How can my girlfriend immigrate here?

[mickzster]

I am an international student here and want to extend my stay to work my way up to PR.

My girlfriend is from the US and wants to move in with me however we’re not sure how she can achieve that.

What are the odds for a US citizen to immigrate to Canada? Knowing that she’s in her 20s with a bachelor’s degree.

Should she visit first and try to get a job offer? Or should she apply for immigration and wait for a reply (also what would that cost her)?

 

[scylla]

I am an international student here and want to extend my stay to work my way up to PR.

My girlfriend is from the US and wants to move in with me however we’re not sure how she can achieve that.

What are the odds for a US citizen to immigrate to Canada? Knowing that she’s in her 20s with a bachelor’s degree.

Should she visit first and try to get a job offer? Or should she apply for immigration and wait for a reply (also what would that cost her)?

There is no special immigration path for US citizens. She will need to qualify and apply through an economic immigration program just like anyone else. Her odds will depend on a number of factors such as years of work experience, how many points she can score, etc. Express Entry is one option for immigrating. She will want to score 470+ points to have a decent chances of being selected. I would recommend she start by researching the Express Entry program in detail so that she will know what's involved: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/works.html

A job offer is generally not enough to get a work permit. Generally speaking an employer must also obtain an approved LMIA. It can be very difficult to find employers willing to go through this process.

If you get married, there may be additional options available.

 

[mickzster]

There is no special immigration path for US citizens. She will need to qualify and apply through an economic immigration program just like anyone else. Her odds will depend on a number of factors such as years of work experience, how many points she can score, etc. Express Entry is one option for immigrating. She will want to score 470+ points to have a decent chances of being selected. I would recommend she start by researching the Express Entry program in detail so that she will know what's involved: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/works.html

A job offer is generally not enough to get a work permit. Generally speaking an employer must also obtain an approved LMIA. It can be very difficult to find employers willing to go through this process.

If you get married, there may be additional options available.

Thank you for the detailed response!

About the LMIA, I read on the government website that US citizens do not need LMIA because of the NAFTA agreement between US, Canada, and Mexico.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/international-free-trade-agreements/north-american.html

 

[Naturgrl]

Thank you for the detailed response!

About the LMIA, I read on the government website that US citizens do not need LMIA because of the NAFTA agreement between US, Canada, and Mexico.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/international-free-trade-agreements/north-american.html

There are only a select few NOCs for professionals that are included for exemption. If your girlfriend has experience (education and work) within the NOC then it is possible. She would need a job offer.

 

[scylla]

Thank you for the detailed response!

About the LMIA, I read on the government website that US citizens do not need LMIA because of the NAFTA agreement between US, Canada, and Mexico.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/international-free-trade-agreements/north-american.html

Look at CUSMA. NAFTA no longer exists. Whether she can benefit under CUSMA will depend on her occupation. Not all occupations qualify. She will need to secure a job offer in Canada.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/international-free-trade-agreements/cusma.html