Texan wanting to immigrate to Vancouver.

[iLoveumoar]

Hey guys I need help figuring some things out.
I'm 23 years old and I would eventually like to attend VanArts in Vancouver BC,
I currently live at home with my mother- I would rather be supporting myself living in an apartment with my best friend as roommates.
She lives in Vancouver and we both plan on eventually attending school together and once we earn our degree getting jobs in the general area.
I am currently employed as a server at a restaurant in the USA and I am completely willing and wanting to work while in canada.
I am able to afford my trip to canada and have been to Vancouver a few months ago on vacation.
I definitely want to move/immigrate there but i don't seem to fall under any of the programs i find on the online assessment.
Do I really need to fall under one of the programs to be able to live and work in vancouver?
I really don't mind paying any application or processing fees associated with getting any visas or permits.
I had planned to stay at home with my mother and work until i had enough saved up to attend school on a student visa, but my current situation is unbearable and I do not wish to stay here any longer than I have to.

Q's I need aswered:
Do I really need to fall under a program to be able to live and work in Vancouver?
Am I able to apply for a visitor visa while entering the country at the airport?
Can I be deemed inadmissible or deported if I seek ways to stay in canada legally if I were to go to canada?

 

[Pippin]

Look at the BCPNP and I think you will find you qualify under the semi-skilled in hospitality.

 

[iLoveumoar]

Look at the BCPNP and I think you will find you qualify under the semi-skilled in hospitality.

woah i wan't expecting a reply this quick, thank you!!
How would I go about doing this? I looked at the BC website and it seems to only talk about applying for permanent residence under the PNP.

 

[Pippin]

Make a wish. Click the Link. http://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate/About-the-BC-PNP/Skills-Immigration/Entry-Level-or-Semi-skilled.aspx

 

[iLoveumoar]

But it says I need 9 months BC work experience to be eligible. I only have experience working in the US- am I suppose to apply for it while in the states, before I'd go to canada?

 

[Pippin]

Ok keep doing your research. In order to get a work permit you have to get a job offer from an employer who is unable to hire a local employee after advertising at least a month. I don't know if you will get a Vancouver job as there are lots of people around. You might have to look farther afield, earn your time then apply.

 

[Pippin]

What about a Youth Work programme? http://m.welcomebc.ca/wbcm/work/working_holiday_visa.aspx

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Do I really need to fall under a program to be able to live and work in Vancouver?
Am I able to apply for a visitor visa while entering the country at the airport?
Can I be deemed inadmissible or deported if I seek ways to stay in canada legally if I were to go to canada?

Yes, you would need a work permit. To hire you, an employer would need a positive Labour Market Opinion, which basically says that there are no Canadian citizens or PRs they could hire for the job. The LMO process takes a few months and costs the employer $275. There is pretty much no chance you will find an employer willing to or even needing to do that for a server/bartender/front-of-house job in Vancouver.

You are allowed to enter Canada as a visitor without a visa for up to 6 months, unless the Border Officer stamps an earlier date in your passport.

No, you will not be deemed inadmissible or deported, provided that you maintain valid visitor status (i.e. don't overstay) and that you don't do something stupid like work without a work permit.


If you receive admission to VanArts, you can apply for a study permit. You would be required to show you have enough money to cover your tuition and living expenses.

 

[Leon]

You are visa exempt for up to 6 months but immigration must believe that you are not intending to overstay. If you arrive with all your things in your car, prepared to be denied entry. Same if you say at the border you are planning on looking for work.

However, after you are in, you can start looking for work. It may be hard to get an LMO but not impossible. Maybe a better chance getting one in a hotel somewhere remote rather than in Vancouver itself. If you get an LMO and work permit for one of the positions covered under BC PNP, you can work for 9 months, then apply for PR through your employer.

 

[Pippin]

But you must continue working for that employer at least until PR is completed. Your tuition will be considerably cheaper if u wait to study after getting PR.

 

[steerpike]

You might want to look in to the SWAP program. It's a working-holiday visa for 12 months for Americans age 18-30 who want to live/work/visit Canada.

http://www.swap.ca/in_eng/us_index.aspx

I did a working-holiday in Japan when i was younger and it was a blast.

 

[PMM]

Hi

You might want to look in to the SWAP program. It's a working-holiday visa for 12 months for Americans age 18-30 who want to live/work/visit Canada.

http://www.swap.ca/in_eng/us_index.aspx

I did a working-holiday in Japan when i was younger and it was a blast.

From his original post, I don't think that he would be eligible for SWAP

Eligibility - the Following is required of each participant:

You must be a U.S. citizen.
You are aged 18 to 30 upon entry to Canada.
You are currently an enrolled student or a recent graduate of full time studies at a US College or University.
You have medical insurance with Medical Expenses, Personal Accident, and Repatriation of Remains up to $25,000.00 USD (this can be purchased through your travel agency once you register).
All participants must have a minimum if $1,200 USD in support funds available. (Support funds are the minimum amount of money you need to prove you have in your bank account as a safety net).
You cannot bring your spouse with you unless the spouse is individually eligible for their own Canadian work visa.
You cannot have dependent children or bring your children with you.
You cannot have a criminal record.
You choose the date you wish to enter Canada within your eligibility period and book your own travel accordingly. Spring 2013 student status will permit entry up to 15th February 2014. Fall 2013 student status permits entry up until August 15th, 2014.

 

[steerpike]

Oh because the pregnancy is considering bringing a child?

 

[Ponga]

No. Because he is not a full time student and may not have the required medical insurance as well...which is moot anyway.

 

[iLoveumoar]

Hi


From his original post, I don't think that he would be eligible for SWAP

Eligibility - the Following is required of each participant:

You must be a U.S. citizen.
You are aged 18 to 30 upon entry to Canada.
You are currently an enrolled student or a recent graduate of full time studies at a US College or University.
You have medical insurance with Medical Expenses, Personal Accident, and Repatriation of Remains up to $25,000.00 USD (this can be purchased through your travel agency once you register).
All participants must have a minimum if $1,200 USD in support funds available. (Support funds are the minimum amount of money you need to prove you have in your bank account as a safety net).
You cannot bring your spouse with you unless the spouse is individually eligible for their own Canadian work visa.
You cannot have dependent children or bring your children with you.
You cannot have a criminal record.
You choose the date you wish to enter Canada within your eligibility period and book your own travel accordingly. Spring 2013 student status will permit entry up to 15th February 2014. Fall 2013 student status permits entry up until August 15th, 2014.

waitwait, I was up to speed up until the full time student thing- How am I suppose to be enrolled as a full time student if I'm not even in the country...? I really thought a working holiday would've been my best chance.