Immigrating to Canada without any "skills"

[Lacrusis]

Hello, I have been searching the web asking friends from bothe the US and Canada and i cant seem to come up with an answer. I am trying to relocate to Winnipeg, MB from North Carolina USA, and i do not have any special working skills. Everywhere we look its about applying for permanent residency if you have work skills, or getting a work permit if i have work skills. Is there a way to immigrate, end up living and working in Canada without skills?

 

[newtone]

You need some kind of skill, its why people go to school/college and university for, and they eventually get a job and show their work experience.

 

[Lacrusis]

so pretty much unless i have a job skill, i cant live in Canada?

 

[kbQureshi]

so pretty much unless i have a job skill, i can live in Canada?

Yes you can if you have family there, Family Based Immigration is other option.

 

[Lacrusis]

I dont have family so to speak. I have friends and a girlfriend there.

 

[kbQureshi]

I dont have family so to speak. I have friends and a girlfriend there.

Girlfriend? Common-Law partner is one option of family based immigration.

 

[Lacrusis]

I didnt know a girlfriend fell under that category, just thought it was for marriage. Another thing i suppose i should mention is that i dont have a degree, but i am 21 and have over 3 years hospitality experience, i dont know if that matters or not.

 

[scylla]

Your girlfriend can only sponsor you if you have lived together (and can prove it) for at least one full year. Otherwise you wold have to get married.

 

[Lacrusis]

Ok so is it possible to go up on a tourist visa by getting my passport stamped and then having it extended when the time comes and stay at her house for the year?

 

[newtone]

Its not that easy but if you want to try that route sure. Immigration is not stupid. They know relationship and trust can be gained in online chat rooms too from someone living outside Canada, they could come here on a visitors visa, have extension for 1 years and then apply as common law. Unfortunately its not that easy. Again like I said you can try, but they'll make it really really hard for both of you.

 

[G Kann]

Ok so is it possible to go up on a tourist visa by getting my passport stamped and then having it extended when the time comes and stay at her house for the year?

On paper this looks possible, but in reality its not so straightforward. As newtone said, CIC is not stupid. If you came to Canada as a visitor I assume US visitors get 6 months visitors stay. You apply to extend and they will probably give you a 3 month extension rather than 6 months. After that, it gets tricky. I talk from experience though. It doesn't mean it will happen to everybody.

 

[angelbrat]

Hospitality experience...actually is a skill that is needed in Canada. Check out the various Provence PNP requirements and NOC codes.

To be honest, if you had said you were an IT worker, I would have been doubtful you qualified but I would seriously check out your skills, they may be more needed in Canada than you realize.

 

[Lacrusis]

Yeah I kinda figured it wouldnt be a walk in the park, however I really want to be there. I have visited several times and love it. Not to mention i would like to be with my girlfriend of 3 years. I will definitely check the hospitality route though. As I had said I do not have a degree but I am young and have do have 3 years under my belt as of now.