Canada may not be eligible also...

Diversity Lottery (http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=04f86138f898d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCR D)

Do you have family in the US that could sponsor you? If not basically all you can do is file for a a visa based on being a skilled worker as lawandee said or apply for the immigration diversity lottery... a bunch of people are picked at random to enter the US legally each year.. link below, Canada may not be eligible also...

Diversity Lottery (http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=04f86138f898d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCR D)

Canada and Mexico are no longer listed in countries eligible for DV Lottery Visa... and visa waiver for Canadians has been reduced from 180 days to 90 days.

To be qualified for employment visa, you must be specialist in certain areas which means you must have both degrees and experience. See details here: Temporary Workers (http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1271.html)

+1. generally a Canadian citizen can work in the US as a professional (position requiring a degree) under the H-1B or TN. If you don't have the equivalent of a US four year degree, you may get an education and work experience evaluation/equivalency. The USCIS typically recognizes three years of progressive work experience as equal to one year of full time study towards the 4 year degree. So if you have 1 year of college, you will need 9 years of experience to have the equivalency of a 4 year degree.

The US position must also require that degree; as in the industry typically requires the degree, not just that employer.

Not that easy for you with a diverse background. I hope this is helpful and hope you get to California! :)