Can I apply for FSW class in Canada if I am here as a visitor?

[nadiakomia]

Hello,

My family and I have come to Canada as visitors however I wish to apply for the FSW class to immigrate to Canada and work. Can I do that in Canada or do I have to return to Mexico and apply from there? If I have enough settlement funds, do I still need an LMO? I have been approached by numerous companies to work for them - job offers but not written or formal, just verbal.

 

[Leon]

You can apply while you are in Canada but you still have to meet the conditions of your visit visa. You can apply to extend your visit visa before it expires at which time you should show that you have travel or emergency insurance and funds to stay without working illegally but it is still up to immigration if they allow you to stay on or not. Just having applied for PR will not give you the right to stay in Canada until you get it.

You can see the eligibility criteria for FSW here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who.asp
If you are of an occupation where you don't need an LMO, then you can apply without one. Otherwise, you will need one so go to the employers who are giving you verbal job offers and tell them to put their money when their mouth is and apply for your LMO so you can apply for a work permit and/or FSW. A work permit if you get it would allow you to stay in Canada and work until you get your PR but the LMO would allow you to apply under FSW as long as you meet the other criteria.

Another option for you to get a work permit without needing an LMO would be if your job falls under NAFTA. You can read more about that here: http://www.canadavisa.com/nafta-work-permits.html