canadian with british girlfriend who is seeking temporary open work permit

[graydon]

So basically, I am Canadian and my girlfriend came from the UK to visit me, but now wants to stay to live with me and work for a year or so. My father is a real estate lawyer and is willing to sponsor her as his secretary, although none of us know how to go about doing that. But we want an open work permit because she wants to find a job as a bartender and im not sure if a regular work permit would allow her to get another job? she will also be living with me so does she need a temporary residence permit? we have only been together 6 months and she has only been here in canada with me for 1 month, so is it possible to apply for a spousal status to increase our odds of acceptance? we have been filling out IMM 5710 (01-2013) E, is that the best form for our situation?

 

[amira_mais]

Hi, a regular (closed) work permit would allow your girlfriend to work for only one specific employer at one specific job, so she wouldn't be able to do any other type of work. That said, you have a few other issues to consider:

- getting a regular work permit for a secretarial position is next to impossible unless you live in a low population area - there are many Canadians who can fill that kind of job and your father would not likely get authorization (a Labour Market Opinion) to hire any foreign worker as a secretary.

- as a British national, she's exempt from applying for a Temporary Resident Visa if she wants to visit for up to six months at a time. If she wants to stay longer, she'll have to apply to extend her visitor status in order to remain here legally. IMM 5710 is the form you need for this.

- you wouldn't be eligible to apply to sponsor her to immigrate permanently unless you get married or meet the definition of common law (in a relationship for at least 12 full months).

- the only other thing I can think of is for her to apply to the International Experience Canada program (Working Holiday Visa) which would give her an open work permit, but I believe all the slots for British nationals are already gone for this year.

I'm sorry, your situation doesn't allow for more encouraging suggestions at this point.