Hi There,
I have a question, that I can't seem to get answered or find an answer on, and hoping someone has a good answer or a similar situation that they found out what to do.
My girlfriend lives in Canada (Canadian citizenship), I reside in Seattle (American citizenship). We've been dating for two years, but would like to take it to the next level. I figured since I was freelance graphic designer, that I would head up there for a few months and decide if this is what we really want, and then start applying for Canadian residency after being there for a few months. (Assuming all goes well in the few months we live together. I'm assuming it will)
I'm under the impression that I need a work permit if I want to work for a Canadian employer. But what if I just plan on doing freelance graphic design work with my clients (who are all small business American clients) and that money goes in my American bank while I am there for a few months? Can I do this legally without getting trouble and needing a work permit? Or do I need a work permit for working with my American clients?
And do I state this to the customs patrol officer when I get off the plane?
And would they find it shady that I'm coming to "try it out" before I apply for Canadian residency?
I'm just not really sure how to go about this...and I feel uncomfortable just sitting around for a few months being idle. I've been reading everything and trying to find an answer, but not really having luck. Would it be best to just hire a lawyer at this point?
Any help or advice would greatly appreciated.
Cheers!
T
I have a question, that I can't seem to get answered or find an answer on, and hoping someone has a good answer or a similar situation that they found out what to do.
My girlfriend lives in Canada (Canadian citizenship), I reside in Seattle (American citizenship). We've been dating for two years, but would like to take it to the next level. I figured since I was freelance graphic designer, that I would head up there for a few months and decide if this is what we really want, and then start applying for Canadian residency after being there for a few months. (Assuming all goes well in the few months we live together. I'm assuming it will)
I'm under the impression that I need a work permit if I want to work for a Canadian employer. But what if I just plan on doing freelance graphic design work with my clients (who are all small business American clients) and that money goes in my American bank while I am there for a few months? Can I do this legally without getting trouble and needing a work permit? Or do I need a work permit for working with my American clients?
And do I state this to the customs patrol officer when I get off the plane?
And would they find it shady that I'm coming to "try it out" before I apply for Canadian residency?
I'm just not really sure how to go about this...and I feel uncomfortable just sitting around for a few months being idle. I've been reading everything and trying to find an answer, but not really having luck. Would it be best to just hire a lawyer at this point?
Any help or advice would greatly appreciated.
Cheers!
T
