Short-term work in Canada Visa

[modu]

Hi All

I need some advice on what I need for short-term work in Canada. I am an IT professional (freelance at the moment) and was thinking to contact few agencies in Vancouver to see if they would be interested to do some contracting with me. I was thinking maybe 2-3 months of work and then travel in Canada for the next month or so. I am living in UK for the last 3 years but originally I am from Lithuania. I don't need visa to enter Canada for up to 180 days but what's the case with short term work?

All info I found was about work that's longer than this period but is there anything special for work that's only couple months? Or is it just too complicated and I should forget about it?

Any tip, link or advice appreciated!
Thanks

 

[scylla]

You will need a regular work permit to engage in short term work and the process of obtaining a work permit is long and complicated. I think it's extremely unlikely any employer will be willing to go through the trouble for a 2-3 month contract. There is no such thing as a special work permit for short contracts - and it's illegal to work in Canada as a visitor.

First the employer will have to advertise the role for at least a month to prove no Canadian could be found for the role. After that, they will have to pay a $1000 processing fee and submit the LMIA application for processing to request approval to hire a foreign worker. Processing will likely take 2-4 months and there is no guarantee the LMIA will be approved (it will be refused if Human Resources Canada feels the employer should have been able to hire a Canadian). If the LMIA is approved, you can then obtain a work permit. So you're likely looking at a 3-5 month process just for the employer to obtain approval to hire you. Given the cost, wait time and lack of guarantee of approval - I think you'll have your work cut out for you finding an employer for a short term contract.