Need help with Visa

[aly.lynn122]

I'm from the US. I fled an abusive situation and have no other place to go. I am staying with a family in Ottawa, Ontario. They are willing to be financially responsible for me and sponsor me for a visa. I plan on staying in the country permanently, but I need help knowing how. Unfortunately, I am only 18, thus I'm not much of a skilled worker. I have past work experience, no criminal record, and nothing that'd stop me from getting a work visa. I've been applying to places and so far I've had two interviews. When I mentioned I needed their consent to fill out a visa, I never heard back. I've applied to countless places, and honestly all I need is a place with an LMO (permission to hire foreign workers, so places like large fast food chains, stores, and international organizations) to sign their name on a visa saying they plan to hire me. I can't be the only one who needs a visa, but I haven't been able to find work.
I have till January 7th, 2013 to legally remain in the country, and that deadline is approaching faster than expected and I still have no work. Would I be eligible to fill out a Temporary Resident visa? How long would I be allowed to stay if I had that?
I don't plan on being illegal, but if January comes and I still have no job, I'll be homeless when I return to the states. I'm not exaggerating, I really have no other options.
Has anyone been in a situation similar to mine? What did you do?
I'd love to go back to school, but even to do that I need a job, as I can't afford University without one. I want to avoid going back to the States, as I doubt I'd be able to get money for a plane ticket again. I used my graduation party money to get here. I'd appreciate any help you can offer.

 

[amikety]

You can apply for an extension to your visit. You will be given a chance to explain the situation and provide proof your family will support you. It costs $75 and can be done online.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/extend-stay.asp

Finding a job to give a LMO can be a long, painful search. If you have child care experience, that might be the way to go. Get CPR and First Aid certified and apply for LMO nanny jobs. If you qualify (6 months formal training for 1 full time year experience in last 5 yrs) you can look into the Live-in caregiver program. It qualifies for Canadian Experience class. My sister-in-law was a nanny, so if you're interested to learn more, just ask. Once again you must qualify for the program... It may require some work.

You may find help at an immigrant group. (I did in Calgary and I'm from the USA too.) This is one option. There were a few when I googled. Any services should be free.

http://ociso.org/En/

Also, your family won't be able to sponsor you as a PR. In your situation, Canadian Experience class will be your best bet once you get your feet on the ground. Call different universities and ask if they are Title 9. If they say yes, they accept US financial aid and you can use the fasfa.

 

[aly.lynn122]

Thank you so much! I do have some child care experience, I'll have to see if it's valid though. I worked in a day-care in my school part-time for a semester, and then babysat, so I'm not sure if it is completely certified, and I need to be re-certified for CPR, etc. I'm going to an immigration center on Monday to get some more help with this. Thanks again.

 

[scylla]

To qualify as a live-in caregiver, you need six months of full time training OR one year of full time paid work experience in the last three years.

Good luck.