Seeking advice on where to begin.

[EyeKon]

I'm a 22 year old American woman becoming more interested in the country of Canada. I'm getting a bit overwhelmed at where to begin. My only set goals is to try and move to Canada (if it has to be temporary first I'm okay with it) and work to live on my own in Canada (or with a roommate). I'm trying to figure out how I should go about this. The website I've been reading has given many options. I could apply for a temporary resident visa (but I'd have to prove I'd have enough funds, and I think that wouldn't work if I need to actually work in Canada to live there that long), or apply for a work permit. But in order to get a permit, I gather, I need to get a job offer from a Canadian employer. Is there a specific way I can go about this? I don't reside in Canada, so how do I get a job offer? And if they are really interested in hiring me, would they wait for me to get a work permit before I can move up there and work there? It also seems I would have to have housing as soon as I get the permit all ready for me, too.

So yes, this leads to me being really lost because I'm rather young, and I'm trying to understand a nice process of priorities I would need to sort through before moving to the real steps. I have started the passport process, at least.

I would also like to add, I know someone up in Canada who will be attending college soon, and I will be living near them, if not with them (depending on how late I'd get to Canada).

So to summarize, I'm getting my passport first, and then I'm just not really sure if I should be waiting around or figuring out a way to get a job offer from Canada while living in the USA. And I wouldn't have a place to stay immediately if I do get to move up there. Hmm, just a bit overwhelming.

 

[rudolf]

how long will the twf be eligible to apply for permanent residency?

 

[rjessome]

You may want to look into the SWAP program. http://www.swap.ca/in_eng/us_index.aspx

Americans are visa exempt so you don't need a TRV. But you would require a work permit if you wanted to work here which requires a company who wants to hire you and a positive labour market opinion for them to do so. Look at SWAP first.

 

[Baloo]

I read that only specific jobs have work permits? Would I be able to get a nonskilled job like retail as an American?

Other way around, some temporary jobs don't require a work permit - http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who-nopermit.asp

If you are from a country that requires a visa to visit Canada, you must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa. (not you, Americans are visa exempt).

Visa exempt countries.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp#exemptions

 

[PMM]

Hi

Is it not possible to get an entry level type job in Canada as an American, like working at a restaurant or a store?

Not without an approved Labour Market Opinion from a Canadian employer (very unlikely that it would be approved.)

 

[Baloo]

Canada wants skilled workers and others, but the path is not easy.
Usually, no LMO = no work.

Info on LMO's Labour Market Opinion Basics

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/employers/lmo-basics.asp

And the rules are likely to be tightened.

 

[Baloo]

Well another option is to visit Canada, find a Canadian guy, develop a meaningful relationship, and in the fullness of time, fall in love and get married.
He could sponsor you

Note: not all Canadians carry a chainsaw and/or are lumberjacks ;D

 

[Baloo]

Well, the friend of mine attending college soon offered to let me stay in a year or so.

As a visitor, you cannot work without permission, and as a visitor you are not likely to be able to stay for a year in one stretch.

There was something possibly going on there, but I don't want to jump into a marriage just to be able to live in Canada.

A very good way to approach it.

There must be another way!

Not that I can suggest.

 

[Baloo]

There is not enough information on how the person arrived or the process the person followed, I am sorry but there is not much point in me trying to guess.

 

[rjessome]

You could try coming as a student if you have the money and can find a good program you would enjoy.

 

[faithyou]

how much money will they be requiring for a student?

 

[rjessome]

how much money will they be requiring for a student?

First year's tuition + $10,000