Working in the US - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

Powerage · 02-03-2004, 09:04 PM

Hey! Heading to the US soon, hoping to travel round a bit then find some work. I can go for 3 months on a visa waiver, but I'd like to stay there a while longer. From what I've found out so far this seems very difficult! I've heard some people say work under the table, keep your nose clean and you'll be ok, but the last thing I want is to be busted and never allowed back or be fined. Surely when I return home (New Zealand) they'll see i've been there too long? Any advice?

**Canadian Dude** · 02-04-2004, 09:35 AM

I would be very careful about staying in the US illegally, American laws are very strict and if you get caught you could face jail time i think. The American Goverment is working very hard these day to keep taps on international visitors, so if you intentiuon is to stay after your visa is up...i would reconsider...What you could do is travel into Canada or Mexico for a month or so and then head back into the US...would you be given another 3 months stay??? hmmmm i dunno, worth looking into though. You are from a commonweal;th country so visa arrangments might be able to be made in Canada...might be easier for ya. Look into it and save yourself the grief. I think you can get a year work/holiday visa for Canada if you meet certain requiments.

**Sijuki** · 02-04-2004, 09:16 PM

Yeah, I wouldn't try sneaking around the US. Granted you could probably get away with being here, but you would probably have a hell of a time getting out. You'd be betting too much on luck. I would look to see if you could find a more legal way to stay in the country.