We're going for it!
- Thread starter sgp1986
- Start date
Yes, I would be an independent contractor and I don't believe any of the companies I've looked at have any offices in Canada - all based in China. I suppose I can try to find one that is looking specifically for Americans. When you say that I'd have to pay Canadian taxes...I know that would be the case if I had status and were working as a independent contractor in Canada. But I thought if I was just a visitor and being paid to a US account, I'd need to pay US taxes until I get status. Is that correct?
If you are physically in Canada working as an independent contractor - you are still expected to file Canadian taxes even as a visitor.
Here is an old link from the forums: https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/taxes-on-remote-work-in-canada.535393/
Also this: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/international-non-residents/individuals-leaving-entering-canada-non-residents/non-residents-canada.html
and: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/international-non-residents/individuals-leaving-entering-canada-non-residents/newcomers-canada-immigrants.html#nwc
"people who have applied for or received permanent resident status from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada"
Residency status for immigration is different than for tax purposes. If you have an accountant it is best to ask them. Our tax person is awesome and has helped us every step of the way. I decided that freelance( and the tax rate) wasn't worth it so am not freelancing while in Canada.
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This seems to be another good thread - there are a lot of them on here 
It isn't the same - but it doesgive you an idea of how complicated a situation this can become
https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/us-citizen-in-canada-pr-working-for-us-company-as-an-fte-paid-into-us-bank.708547/
It isn't the same - but it doesgive you an idea of how complicated a situation this can become https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/us-citizen-in-canada-pr-working-for-us-company-as-an-fte-paid-into-us-bank.708547/
Thanks for the links. It looks like I likely won't be considered a resident of Canada for 2021 (I'll have lived in Korea for more than half the tax year) but this residency requirement can definitely come into play by 2022 if I'm not already PR by then. I'll save these links and dive more deeply into them to make sure I understand correctly. Thank you!
Yes, I was thinking that too - though the link that clarifies the "people who have applied for PR" - basically says it starts on Day 1 since you have significant ties to Canada which could (in theory) supersede the 183-rule.
"
Are you a resident of Canada?
You become a resident of Canada for income tax purposes when you establish significant residential ties in Canada. You usually establish these ties on the date you arrive in Canada.
Newcomers to Canada who have established residential ties with Canada may be:
- protected persons (including refugees) within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- people who have applied for or received permanent resident status from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
- people who have received "approval-in-principle" from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to stay in Canada
"
It's at least good to know and dig into!
kanislupos
Star Member
I'm wondering, if we move to Canada before DM, would I have to pay international student fees, or would I be able to pay Canadian resident fees?
International. Some schools may accept the PR documentation after the beginning of the school year (some date). But the more important question is if you can do so without a student visa.
kanislupos
Star Member
That's a good point. I think it would depend on the length of the course from what I've read, and in my case - do I gun for a post grad diploma or for a master's... Decisions decisions...
Yes, check carefully the rules and requirements. It depends when you wish to study, if you haven't applied yet, it may not be realistic for fall semester, would depend on program. You can only apply for student visa I think with an acceptance.
Length- Due to COVID they are requiring study permits for in Canada classes under 6 months/24 weeks now.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/eligibility.html
Online (as an international student) is also allowed as online classes are open to students across the world.
I can't seem to find it on the canada.ca site but here is on the Alberta site
https://www.alberta.ca/advising-international-students.aspx
and I was looking at Athabasca so here is the link where they say the same thing- https://www.athabascau.ca/admissions/international-students/#on-a-work-or-vistors-permit
Also note that some schools have different admission requirement or the actual intake for international students and domestic students.
