Canadian Military Family Resource Center
www.cmfrc-colorado.com
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Employment
Job Opportunities
None at this time
EMPLOYMENT PROCEDURE FOR CANADIAN MILITARY SPOUSES
There are approximately 147 Canadian Military (CF) personnel and their families in the Colorado Springs areas who are attached to Peterson AFB, Cheyenne Mountain and Schriever AFB.
CF family members are entitled to work while living in the United States of America. CF family members must apply for and receive an Employment Authorization Card in order to apply for jobs. CF family members must have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in order to apply for a SSN. They should receive their EAD within 4-6 weeks, the card will be sent to their home. Once they have the card they can apply for a SSN.
Employment Authorization Card - Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
An Employment Authorization Card (EAC) entitles CF family members to work in the United States during the CF member's military tour only. CF family members are not eligible for employment in the United States without the Employment Authorization Card. The paperwork for the EAC is currently processed through the Commanding Office's administrative assistant at the Canadian Forces Support Unit (CFSU).
The following documentation is required to apply for the EAC:
- Passport with Visa and I-94, and
- CF military member's passport with Visa and I-94.
The Base Photo Lab is open Monday to Friday from 0830 to 1130 hours and from 1300 to 1530 hours to take pictures required for employment authorization cards and for passport photos. The Photo Lab is in Building 418, 801 Vincent Street, Peterson, AFB. Phone number 556-4154.
The following documentation is required by the Base Photo Lab for a picture:
- Your work order from the Commanding Office's administrative assistant.
The paperwork currently takes approximately four weeks to process and your EAC will be valid for the length of your spouse's tour once you receive it. Should the length of your spouse's tour be more than three years, you will be required to renew your EAC. There is no fee for an EAC.
Renewal Process
It is unlawful for CF family members to work in the United States, (unless for the Canadian Embassy or the Canadian Government); without an Employment Authorization Document Card, (EAD), or after the EAD has expired. Family members 14 years and older may not apply for a Social Security Number until they have received their EAD cards.
An EAD card is valid for three (3) years from the date of issue. If your spouse's tour is expected to last longer than three (3) years, then the EAD card will need to be renewed. The follow guidelines will help prevent any delays in the renewal process:
- If an EAD card is expiring the member's spouse must start the renewal process no later than 90 to 120 days in advance. He/she will be required to provide both Colorado State and Federal tax transcripts for the years they have been employed in the U.S. and for the years that they were unemployed. INS requires this to prove that they do not owe taxes to the United States Government;
- In accordance with the NATO Dependant Employment Authorization Policy all spouses of active members must file their U.S. taxes as: "Married-Filing Separately" and not as "Single". No dependants should be claimed on their U.S. taxes for deductions. These are the two (2) most common mistakes, which will hold the EAD card renewal process;
- When a CF member's tour of duty is extended, all pertinent documentation supporting the new COS date, must be provided. Passports and visas must be renewed before a new EAD card will be issued and the NATO 2 visa must have a minimum of four (4) months left or a new EAD card will not be approved.
It is the responsibility of the CF family member to be aware of when your EAD card is expiring. INS will not send a renewal application or a reminder.
If more information is required, please feel free to contact the Commanding Office's administrative assistant at the Canadian Forces Support Unit (CFSU)
719-556-8242. More helpful references and authorities can be found at the following phone number and websites:
NATO HQ SACT Legal Affairs: http://www.act.nato.int/
Internal Revenue Service: http://www.irs.gov
What can you do for yourself?
Employment Insurance Benefits
If you are entitled to Employment Insurance Benefits, you may claim the same while living in the United States. Your benefits are just a phone call away.
The Out of Canada Claims Office can be reached by calling their toll free number: 1-877-486-1650. You should have the following documents ready when you make your call:
- Record of Employment (ROE);
- Your Visa;
- Your I94.
For detailed instructions, refer to the EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS White Book 2009.
Social Security Number
You can proceed to the Social Security Offices in order to apply for your Social Security Number (SSN). Most employers will NOT hire you until you have completed this step. In order to receive you SSN you must present yourself at the Social Security Office with your passport and the I-94. Once you have completed the application process, you can generally get your number within 24 hours by calling the toll free number listed below. You should receive your card within two weeks. There is no fee for a SSN.
The Social Security Office can be found at:
1049 N. Academy Blvd. (Corner of Academy and Galley) Colorado Springs, CO Toll Free Number: 1-800-772-1213 Local Phone Number: (719) 574-9279 Website: www.socialsecurity.gov/Located in the "Crossroads at Citadel" shopping strip on the northeast corner of Galley and Academy, just north of Office Depot.
Spousal Employment Services
Benefits that may be reimbursed under the Integrated Relocation Program (IRP) for spousal employment assistance include:
- Employment Search;
- Employment Assistance;
- Interview Travel;
- CV (Resume) Preparation;
- Photocopy and transmittal cost for transcripts of academic records.
Receipts will be required. These are taxable benefits for the Canadian Forces member, and are subject to Canada Customs and Revenue Agency policy and guidelines.
* Note: Retraining (courses) and re-certification do not qualify as eligible expenses for reimbursement under the IRP policy.
Relocation Provisions
Effective 1 Jun 01, a revised adaptation of a previous Military Foreign Service Regulation came into effect. The section dealing with Spousal Assistance is now referred to as the MFSI, Chapter 10, section 13. In certain cases, specific financial assistance is provided to spouses to assist them in securing employment at a post, or upon return to Canada to facilitate re-entry into the Canadian workforce.
A non-taxable $500 (CDN) allowance to assist a spouse in finding employment following relocation outside Canada or returning to Canada is available. This allowance can be used to cover costs such as licensing or certification dues, a professionally prepared CV, attendance fees for conferences and trade fairs, employment counseling, reference checks, administrative expenses associated with job searches and other employment related costs incurred at the member's post. The member will be required to keep proof that the conditions or events for which the allowance was intended are in fact met.
Upon the member's relocation back to Canada, and a spouse is required to undergo retraining to re-acquire professional certification to the level previously held, the maximum allowance.
Please visit www.dnd.ca and click on CF Family Resources, then Benefits, then Military Foreign Service or contact the Support Services Officer (556- 6328) or the Chief Clerk (556-8252) at the CFSU(C).
Peterson Air Force Base Family Support Center Resources
The Peterson Air Force Base Family Support Center offers many outstanding services to all military members and their families including excellent support services for those seeking employment.
Career Focus Program
What can it do for you?
The Career Focus Program offers you the following:
- Employment Orientations;
- Job Referrals;
- Individual Career Explorations and Career Development Programs;
- Colorado Springs business/company information;
- A Career Resource Library including books and videos;
- Virtual Assistant Training Program;
- Workshops focusing on:
- Resume development;
- Effective interviewing;
- How to penetrate the hidden job market;
- Running a Small Business.
Workshops
All workshops are offered on a regular basis. Contact your Canadian Community Program Coordinator at (556-9269) or (556-6551) to register for the next available workshop of interest to you.
*A special "Just for Canadians" Job Orientation session is held during the month of August or September for our newcomers; however any Canadian spouses are welcome at any time.
Job Orientation
This class gives a brief overview of information on the local job market and how the Family Support Center can help your search. This workshop is generally presented three times a month.
Career Marketing Strategies
This class is a follow-up to the Job Orientation Workshop and focuses on conducting an effective job search, writing a competitive resume, and interviewing effectively for a job. Detailed instruction on the proper techniques for interviewing is presented. Topics such as: What's a telephone interview? What should I wear? and much more.
Small Business
This class covers such topics as: Organizing a Business Plan, Pitfalls of Starting a Business and Taxes.
Resume Review
Is your resume the best it can be? Whether you are a professional, an expert in technology or sales, an experienced word processor or just starting out, the staff at the Family Support Center can help you ensure that your resume is at its best.
State of Colorado Professional Licensing Information
For information on licensing requirements for other professions or trades see the Colorado State Government web site of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) at: www.colorado.gov/colorado/permits.html
Registered Nurses
Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools 3600 Market Street, Ste 400 Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651 Phone: (215) 222-8454 Web site: www.cgfns.orgColorado State Board of Nursing 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350 Denver, Colorado 80202 Phone: (303) 894-2430 Web site: www.dora.state.co.us/Nursing
Dental Hygienist
Colorado State Board of Dental Examiners Program Director: Maulid Miskell 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350 Denver, CO 80202 Phone: (303) 894-7800 Web site: www.dora.state.co.us/DentalTeachers
Colorado Department of Education
201 East Colfax Avenue, Room 105
Denver, Colorado 80203-1704
Phone: (303) 866-6628
Web sites: www.cde.state.co.us/index_license.htmwww.cde.state.co.us/index_educator.htm
- Job applications are available on-line for many of the Colorado Springs School Districts.
- Job opportunities and job fair announcements are posted regularly by Colorado schools and districts at www.TeachinColorado.org
- You can begin the process of application for a Teacher's License prior to leaving Canada.
Child Care
Division of Child Care Colorado Department of Human Services 1575 Sherman St Denver, CO 80203-1714 Phone: (719) 444-5930 or 1-800-799-5876 Web site: www.cdhs.state.co.us/childcare/Licensing_home.htm
Real Estate
Division of Real Estate 1560 Broadway St., Suite 925 Denver, CO 80202 Phone: (303) 894-2166 or (303) 894-2185 Web site: www.dora.state.co.us/Real-estateCosmetology/Barbers
Office of Barber and Cosmetology
1560 Broadway St., Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 894-7772
Fax: (303) 894-7764
Web site: www.dora.state.co.us/Barbers_Cosmetologists