Can I keep my U.S. job? Which program to pursue?

[jenna406]

Hello, new here. Interested in figuring out which immigration program we should be pursuing.

We are a family in the U.S. looking to move to Ontario. We'd like to continue working at our current U.S. jobs. I'm a regular W-9 employee but work from home (maybe I'd have to switch and be 1099 though) and husband is self-employed. He would need to go back to the U.S. occasionally for clients and eventually would be looking for clients in Canada. If I became a 1099 contractor, I assume I'd also be considered self-employed? We'd consider taking other jobs in Canada in our fields though.

-Do we apply under self-employed, or Express Entry?

-What's this about needing $100,000 in the bank? The official site said there's no requirement but you do need funds to show you can support yourself (I think for family of 5 it said 25,000 or something), but I saw something here I think about 100k.

-If we go the self-employed route and the wait is 5-ish years, is that a "wait time" until they respond or a wait time until you get approved? i.e. Do you get some info during that time about your chances?

-Another post said they only choose the best of the best for the self-employed program.. How can you determine your chances? If you're denied, can you apply again? And/or apply under a different program?

 

[scylla]

- Based on the information provided, you don't meet the requirements of the self-employment immigration class (I take you haven't actually read the details of that program). You would be applying through Express Entry or possibly through one of the Provincial Nominee programs (you'll need to research to see which one fits).
- Proof of funds is around $26K for a family of 5 for Express Entry.
- There is no short cut to research. Highly recommend that you focus more attention on researching Canada's immigration programs. The questions you've asked are very basic and answers can be easily found on the CIC web site. If you don't have the time to do this research yourself, recommend you look into hiring an immigration lawyer or consultant to assist you.

 

[jenna406]

- Based on the information provided, you don't meet the requirements of the self-employment immigration class (I take you haven't actually read the details of that program). You would be applying through Express Entry or possibly through one of the Provincial Nominee programs (you'll need to research to see which one fits).
- Proof of funds is around $26K for a family of 5 for Express Entry.
- There is no short cut to research. Highly recommend that you focus more attention on researching Canada's immigration programs. The questions you've asked are very basic and answers can be easily found on the CIC web site. If you don't have the time to do this research yourself, recommend you look into hiring an immigration lawyer or consultant to assist you.

Thanks so much for your reply. I don't mean to appear to be looking for a short-cut to research, so I apologize. My husband's business has operated for over 15 years, and would seem to qualify under "cultural activities," so it seemed to be that the self-employment route was the most appropriate fit.

I'm admittedly early in my research, but I could not find any mention of whether or not an immigrant could remain employed in the U.S. via telecommuting.

My understanding of the Provincial Nominee programs is that we would not be eligible; we don't need an offer of work because our first choice is to continue our current employment (a U.S. company for me and self-employment for husband).

I did find the $26,000 info, but was unclear on whether self-employment required additional funds because of a couple random posts I found on here and elsewhere. And the CIC website, for example, has this question but then points to "Read more about the funds you'll need" and it brings you to a page that is not related to the self-employment program.

 

[scylla]

You'll need to provide more details for us to assess if it will qualify under "cultural activities". Generally speaking - we don't recommend the self-employment route (even if you qualify) since the processing times are so incredibly long. I would go with Express Entry if you qualify instead. Much shorter if you have enough points.

Yes - you can telecommute.

 

[jenna406]

You'll need to provide more details for us to assess if it will qualify under "cultural activities". Generally speaking - we don't recommend the self-employment route (even if you qualify) since the processing times are so incredibly long. I would go with Express Entry if you qualify instead. Much shorter if you have enough points.

Yes - you can telecommute.

Thanks for your reply. Do you know how I would find out whether I earn any points for having a job lined up in the U.S. that I'd be keeping? When I use the CIC calculator (only guessing my language scores since I haven't taken it yet) there doesn't seem to be a question related to a job outside the country. (Although I tried changing it on the calculator to see how many additional points it would be and it doesn't make a huge difference. Seems like my chances are not good). Thanks again for any info!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Thanks for your reply. Do you know how I would find out whether I earn any points for having a job lined up in the U.S. that I'd be keeping? When I use the CIC calculator (only guessing my language scores since I haven't taken it yet) there doesn't seem to be a question related to a job outside the country. (Although I tried changing it on the calculator to see how many additional points it would be and it doesn't make a huge difference. Seems like my chances are not good). Thanks again for any info!

There are no points granted for a job offer outside of Canada.

 

[scylla]

There are no points granted for a job offer outside of Canada.

Agreed. Zero points for a job outside of Canada.

To get points for a job - it needs to be within Canada, it needs to be a full time job offer and your employer needs to obtain an approved LMIA.

 

[scylla]

Thanks for your reply. Do you know how I would find out whether I earn any points for having a job lined up in the U.S. that I'd be keeping? When I use the CIC calculator (only guessing my language scores since I haven't taken it yet) there doesn't seem to be a question related to a job outside the country. (Although I tried changing it on the calculator to see how many additional points it would be and it doesn't make a huge difference. Seems like my chances are not good). Thanks again for any info!

FYI - you'll want to have at least 430 points under the Express Entry points system to have a good chance of being selected.