ANY suggestions and tips would be helpful

[Stayingpositive]

Hi Everyone,

My fiance is a U.S. citizen and we are hoping that he can move to Canada and work here for a year before getting married (to save). We cannot apply as common law because we have not been living together so we are hoping to go the work permit route.

As some of you can imagine this has been very difficult. Finding an employer who is willing to go through the LMIA (?) process has been difficult. If anyone has been through something similar and has tips, tricks or helpful suggestions that would be great.

He works in the legal industry. He is qualified to work in fields of litigation support, ediscovery, law clerk and the likes.

Any helpful tips or suggestions on how to get him in Canada as soon as possible is appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[scylla]

The honest truth is that it's generally extremely difficult (almost impossible) to find employers willing to go through the LMIA process. As you've probably read, the LMIA process is long and expensive for the employer - and requires them to prove no Canadian could be found for the job. Approval is never guaranteed. An employer can spend thousands and wait four months, only for it to end in refusal. Given legal systems and laws differ between the US and Canada - it will likely be a hard sell to say that a foreign worker had to be hired for a Canadian legal role. So that's what you're up against. There's really no trick or secret unfortunately - apart from applying to many many roles and hoping one of them hits.

I'm assuming you've confirmed his occupation does not fall under NAFTA (i.e. LMIA exempt)?

The best advice I can give you is to figure out your 'plan B'. You should assume he won't be able to find a job. Look at other options. Does he have the money to come here to study full time? Would you be willing to get married now so that you can sponsor him immediately?

 

[Stayingpositive]

Thank you for your prompt reply. This was definitely the sense I was starting to get through some research.
Unfortunately it does not fall under NAFTA. I did just check.
We will look at other options that you have suggested as that seems like our best option at this point.