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Santa Barbara Mission |
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Here is some additional information on preparing to work in the U.S.
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Documents you will need as you cross the border:
We strongly suggest that you check with the border prior to crossing to ensure that their requirements have not recently changed. You can get your TN Visa across any border as well as international airports at Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary. For a list of Ports of Entry see http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/ports You may request multiple entries, which will allow you to enter and leave the US within that year more than once. A Social Security number is required to apply for a permanent California license, but not required for a temporary license. Remember, you can make things more streamlined if you write your NCLEX through another state and apply for a TEMPORARY California license. When you cross the border with your letter of employment, the border officers enter information into their system, which generates the social security number. Every border is a little different; some are quick and some are backed up and very slow. It can take from 3 to 10 business days for this information to be available. If you live close to a border, we suggest that you make a trip about 4 weeks before you want to start employment so that you will have your social security number in time. Our Social Security office cannot help you until this information is in the system. Once the border officers have entered the information, then our local Social Security office is able to print out a verification that shows your social security number. You can fax this page to the California Board if you are applying for a permanent license. Our local Social Security office is located in the Paseo Nuevo mall, Suite 355 - upstairs. Their business hours are Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Please bring with you an original photo ID such as a passport. There is an (800) number open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm -- (800) 772-1213 -- and their website is www.socialsecurity.gov. However, this is for general questions only. For specific questions and to get this printout, you'll need to wait at least three days after entering the US and the visit the local office in person. We have a branch of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust right across from Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. To open an account you will need a passport, a copy of the offer letter, a Canadian address (you can use a friend or relative) and a local address (you can use our work address until you have found housing). You will apply for an account as an "Alien Resident." Once you get your Social Security card and permanent local address, the bank will need that information. Your spouse and unmarried, minor children are entitled to a TD (Trade Dependent) status, but they are unable to accept employment in the United States. Aliens entering under TD status are considered non-immigrants. Many spouses cope by trying to obtain their own work permit, by studying, doing volunteer work, or splitting their time between family here and working in Canada. Your minor children can attend any one of our fine schools. For information about local schools see www.sbceo.k12.ca.us. To enroll your child in school you will need to provide the TD Visa and Social Security Number of the child, the passport, birth certificate and immunization records. If your child is over 18 and wants to attend college, then he/she must obtain a student visa. The charge at the border for the TD visa is $6 cash U.S. for each person in the family coming with you. If your spouse is also a nurse coming here on a TN Visa the cost for both yourself and your spouse is $112 for "dual entry." You will need all of your pet's immunization/vaccination records for entry into the U.S. Then you can register your pets in the Santa Barbara County records if you so choose. CarWhen you bring your car with you, an Emissions Standard Letter is required. You can obtain this document by contacting the dealership where you purchased the vehicle and requesting this document. Some dealerships will refer you to the manufacturer directly. You will need evidence that the vehicle has cleared U.S. customs at the border (Forms 7501, 3461, 6059, 3299 or 3311). This form must be stamped or endorsed at the border so that you have the documents needed for the Department of Motor Vehicles in Santa Barbara. Generally, tax rates are lower in the United States than in Canada. You must file the 1040 NR (Non-Resident) or 1040 NREZ (Non-Resident Easy) tax form by April 15 of each year for the previous year's earnings. You must also file a California State tax return. You will also need to file a Canadian income tax return, even if you did not work one day in Canada. The tax system is similar to Canada's. Deductions are taken from your paychecks. The amount depends upon how many dependents you claim on your W-4 form. The more dependents you claim, the less taxes are deducted. You many want to consult with an accountant/tax advisor, particularly your first year. You can also check out this useful site to calculate your take home pay: www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96196,00.html |
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