Hello,
I am a 24 year-old American university-graduate trying to figure out how I can temporarily work in Canada. I hold a Bachelor of Arts from an accredited university. I studied Anthropology and Music. I do not hold any special certifications. I would like to work in Vancouver. I do not intend on permanently residing in Canada.
Initally I was going to apply for the Live-In Caregiver work permit. I have an enormous amount of experience in childcare and have a year of experience working as a live-in nanny. However, the majority of jobs I've had with kids have been undocumented, cash-paying babysitting jobs, including the live-in nanny position. Also, I am aware that this experience has to have been full-time for one full year, in the past 3 years. I only worked part-time for most of these jobs and the one that was full time was undocumented and paid in cash. I am aware that I can enroll in a "Caregiver Course" which would usually last for 6 months. A representative from a Canadian au-pair agency contacted me after I sent an email with my questions. The representative explained that I could enroll in a 4-week program. However, the cost of these programs are far too high for me, as they range from $700 to $1,200. The time it would take to go through a course, plus the LMO my host family would have to go through, plus the application process, is just proving to be far too long. Are there any cheaper courses? How difficult is it to receive a positive LMO for a caregiver?
I looked at the LMO-exempt Religious Worker section, which is confusing beyond belief. I am Jewish and I also practice Buddhist meditation. I imagine this does not mean I can simply take up employment at a synagogue or a yoga center as a receptionist or secretary. So what does it entail? Can I work for an organization like Habitat for Humanity, without an LMO or without a work permit? I really am having a hard time understanding where they draw the line on this. Which charitable organizations can an American work for in Canada? How does one go about this? What exactly is "competitive" about charity work?
It is a little discouraging, as I don't seem to qualify for anything under the NAFTA agreement. I'm currently employed as a nanny. I have also worked as a cafe barista since graduating. So much for a college degree. I would really love to work in a museum, as I am very interested by Native American art of British Columbia. I did contact the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, but they don't have any positions open (and rarely do, as I was told). Plus I would imagine these jobs would certainly be offered to Canadians first.
And finally, why is there no agreement between Canada and the US for youth workers? My friend, who is a French citizen, will be working in Canada as he was able to obtain the Working Holiday Visa. I've searched high and low for opportunities for young Americans to work temporarily in Canada. Please inform me if I've missed any.
How difficult is it usually to receive a positive LMO for jobs in general? I suppose this is a rather impossible question to answer, as each case is specific to its own situation.
Please inform me of any options I may be overlooking.
Thank you for reading and I hope you are able to help.
I am a 24 year-old American university-graduate trying to figure out how I can temporarily work in Canada. I hold a Bachelor of Arts from an accredited university. I studied Anthropology and Music. I do not hold any special certifications. I would like to work in Vancouver. I do not intend on permanently residing in Canada.
Initally I was going to apply for the Live-In Caregiver work permit. I have an enormous amount of experience in childcare and have a year of experience working as a live-in nanny. However, the majority of jobs I've had with kids have been undocumented, cash-paying babysitting jobs, including the live-in nanny position. Also, I am aware that this experience has to have been full-time for one full year, in the past 3 years. I only worked part-time for most of these jobs and the one that was full time was undocumented and paid in cash. I am aware that I can enroll in a "Caregiver Course" which would usually last for 6 months. A representative from a Canadian au-pair agency contacted me after I sent an email with my questions. The representative explained that I could enroll in a 4-week program. However, the cost of these programs are far too high for me, as they range from $700 to $1,200. The time it would take to go through a course, plus the LMO my host family would have to go through, plus the application process, is just proving to be far too long. Are there any cheaper courses? How difficult is it to receive a positive LMO for a caregiver?
I looked at the LMO-exempt Religious Worker section, which is confusing beyond belief. I am Jewish and I also practice Buddhist meditation. I imagine this does not mean I can simply take up employment at a synagogue or a yoga center as a receptionist or secretary. So what does it entail? Can I work for an organization like Habitat for Humanity, without an LMO or without a work permit? I really am having a hard time understanding where they draw the line on this. Which charitable organizations can an American work for in Canada? How does one go about this? What exactly is "competitive" about charity work?
It is a little discouraging, as I don't seem to qualify for anything under the NAFTA agreement. I'm currently employed as a nanny. I have also worked as a cafe barista since graduating. So much for a college degree. I would really love to work in a museum, as I am very interested by Native American art of British Columbia. I did contact the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, but they don't have any positions open (and rarely do, as I was told). Plus I would imagine these jobs would certainly be offered to Canadians first.
And finally, why is there no agreement between Canada and the US for youth workers? My friend, who is a French citizen, will be working in Canada as he was able to obtain the Working Holiday Visa. I've searched high and low for opportunities for young Americans to work temporarily in Canada. Please inform me if I've missed any.
How difficult is it usually to receive a positive LMO for jobs in general? I suppose this is a rather impossible question to answer, as each case is specific to its own situation.
Please inform me of any options I may be overlooking.
Thank you for reading and I hope you are able to help.
