Hello colleagues

I wonder if I could ask my American colleagues about their feeling about a
particular topic.  I am a Canadian citizen who is currently working in
London, England.  I have been here for the past 5 years (I came initially to
do  my MA in museum studies and then found the position of Registrar at the
Design Museum).  I have been working at the National Portrait Gallery for
the past 5 years, but I feel that I am now ready to move back to North
America and I would prefer to settle in the US, ideally looking for a
Registrar/Exhibitions/Project Manager position.  I have found that many US
museums have said that while they find my credentials impressive, they find
that  not having an immigration visa is a hindrance, as they do not want to
deal with the huge bureaucrocy of applying for one to hire a foreign
citizen.  However, my understanding is that under the NAFTA, it is a
relatively quick and simple process for employers to get visas for Canadian
professionals. My question is this: have any of you hired Canadian citizens
and have you personally found trying to obtain a work visa a nightmare?
Would that fact alone make you reconsider hiring someone?  I have stated on
my cover letters that I am willing to attend interviews in person at my
expense - any advice on anything further I can do?  Any information
appreciated, as I cannot live without Jerry Seinfeld anymore!  Thanks.
Christine Byron
Exhibitions Officer
National Portrait Gallery
tel 0171 306 0055 x286
fax 0171 306 0056