[Felix The Cat]

Good Morning Everyone,

First, I have to say this is truly an amazing forum, I would even go as far to say this forum plays a vital part in the Accounting Industry in the USA. Thanks for having me!

Well, I have been working for this company for the past year and have invested a serious amount of research and thought into doing my CPA in the states (My mother recently relocated there).

I understand the structure of the CPA exam, and am aware of the ludicrous 18 month rolling window rule (where you have to pass all four exams within 18months), and posting this thread to see what are the risks, and how probable they are.

About me:

* Recently Graduated from the University of Toronto with a business degree majoring in Accounting (recognized as the best uni in CAnada)—decent GPA

* Have about a years experience working as an accountant in a manufacturing firm (Accounting is Accounting whether you are in IOWA or Canada or Zimbabwe )

* Average intelligence

* Learning Disability (undisclosed)

* Mother Tongue English

* Hard Working and Persistent

Concerns:

1. Worried about getting employed in the USA—-> Have you ever heard of a Canadian getting hired on American soil (or do they like hiring their “own”?)

2. How many candidates fail within the 18month window?

What is the worst case scenario? Is there anything I missed in my analysis?

MOst likely to register with the state of Illinois. I apologize if this is in the incorrect forum.

Thank you for your time and Have a great day! 🙂

[Skynet]

Tariffs.

[esyc]

Generally speaking, even if you get employed, you still need a legal status (work visa or green card) to work in the states. Having a job offer doesn't guarantee you any status. It's a whole different story. But as far as I know, Canadians don't really need a “status” to be legally employed, but I would still research.

[Anonymous]

@Felix The Cat – Kudos to you for your interest in the CPA! It's a crazy journey and people say it's worth it. When I finally get there I'm sure I'll agree!

First off, the CPA is definitely no joke. I don't know much about other certifications but it seems that people believe this is the hardest and I would be inclined to agree. The amount of information that is covered is absurd! That being said, it varies widely from person to person on the work required to pass and the time period to do so. There are people who pass all on their first try with 90+ scores and others who pass with perfect 75's after many, many years or trying.

I've heard it said that the CPA is not a test of intelligence which is absolutely true. I believe most everyone has the intelligence to be able to pass the exams but the issue lies with the commitment, work ethic (my biggest struggle), and perseverance.

In regards to your concerns –
– I don't know of any employers caring if you are originally from Canada. Honestly if they do they're probably not great employers as I'm not sure why that would matter.
– Lots of people fail within the 18 month window. A lady at my firm took 7 years to pass them all! Again, I believe it's how much you're willing to give up 18 months of your life to get them done. It's not easy and I find myself playing PUBG when I should be studying but I'll get there and if you go for it I'm sure you will too!

Best of luck!!

[SchruteBeet]

I can answer #1. I know a Canadian citizen that got hired in the US however, she had a green card here which made things easier. I don't have the statistics on #2. As far as the risks are concerned, they are the same as any other international applicant – it may be challenging to be hired by a US firm in the first place. Even if you do get hired, depending on your visa status, you may have to go through an employment visa process know famously as the H-1B which is a complete nightmare. And lastly, you want to make sure regardless of where you end up, that you work under the supervision of a US CPA so that you can fulfill your work experience verification for obtaining the CPA as well as have the available resources to keep your license active. Hope this was helpful.

[Author]

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