Working in the US

[Shazam]

As for which country has higher taxes; the brackets are lower in the U.S., but payroll taxes are by comparison quite exorbitant. Don't be surprised if between state and federal taxes (collected separately), property tax, social security and medicare (which you start paying after about the first 18 months, I think) your taxes are substantially higher than they were in Canada. For me that's been the case. Sometimes people forget about those last two.

Shhhh... I once got into an argument with an American over this, who was convinced that the US had the lowest tax regime in the world(!). I then showed him a chart with tax rates around the world. He nearly had an anurysim.

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

Originally Posted by Shazam

Shhhh... I once got into an argument with an American over this, who was convinced that the US had the lowest tax regime in the world(!). I then showed him a chart with tax rates around the world. He nearly had an anurysim.

Yes--it's a nice story Americans tell themselves, kind of like how they're the "most democratic."

All I can go on is my experience living in both places. It might cost more to buy a gallon of milk in Calgary, and houses definitely cost more--but I found it cheaper to live there. I think it's a big mistake to only count income tax, and forget about payroll taxes, property taxes, municipal taxes, tolls, etc.--all of the ways they have of generating revenue.

Payroll taxes are especially insidious because they're tilted toward the lower end of the spectrum--they affect lower-income persons a lot more.

[skins]

I'm a 4th year civil engineering student at U of C

from what I've heard, the test that you write in the States to get you P.E. is basically the stuff you learn in 1st and 2nd year (calculus, linear algebra, etc.). The reason they test that is because many engineering programs in the US don't require you to learn this kind of stuff, it's optional. that's why Canadians who write the test usually score much higher than Americans, because they've taken courses in those subjects.

it goes without saying, that if you are planning on working in the States at some point in your career, write the test now, while it's still fresh in your mind. I think you just have to write it once, then you're good.

hope this helps, and good luck.

ps. try to get a job in Alaska - No Income Tax and Ralph Bucks x 10

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

Originally Posted by skins

ps. try to get a job in Alaska - No Income Tax and Ralph Bucks x 10

You do still have to pay Federal income tax and Federal payroll taxes. Plus, you have to live in Alaska.

[OilersBaby]

Someone asked about whether you have to get US Citizenship to live here on a permanent basis. The answer is NO. Many foreigners, including Canadians, live here without being a citizen. There are many other classes of immigrant visas which allow you to reside here without having a citizenship. These include having your greencard, having various working visas, or having a fiance visa, as well as some others I'm sure I missed. They say one of the easiest ways to move ot the US is to get married to an American citizen, but that wouldnt be very ethical.

On the note of the engineering certification/exams, I went to both the U of A and a good uni in California and I can say that most of what we learn in college/university here, us Albertans learned in grade 12 and the first 2 years of uni....I have friends on the East Coast USA who will say the same thing. This is the land of opportunity (The USA).

[agulati]

Sorry for the bump guys

I am graduating with a Bachelor's in mechanical engineering this spring. Currently in New Jersey trying to scope out the possibility of employment here.

Is the FE exam a requirement to work as an engineer in the United States? Also, being a Canadian citizen, what are my chances of successfully finding a job here.

Anyone over in New Jersey working for an engineering firm who can guide me, please feel free to PM me.

[Bonded]

From my understanding the FE exam is a requirement (source my old roommate who wrote it so he could work in the US)

I am currently in the US.

It really depends on how the company sets it up. TN visas are the easiest visa to get as long as your degree is on the list and corresponds to the job you will be doing (I.E. You couldn't be an accountant and then go work a sales job).

I am actually paid in Canadian as I work under the Canadian affiliate of the company (easier visa wise). I pay Canadian taxes, but my company takes care of it and I get reimbursed if I overpay down here.

My salary is also tied to the valuation of the Canadian versus the US dollar (if it gets to be to wide of a spread it will be corrected, thankfully, only if the Canadian devalues past three percent I think).

The H1B visas are already full for the next crop, so your only option is a TN visa in the neat future or a trainee visa which have their own intricacies.

Visas can be a real hassle or they can go smoothly. I had no issues and a co-worker got a big delay.

Other than that, I like it here but it is totally dependent on where you land. I have lived in SF and small town Kansas, different worlds.

[Boblobla]

wow, epic bump. I think after 6.5 years you are good to start a new one.

[Locke]

I was going to say the same thing. Statute of limitations has easily expired.

[PIMking]

Screw getting a visa just come on down and we will take care of you. Just be happy with a 1/hr pay...

I know when I lived in Iowa there were a TON of Canadians that worked at Rockwell Collins as Engineers.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Locke

I was going to say the same thing. Statute of limitations has easily expired.

I believe it is Statue

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

I believe it is Statue

Seinfeld thread is in 'Food and Entertainment'.