If your job has you regularly crossing the Canadian border, you know how trying it can be. Having the right paperwork is essential and waiting to go through the border can seem endless. But with these tips, you’ll be making smoother transitions in no time. And pretty soon, it will be as easy as eating poutine at your favorite Canadian hot spot.
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Bring Your Passport
If you’re flying or going to Canada via land or sea, you must have your passport. U.S. residents with green cards can use them to cross the border as well.
Visitors Will Be Interviewed
Unfortunately, just having your passport on hand doesn’t guarantee your entrance into the country. A Canadian Border Services Agency will ask you a few questions to determine if you’re eligible to go into the country. If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry. The guards may ask you questions like “Where do you live? Citizens of what country? What is the purpose of your visit? How long will you be staying? Are you bringing anything to leave (gifts, etc)? Are you bringing in any firearms, tobacco or alcohol? Do you have any criminal convictions?” To speed up the process, be prepared with answers. Be sure to take off your sunglasses and look the agent in the eyes when speaking.
What to do if you have a criminal conviction
If you have a criminal record (DUI is very serious in Canada), you may not necessarily be turned away. Be sure to have court documents prepared. As long as your conviction isn’t recent and you have the appropriate paper work, you should be fine.
Work Permits
According to USA Today, usually those working in Canada must have a work permit for the province they’ll be staying in. You’ll have to apply for a visa, fill out the paperwork and pay fees associated with the permit before crossing the border. Please note that Quebec requires that you obtain a Certificate of Acceptance in addition to a work permit.
You May Need a Visa
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to travel for work in Canada. Some U.S. citizens may not need a visa. If you’re just traveling across the border for a meeting, it may not be required. But if you’re going to be working in the country for an extended period of time, you must apply for a work visa.
Finding Housing
Once you’ve straightened out all the paperwork, you’ll need to find housing. But luckily for you, PC Housing has a variety of Canadian and U.S. properties to suit your business travel needs. Best of all, these temporary rentals will provide you with a cozy home away from home so you can feel at ease and focus on your work.