how can a canadian do a video in the us?

[chadknowslaw]

There are a lot of people working without proper authorization in the US already. The chances of a small employer getting caught or charged with a violation is small.

[chadknowslaw]

I'm not sure about the US ID thing; I believe what Lee says is correct that you can get one with a Canadian passport, but I'm not as clear, in light of what Chad just said, on whether that US ID would be permissible as far as 2257/4472. I've emailed Chad for a clarification.

Someone who is legally in the US can get a driver's license that is valid for the period of time that they are allowed to remain in the US. So, if Bob has a visitor visa good for six months, he can get a driver's license good for six months, even though residents of that state can get a DL good for 4 years.

This is NOT the same as what 2257 requires OR what Customs and Immigration requires -- non-US residents can certainly drive in the US. That does not allow them to work in the US. These are two different issues -- so getting a state Drivers License or ID card still does not allow one to work, or satisfy 2257, if that person is not a US resident.

I think California is considering allowing any person to get a driver's license whether legally in the country or not. That would still not allow that person to be employed.

[Squirt]

I think the scope of things here is quite amazing as undocumented illegals commute to and from California daily, to and from their under the table jobs and here we're talking about the type of visa to enter the country and do porn :crazy:

Isn't sodomy still illegal? Yet people do it, and it's filmed. Is the "law" being broken there? I think the supreme court might have overturned all the sodomy laws in 2003, though I'm not sure.

I think red tape and beurocracy take a back seat to common sense, although it's amazing the power the government legally has to fuck with you if they wanted to.

[DEVELISH]

My BF went to Denver a few weeks ago and he was told by his employer here in Germany (a Boeing spinoff company's German office) to tell Immigration that he's there just for meetings NOT work... go figure

I recon everybody needs a valid working permit for the US if he's not a US citizen or has a Green Card.

Here on the Axis of Evil's German Branch we have a permit specially for "Arts" related issues such as photography - y'all might have the same stuff in the US as well.

Chip... if you shoot in Canada, do you need a canadien working permit?

[gaybucks_chip]

Chip... if you shoot in Canada, do you need a canadien working permit?

Funny you should ask. I actually got arrested, hauled away in a paddy wagon, strip searched, and then Ryan and I were thrown out of Canada on an "immigrations" violation for shooting porn without a permit a couple years ago. This was the "consolation prize" for the police who embarrassed themselves when they couldn't find any other policies that we were violating. (long story).

When discussing the matter with the immigrations person, I said "OK, fine, let's go ahead and get the work permit, even though I was specifically told that we didn't need one." She checked into it and came back and told me that it wasn't possible to get a work permit... they were not available for issue. So it was a bit of a kangaroo court operation.

HOWEVER, when I researched it later, NAFTA very clearly says that I can, as a US citizen, come into the country to do work where that work results in Canadian citizens being temporarily hired and paid with funds from a US company. And the Canadian barrister I spoke with (who specializes in adult industry issues) told me that the immigrations person I spoke with was completely full of shit.

So... my understanding is that a work permit is not required for a US-based employer who sends its employee to work in Canada as part of his regular work. But the next time we go, we will definitely recheck with the barrister and have his phone number handy in case we have any issues.

[Paco]

Actually, you are all off base.
In order to be legal, a non-US citizen must have a green card or other document given by US immigration allowing the foreigner to work inside the US. Getting a driver's license is not permission to work in the US, and if you are performing in a scene and getting compensated for it then you are working.
If you are not a US citizen you cannot legally work in the US without authorization. Getting a driver's license does not fulfill that requirement.

A non-US citizen acquiring a work visa, to work in the US, makes perfect sense.

[Lee]

but i'm not a immigrant i'm canadian and need some kind of us id to be able to do movies in the us

The second you pass through customs you become an 'immigrant' thats why they get you to fill out the visa waiver form which, incidently, you are also going to need depending on which state you try to get your DL from

Regards,

Lee

[Lee]

If you are not a US citizen you cannot legally work in the US without authorization. Getting a driver's license does not fulfill that requirement.

Actually, i beleive they changed the law about this a few years back and, in certain circumstances, visitors to the U.S may be able to work without a permit however, i cant recall exactly what the conditions about this were but, as i say, in some circumstances, you are permitted to work in the US

Regards,

Lee

[JohnV]

Actually, you are all off base.

In order to be legal, a non-US citizen must have a green card or other document given by US immigration allowing the foreigner to work inside the US. Getting a driver's license is not permission to work in the US, and if you are performing in a scene and getting compensated for it then you are working.

If you are not a US citizen you cannot legally work in the US without authorization. Getting a driver's license does not fulfill that requirement.

YOU are correct. I've been through this before with someone. The paperwork alone can take a very long time to get back clearing you as a citizen. You can and will get temporary paperwork allowing you to work, but that still takes time and effort on your part, as well as money and usually an attorney.

[chadknowslaw]

that still takes money and usually an attorney.

music to my ears~~