Arriving to Canada to find a job

[petmal85]

Hello.

I studied in Canada as an international undergraduate student in 2005 - 2010. I continued my education with a one-year MSc degree in the United Kingdom.
I would now like to return to Canada and start working. After getting 1 year of experience I should be eligible for the CE immigration class...

I still have a valid student multiple-entry visa until 08/2013, although my study permit has already expired.

I am looking for a job as a software developer and therefore with mandatory interview. Money is generally not a problem, but it would be extremely wasteful to travel across half of the globe for every single interview (the process often takes several interviews).

Any recommendations on how to get to Canada for at least six months (preferably one year) without a job offer.

Many thanks.

 

[scylla]

How old are you?

 

[scylla]

How old are you?

Also - where are you from? (Do you hold UK citizenship?)

Depending on the answers, you might qualify for a working holiday visa. This would likely be the best way to go.

 

[petmal85]

I am from the Czech Republic and have 26.
I know there is a programme called "Experience Canada" that includes an open work permit and legal stay for 1 year.
The problem is that they told me it is not intended for those who want to immigrate. I would probably have to leave the country and get a new work permit at the end of the programme.

I was thinking about arriving as a visitor, but as far as I understand, I would be limitted (depending on the immigration officer) to six months (correct?)...

Not really sure which way is better... "Experience Canada" is great in that it gives 1 year, but I would have to "convince" them about my future plans...

Thanks.

 

[scylla]

Yes - as a visitor, you're typically limited to a six month visit (although you can apply for an extension while you're here). Since your from the Czech Republic - you will also need to apply for a visit visa if you want to come here as a tourist (i.e. you can't just come on your passport). Information is here:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-how.asp

You won't be covered by health care during this time (make sure you take insurance to cover emergencies). You also cannot work without changing your status to a work permit.

Changing your status to a work permit is going to be difficult in your case (in my opinion). In order to do so, you will first have to find an employer. That employer will then have to apply for something called an LMO - essentially, approval to hire a foreign worker. As part of this process, the employer will have to prove they were unable to find a Canadian for the role. (This will be quite difficult to prove right now given there are a large number of IT professionals in Canada, the economy has slowed down and more Canadians are looking for work). IF the LMO is approved, you can then apply for a work permit. If the work permit is approved, you can then start working. This entire process typically takes months. Since the process takes so long and there's a chance of refusal - many employers aren't even willing to consider foreign candidates. This is why I was wondering if you qualify for one of the working holiday visas (no LMO is required if you come under the working holiday program).

If you can't apply for the working holiday program for whatever reason - then I think you will face an uphill battle finding a job as a visitor here for the reasons I've stated above. If possible, I would suggest you start sending resumes and find a job/go through the LMO and work permit process before you come here - and be prepared to send dozens of resumes and hear nothing back. Again, your first challenge will be finding an employer who's even willing to consider you for a job.

 

[petmal85]

It would certainly be more straightforward to get a job at the first place with a working holiday program, but do you think it would be any easier to get an LMO/work permit once the program expires?

Thanks.

 

[scylla]

but do you think it would be any easier to get an LMO/work permit once the program expires?

I can't say. It depends on where the economy/job market is at that point, what experience/capabilities you have that are unique and can't be easily found in a Canadian candidate, etc.