Mentioning working illegally abroad on application (proof of employment)

[TylerAsu]

Hi,
I already asked this question and received two helpful but conflicting answers, but would like to get more input. I've been working under the table as an English language teacher in Paraguay and Argentina (both on tourist visas) for the last year. Should I mention this in my application? Should I bother getting proof of employment? If I'm not mistaken, I will have to show what kind of documents I have for being in Paraguay and Argentina, so I think CIC will figure out the work is illegal.
Any advice would be great!

 

[truesmile]

I believe I recall you mentioned that you worked ~ 6 hours per week, for "pittance", AND under the table. As for me, I wouldn't bother mentioning it. It would be more beneficial for you to build the case you really need to make. "How do you plan to resettle in Canada? And what steps have you taken to achieve that?" There is no minimum income for spousal sponsorship, so mentioning those peanuts and crackers in Paraguay (that you have already eaten), shall serve no positive purpose for your application.

 

[rhcohen2014]

... so mentioning those peanuts and crackers in Paraguay (that you have already eaten)...

HAHAHAHA! good one!

 

[aminata2010]

I think it would be a bad idea to mention working under the table ...

 

[agarand8]

I listed my employment in Costa Rica even though I was only making like $2.40/hour however I'm not technically considered an illegal worker because of different loopholes in the system there. I'm not sure whether or not the employer was properly recording my employment in his records or not, but regardless I still claimed the overseas income on my Canadian tax return. a whopping $600. lol.

 

[Ponga]

Ironically, a person that has worked without authorization in Canada, would not be automatically denied for PR under the spousal sponsorship program.

An out of status applicant is technically deemed to have a `Lack of Status'. Those that fall into this category are: Persons that have overstayed their visit, studied or worked without authorization. Such a person is still eligible to apply for [Inland] PR, as of Feb 2005.

--------
What is “lack of status” under the public policy?
For the purposes of the current public policy, persons with a “lack of status” refers to those in the
following situations:
• persons who have overstayed a visa, visitor record, work permit, student permit or temporary
resident permit;
• persons who have worked or studied without being authorized to do so as prescribed by the
Act;

----------

So, it would almost seem hypocritical for CIC to punish someone for being truthful about something elsewhere, that isn't a deal-breaker for an Inland application.

Tough call I suppose. Honesty versus paranoia.

 

[Awesomeg]

You can mention that you received minimal compensation for teaching English as a second language,
just to pay your teaching expenses, but not officially recognized as a work, as
it was not a legal work.
I have received compensation in Canada that is not regarded as employment,
but still have declared that information to revenue Canada,

You can present the truth in a way that is convenient for you,

your truth, my truth or the truth....

that is the question

 

[TylerAsu]

I believe I recall you mentioned that you worked ~ 6 hours per week, for "pittance", AND under the table. As for me, I wouldn't bother mentioning it. It would be more beneficial for you to build the case you really need to make. "How do you plan to resettle in Canada? And what steps have you taken to achieve that?" There is no minimum income for spousal sponsorship, so mentioning those peanuts and crackers in Paraguay (that you have already eaten), shall serve no positive purpose for your application.

Alright, good point! I think we'll start focusing more on that letter you mention.

 

[TylerAsu]

You can mention that you received minimal compensation for teaching English as a second language,
just to pay your teaching expenses, but not officially recognized as a work, as
it was not a legal work.
I have received compensation in Canada that is not regarded as employment,
but still have declared that information to revenue Canada,

You can present the truth in a way that is convenient for you,

your truth, my truth or the truth....

that is the question

Good point! I'll probably end up writing a letter explaining I taught English to some people privately as a means of supporting myself and not eating through savings.