Can I Work for UK clients from canada?

[brettwest]

Hi,

Is it possible to apply as permanent resident under self employed (i fit under Major Group 52) and work for existing clients from the UK, it means i can immediately support myself along with money from selling my house.

Some of my clients have connections in Canada that should lead to further self employed work. And many of my clients are folk musicians that receive arts funding so im hoping that works under the "cultural" title.

 

[scylla]

Yes - you can certainly do that.

Keep in mind that the processing times for this immigration stream are very long (4+ years?).

 

[brettwest]

That is long, even if I apply through London Embassy?

Given my description of my working background do you think i stand a chance? It would be good to get an idea before going through such a long process

 

[scylla]

It's very difficult to say if you qualify or not. There are so few people who go through the self employed immigration stream that we barely see any cases on this forum.

 

[brettwest]

Thanks for your help here, just trying to make sense of it all.

I only fit into the self employed cultural route and I guess what im trying to work out is if having a steady client base that are not in Canada helps my case. My guess it that it should as I can support myself.

Im also wondering if i can come to Canada on a UK tourist Visa for a year and still work remotely as a UK tax payer for UK clients and within that year apply from Canada for the same visa, would applying from Canada be doable and quicker?

 

[scylla]

Im also wondering if i can come to Canada on a UK tourist Visa for a year and still work remotely as a UK tax payer for UK clients and within that year apply from Canada for the same visa, would applying from Canada be doable and quicker?

Coming to Canada will make no real difference in how quickly the application is processed. The process will still effectively be the same.

As a tourist from the UK, you will be allowed to visit Canada for six months (note that how long you are actually allowed into Canada will be decided by the immigration officer you encounter when you enter the country - at time they will grant visits of less than six months). You can try extending this visit to try to stay for a year but there is absolutely no guarantee it will be approved. Keep in mind that while you are a visitor in Canada, you will not qualify for health care coverage and will have to pay for everything out of pocket (or get travel insurance).

 

[brettwest]

Thanks Scylla, yes I understand, ive been before as a tourist.

Can anyone advise on the points about working? If i you need me to clarify anything please ask, im aware i might not be very clear.

 

[NetMecca]

There is no restriction to where you physically sit when you work and earn money, so if you have clients in UK, and want to be in Canada (on visitors visa) technically there should not be a problem with you doing so. They are paying you in the UK and you are working remotely in the UK (even if you are in Canada at the time).

The issue with working in Canada is that you are not permitted to work for an employer here without going through a work permit or PR application process (which as was mentioned will take a long time). Also you will not be able to apply for a new work permit from within Canada. You will have to apply from your home country.

If you have some Canadian clients that support you, even if you are in Canada they will still be dealing with you as a UK business entity and procure services from you as if you were there. Think of it as being a travelling business man promoting international business. This is not typically a problem.

You are likely facing some potential issues like (medical as mentioned earlier by someone else) as well as some issues with banking, property rental etc. Not illegal for Canada banks to open accounts for foreigners however, a little more complex, and you would likely have to find a foreigner friendly bank. They are not all the same unfortunately.

The other problem is that your visitors visa will be expiring every 6 months. Chances are you will have to travel back and forth to get that renewed (and of course border services might have some issues with it as well at some point). Proving your foreign income and establishment in UK may be essential to make that work as a minimum.

Sounds like you have a fun plan. Canada is great to live.

I wish you luck

Cheers