American boyfriend moving to Quebec? Help!

[Sabrinamtl]

hello!
My American boyfriend would like to move to Quebec to live with me. We've been in a serious long distance relationship for 2 years now.
This whole process is overwhelming and I have no idea where to start! Can anyone help?

 

[MilesAway]

In order to sponsor him, you need to be either marrier or common-law ( have lived together for 12 consecutive months). Is that the case? If not, then you will need to become married or common-law. Americans can visit for up to 6 months, and they can apply to extend their stay.

 

[Sabrinamtl]

In order to sponsor him, you need to be either marrier or common-law ( have lived together for 12 consecutive months). Is that the case? If not, then you will need to become married or common-law. Americans can visit for up to 6 months, and they can apply to extend their stay.

If he were to live here for a year with an extended visitors visa, he wouldn't be able to work right?
That's not the ideal financially obviously but from what I can gather it's pretty much the easiest/only option aside actually getting married.

 

[scylla]

Correct - he won't be able to work and won't have access to the health care system.

Having said that, if he's able to find an employer who is willing to offer him a full time job and that employer is able to obtain an approved LMIA (which is unfortunately a very long and an expensive process for the employer) - then he can qualify for a work permit tied to that specific employer.

 

[Sabrinamtl]

Also from what I understand, conjugal partnership isn't an option for us right?

 

[Ponga]

Also from what I understand, conjugal partnership isn't an option for us right?

No chance of that being approved.

You really only have the two options that you already know about.

 

[Mightytonewheel]

Also from what I understand, conjugal partnership isn't an option for us right?

You can't sponsor him to be to be a permanent resident of Canada unless you're married (to him) or you lived together (with him) as a common-law couple for at 12 months in a row. Everything else aside from that doesn't qualify.

Like other foreigners, he can enter and stay in the country under other conditions, such as a work visa, student visa, or as a visitor. All of them have specific rules and time limits associated with them, but none of them are the same as permanent residency.

If you really, really, really want him to be with you in Canada, consider getting married. ;D

 

[Aquakitty]

If he were to live here for a year with an extended visitors visa, he wouldn't be able to work right?
That's not the ideal financially obviously but from what I can gather it's pretty much the easiest/only option aside actually getting married.

There is a 3rd option, but it depends on his age. If he's 30 or under he can apply for the SWAP program and get a 1 year open work permit. It's intended for those who have been in school full-time within the last 12 months, but you can get around that by simply registering for full-time school at a local college.

If this sounds interesting, check out one of the following websites:

https://www.interexchange.org/travel-abroad/work-travel-canada/

https://www.froschstudenttravel.com/work-abroad/

 

[Sabrinamtl]

There is a 3rd option, but it depends on his age. If he's 30 or under he can apply for the SWAP program and get a 1 year open work permit. It's intended for those who have been in school full-time within the last 12 months, but you can get around that by simply registering for full-time school at a local college.

Thanks for the Option... However we'll have missed the cutoff as he will turn 30 in a couple of months


My other question is... If he were to come here on a visitors visa, can he the apply for a work visa once he learns the language and has job prospects? Or is that a big no no?

 

[scylla]

My other question is... If he were to come here on a visitors visa, can he the apply for a work visa once he learns the language and has job prospects? Or is that a big no no?

Yes - but he needs a full time job offer and approved LMIA from an employer. The LMIA process is long and very expensive for employers to go through - and involves proving no Canadian could be found for the role. As a result, the majority of employers aren't willing to go through the process of hiring a foreign worker.

Having said that, if your boyfriend happens to have a job that falls under NAFTA - then he can skip the LMIA step (but will still need a full time job offer).

 

[Ponga]

Thanks for the Option... However we'll have missed the cutoff as he will turn 30 in a couple of months


My other question is... If he were to come here on a visitors visa, can he the apply for a work visa once he learns the language and has job prospects? Or is that a big no no?

Is it mandatory to speak French in Quebec to [eventually] work?

 

[Aquakitty]

Thanks for the Option... However we'll have missed the cutoff as he will turn 30 in a couple of months


My other question is... If he were to come here on a visitors visa, can he the apply for a work visa once he learns the language and has job prospects? Or is that a big no no?

Did you mean 31? Because he can still apply at 30.

 

[Sabrinamtl]

Is it mandatory to speak French in Quebec to [eventually] work?

Not absolutely mandatory, especially in Montreal because of the diversity. However it's strongly advised.

Did you mean 31? Because he can still apply at 30.

30 inclusively? Well, that changes things then. Thanks!!

 

[Sabrinamtl]

Seems like we're gonna head more towards the marriage route! Lol
Not that it isn't our ultimate goal anyways... It's seems like the least complicated/fastest way


Thanks for all the help guys!