Catching up with…Dr. Anthony Caputo

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Anthony: This is a very good question. As a Canadian, I am eligible for the TN Visa program, which is part of NAFTA, and exclusive to citizens of Canada, United States, and Mexico. For Canadians, all that is required is an offer letter from the employer, which I would then take to any border crossing, along with my Ph.D. degree, and activate the TN visa instantly. This is a quick and painless visa to obtain, and no sponsorship is required.

Dan: Companies are shying away from hiring you because of ITAR. But I understand that there is a process that a company could take if they did in fact want to hire you; can you please explain how that works?

Anthony: There are many Canadians working in the United States in ITAR related roles and at jobs requiring security clearance.  ITAR does have a program where Canadians can get clearance, and a chaperone is required when non-U.S. citizens/non-green cardholders would be in areas where ITAR work is being done. Separately, for roles involving security clearance, the U.S. Department of State does allow non-U.S. citizens to obtain security clearance in specific situations wherein there are compelling reasons for limited access to be granted to an immigrant alien or foreign national employee who possesses a special expertise that is needed for specific programs, projects, contracts, licenses, certificates, or grants. Due to my very diverse, and unique background, I would be in a very good position to obtain both ITAR, and/or security clearance.

Dan: So, if a U.S company wanted to hire you, how complicated would all of this be and how long would it take?

Anthony: For roles that do not require ITAR or security clearance, the process is instant. If I were to receive an offer, I would then have the employer provide me with a letter, which I would take to any border crossing, along with my Ph.D. degree and activate the TN visa instantly. For roles requiring ITAR or security clearance, there is some paperwork, and the process could take anywhere from 3–6 months.

Dan: Are there some companies who could hire you without worrying about ITAR? What kind of companies would those be?

Anthony: This is a great question. Most companies do not work on government-contracted work related to aerospace and defense. I would say 95% of companies out there do not work on ITAR projects or roles that require security clearance. This means that in most cases, if I am offered employment, I can obtain a TN visa instantly. 

Dan: So, what is the next step for you?

Anthony: I am in the process of actively looking for new job opportunities. It is very exciting for me to live and work in the United States. It has always been a dream of mine, as a kid growing up in Canada to live in the United States, and one day become a U.S. citizen. I have a unique and diverse background that is geared towards contributing to the continued dominance of the United States in the areas of research & development, and the advancement of technology.

Dan: Tony, if someone wants to speak to you, how to they get in touch with you?

Anthony: I can be contacted at tcaputo@mit.edu, or by phone at: (857) 756-4310.

Dan: Any final thoughts?

Anthony: Dan, I want to thank you for your wonderful questions, as well as all the folks who have taken the time to learn about my background and professional interests. I presently reside in the Phoenix area, but I am open to relocation anywhere in the United States.

Dan: Well good luck Anthony, I hope someone will read this interview and can find something for you.

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