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.

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Originally Posted by melissajoy

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!
:)

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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

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

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Originally Posted by Lowtax4eva

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

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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.

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Originally Posted by lawanwadee

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

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+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! :)