Independent Contractor / US Business in Canada

[rossta2885]

Hi All,

I'm in a bit of a tricky situation and I would really appreciate any insight or knowledge anyone here has!

I've been seeing a girl in Canada for almost a year now, and we've been discussing moving in together up in Canada. I'm legally able to stay as a visitor for up to 6 months, but not able to work during that time and unfortunately I'm too old now to apply for a temporary work visa. I also am self employed and am not too interested in finding a full time job to sponsor my visa.

I currently operate in the states as an independent contractor, running a creative business that I own under it's own LLC, and it would be nice to continue that business while up there. I'm curious if it would be possible to live with her in Canada (for no more than 6 months at a time) and find work up there through my US based company? IE, I would technically be working for a company established in the US with an address and everything, and thats where my personal income would come from; my clients would simply be paying a US company for creative services.

Does that make sense? Does anyone else have similar experience?

Thanks!

 

[scylla]

What you're suggesting is working illegally and will put you in violation of your stay in Canada as a visitor (and make you removable from Canada). It doesn't matter that your company is in the US and that your clients would be paying through your US company. You are physically in Canada and working here and your customers/clients are in Canada.. You would need a work permit to engage in this work legally in Canada.

 

[Ahsoka23]

What if you have a job offer? Can the company help you get a visa?

 

[scylla]

What if you have a job offer? Can the company help you get a visa?

The company needs to obtain an approved LMIA in order for you to apply for a work permit.

The LMIA process is long and expensive and requires your employer to prove they advertised the job and weren't able to find a Canadian to fill the role. It's difficult but certainly possible to obtain an LMIA. Unfortunately many employers aren't willing to go through the process.