Living in Blaine, working in BC (legally, car, parking)

[sberdrow]

I would like to live in Blaine Wa, but work in Candada, as there is much more oportunity over the border. Is this allowed? How do I do it. Also is there anybody out there that does this?

[beachy keen]

I assume you are a US citizen. You'd have to get a work permit for Canada, for sure.

I don't know where you currently live, but once you cross the border at Blaine, it's about 30 miles to Vancouver. That is, if you were planning to work in Vancouver. But either way, I personally would not want the hassle of crossing the border twice each day to get to/from work.

[Ocuri]

Originally Posted by beachy keen

I assume you are a US citizen. You'd have to get a work permit for Canada, for sure.

I don't know where you currently live, but once you cross the border at Blaine, it's about 30 miles to Vancouver. That is, if you were planning to work in Vancouver. But either way, I personally would not want the hassle of crossing the border twice each day to get to/from work.

30 miles to Vancouver isn't a very tough commute and there are a few places in between anyway (Surrey, Langley, etc.) where jobs can be found...

I wouldn't call it such a hassle to cross the border every day... Border wait times are not bad.

[sberdrow]

Originally Posted by Ocuri

30 miles to Vancouver isn't a very tough commute and there are a few places in between anyway (Surrey, Langley, etc.) where jobs can be found...

I wouldn't call it such a hassle to cross the border every day... Border wait times are not bad.

But how do I legally work there?

[Ocuri]

Originally Posted by sberdrow

But how do I legally work there?

I don't know the answer to that question, I suggest you start making searched on google and find phone numbers to call in Canada about this.

I work for the Canada Border Services Agency... I can tell you how to bring goods into Canada, but working here from the U.S is a different story, haha.

Sorry!

[Cornerguy1]

Citizenship and Immigration Canada maintain a comprehensive web site that has a section devoted to working in Canada and the requirements.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada | Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada

[sberdrow]

Originally Posted by Cornerguy1

Citizenship and Immigration Canada maintain a comprehensive web site that has a section devoted to working in Canada and the requirements.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada | Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada

I could not really find anything from this site, thank you very much though, any other ideas?

[Cornerguy1]

Citizenship and Immigration Canada is the Canadian government department charged with administering Canada's immigration laws and policies. It is the official source of information, and what may or may not be done.

If you can't find answers to your questions on the web site, then I'd suggest using the Contact Us page and speaking with them directly.

If that isn't feasible, try contacting your nearest Canadian Consulate.

[Evlevo]

Originally Posted by sberdrow

I would like to live in Blaine Wa, but work in Candada, as there is much more oportunity over the border. Is this allowed? How do I do it. Also is there anybody out there that does this?

I just crossed the border there a few weeks ago... the crossing took a long time for the "average joe" but they had a fast-pass electronic thingie that frequent border crossers can sign up for (after passing a background check, I'm sure). I don't know about right now, but several years ago I knew a few folks who did the "live in one country, work in the other" thing, so it probably is possible.

[sshjensen]

I have lived and worked on both sides of the border--currently living in Birch Bay, WA and working in Bellingham but I have done the commute--living in White Rock, BC and crossing every day to work in 3 different positions in Washington. I have never applied for a work permit so don't know the process as I went through the full immigration process to live and work in Canada (was a US citizen) and now I'm back living in Birch Bay and working in Bellingham. However, I cross the border regularly and the easiest and fastest way to do so is by having a NEXUS pass. If you are successful and will be commuting, here's the website to apply for this pass: https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/

In regard to the commute into Vancouver city "proper" -- unless you need your car for your employment, I highly recommend crossing the border and parking in a "park & ride" in the White Rock/Surrey area and taking advantage of the public transit system. I have used it and would much prefer doing that than driving in rush hour traffic each way.

You might try doing a search of this website in relation to working in Canada and if you don't find information that answers your questions, try calling one of the numbers that seems closest to your area of concerns:
Work Search Tools and Tips: General Information

If you have unique skills and abilities that might not be easily obtainable from the BC workforce and you find a medium to large-sized employer that is interested in you, they will often facilitate the process of obtaining a work permit for you.

Good Luck!