Cross Border Workers

[DaleT]

I am just curious if there are any posters here that live state side and work on the Canadian side? I may have the opportunity to run my own office in a somewhat local Canadian city, Sarnia. I know political conversations are against the rules here and I don't want this to turn into anything of that realm, so please leave the social policies that taxes pay for out. If you have experience with the US Citizen being a full time employee at a Canadian location, I would really appreciate knowing what the benefits as well as drawbacks were. At this point I can only really relate to 2 issues personally, travel being the one I can say definitively. This is an easily worked around dilemma. The second is cost of living, it is my understanding that Can. taxes are higher than US, if you live stateside how are the taxes worked out? Would I have to pay both? I haven't yet agreed to anything so all these thoughts are the first in my head. The opportunity would actually be a positive step in the grand scheme but obviously the international aspect is somewhat diffetent. Any and all experiences welcome.

Thanks,

D

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Cross Border Workers

You have to get a permit first saying what job it is you plan to do,then if approved you get to work.Thats all I know.

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: Cross Border Workers

As far as the taxes go, some of the difference may be offset by the value of the canadian dollar being higher than the US dollar, though that may just be a temporary thing. Also, if you do have to deal with immigration services, plan on filing any paperwork at least 6 to 9 months before the time you need it processed by, and if you can afford to, hire an immigration lawyer to do it ( unless extra time is not a problem ). If you need it faster than 6 months, you'll have to hire an immigration lawyer. They used to cost about $1800 per petition as the going rate, but that was 5 years ago.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Cross Border Workers

Sarnia.....hummm I would suggest you spend a couple of days their first.....why you say...it's all about the AIR....most polluted city in Canada and a hot day grab your mask.....Personal experience is when some of the plants release ,,,well you can feel it in the gums of your teeth no kidding ...So I you still want the BIG MONEY get a work permit.... 100 G's a year there on the second year if you last

 

[PW2]

Re: Cross Border Workers

I did it for several years. There are provisions under NAFTA for "Inter-office transfers" that are available that, for a limited time (up to seven years, I think), are renewable annually.

You can even qualify for OHIP under that.

There are of couse certain tax implications that apply that are specific to each individual case.

The requirements are also specific to each individual case, but once met it can be fine.

Canada's great, but you must be aware of different laws in Canada, and follow them. Most are similar, except for things like firearms, and what you can or can't do with them.

You can even get a $US dollar bank account in Canada

 

[PW2]

Re: Cross Border Workers

One other thing.

Depending on your type of business, rules and standard practices can vary wildly.

In the lumber and wood products business that I am in, there are things that are standard practice in Canada that might get you thrown in jail in the US, and vice versa. As long you learn and accept the differences, you'll be fine.

Just don't assume that it is done one way in the US, it will be done the same way in Canada. It may be, but it might not be as well.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Cross Border Workers

I think cross boarder employment is far more common than some may think. Up here in B.C they just released some numbers that currently there are approx. 80,000+ Americans living working in BC alone.....very interesting.
I know that here in Victoria we have thousands of U.S citizens living/working here. A company I consult for is in the midst of hiring a Project Manager originally from Iowa but now living up here.
Canada's low population for its size (approx. 30,000,000 in arguably now the worlds biggest country) means that we are constantly struggling to keep up with building and maintaining just about everything. Thus the opportunities, certainly as of recent, are very good I guess. This is particularly true in gas/oil/mining right now.
Log onto a Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta newspaper (or craigslist for that matter) and peruse the job adds....still a pretty high demand for skilled workers.
Anywhoooo, my two bits.
BP

 

[DaleT]

Re: Cross Border Workers

Thanks guys. This all happened very quickly last night so I'm not sure where it's going to go, if anywhere.

Let me say there is no way I would do this without the proper work permits. My employers do have an immigration lawyer on retainer so ideally it could be fast tracked.

The dollars being on par right now makes the decision a little easier, although compensation wasn't even discussed to this point. I certainly would have to get a provision to compensate for any major shift in values, or be paid strictly in US dollars.

The pollution part is unfortunately something I understand, spend a good amount of time at steel foundries doing safety evaluations and monitor repairs right now. Still something to think about though.

The differing laws would surely be a learning curve, right now I have a pretty good working knowledge of NIOSH, NFPA, and MiOSHA standards and those although similar will most likely have some variance.

With the rise of utilities in the Canadian market so is the need for support services. Which is where my company comes in, we service, sell, and rent environmental monitoring and gas detection equipment along with general safety items. Unfortunately, the industrial business in MI is extremely tough to rely on at this point so we are actively pursuing other opportunities. An office in Sarnia gives us a presence near our customers in that area as well as still having the support of our main office in Chesterfield, MI (45 minute drive down the freeway). I've been in that office for 6 years in a number of different roles, sales through quality control.

Thanks again.

Dale

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Cross Border Workers

I wish we had controls like Canada.....Smart folks up there for sure. They know how to solve problems and get the job done.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Cross Border Workers

The chemical leak sirens go off once a week just as a test....get familar with that day......if they go off any other day get in your car and drive fast

 

[arboldt]

Re: Cross Border Workers

I don't have the direct experience of others posting, but from what I've read... here are just a few thoughts....

1) Are you considering moving to Sarnia or a daily commut over the Blue Water Bridge to Port Huron? 10 years ago when I did volunteer work for a drum and bugle corps, when we drove from Grand Rapids to Waterloo, a 100-mile detour down to the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit was worth it to avoid the truly nasty US customs agents in Port Huron. The Blue Water Bridge has raised its tolls quite a bit over the years, too.

2) I seem to recall Ontario restricted / prohibited non-Canadian ownership of homes or property. Maybe I misunderstood or the issue's been resolved since then.

3) From other postings over the past few months, taking your household goods, vehicles, and boats across the border as a [new] Canadian resident may be problematic, also. And if later you then move back, there's even more issues. Not that it can't be done, but just additional hassle and expense.

4) How much of a sure thing is this Sarnia branch? Sounds like you'll be involved in starting it up. Even though expensive, you may want to commute daily the first few months until your company is sure it'll take off.