I'm a Canadian working remotely as a contractor for a US startup. I'm looking for a way to visit my employer on-site for a few weeks for training and to meet the team. I'm not a tourist, and I'm not a full time employee, so seems like no visa apply for me.
I also own a Canadian corporation and I could structure the remote work contract through my corporation instead of with me personally. Would that make things simpler or more complicated? i.e. can my Canadian corporation send me (the only shareholder) to the US on a work-related trip?
Also, is it possible to get a TN visa (assume a new full time job offer in hand) if you have previously worked remotely as a contractor for the same company? Is there an expectation that obtaining a TN visa you have to move to the US or can I continue to work remotely? Do I need to become "resident" for tax purposes if I have a TN, or is that completely unrelated.
A B-1 might be appropriate for what you describe but you could not be paid by the US company while here. And, working remotely for a US company is not an impediment to getting a TN with this company.
IANAL (Mr Roberts answer is probably more appropriate) but I spent 5 years working for a subsidiary of an American company and had many meetings like this. I'm also a Canadian, living in Canada.
At the border, you say that you are attending meetings and receiving training. You are not giving training or leading meetings. It was never a problem given I said those words.
Edit: again, Mr. Roberts answer is probably more accurate, and YMMV
My brother and I work remotely as contractors for a US company. The company invited us to their christmas party 2 years ago but my brother didn't have his visa at the time. He applied for B-1 and got it with no problems.
I also own a Canadian corporation and I could structure the remote work contract through my corporation instead of with me personally. Would that make things simpler or more complicated? i.e. can my Canadian corporation send me (the only shareholder) to the US on a work-related trip?
Also, is it possible to get a TN visa (assume a new full time job offer in hand) if you have previously worked remotely as a contractor for the same company? Is there an expectation that obtaining a TN visa you have to move to the US or can I continue to work remotely? Do I need to become "resident" for tax purposes if I have a TN, or is that completely unrelated.