Canadians doing a SideFX Internship in Santa Monica

[ninz]

Hello All,

I've been offered an internship position at Side FX in Santa Monica - which is totally incredible!!! I'm very excited to pursue this and doing my research to relocate myself for 5-6 months, from Vancouver, Canada, to California. I understand as a Canadian, I can apply for a TN Visa to be able to get a work permit.

This is what I have been told:

- I can run over to the Canada/US Border, let them know I want to change my 'status' to 'TN'

- do an interview on the spot

- show them the offer letter from Side FX, other credentials, and passport

- front $50 CAD

- I should apply for the TN visa no earlier than 2 weeks of my start date.

Is this true? It sounds all very simple and straight forward, but 2 weeks is cutting it really close, and I want to make sure I do this right without getting denied entry.

Doing further research, what category/profession does a Side FX intern fall under as per NAFTA?

- Graphic Designer?

- Management Consultant?

I know, it's best I should speak with a lawyer about all this, which I have - and for them to process this '$50' visa, it would cost me $1800 (http://www.vancouverimmigrationlawyer.org/).

I don't want to leave any stone unturned, so I am wondering if any Canadian out there has gone down to Side FX in Santa Monica, and what steps did you take to relocate? The link above is from a law office that is based out of Toronto. Does anyone know a good lawyer in the Vancouver area that understands the nature of VFX work?

Any help is very much appreciated!

Thanks!

~n

[michael]

I have no idea myself but I'd suggest asking SESI, they may have some advice for you

as for the category in NAFTA - I'd think software developer (or something like it) would be more appropriate - you will after all be helping to develop software and related materials - if not actually coding etc.

good luck and have fun!