USA citizen looking to move to Montreal

[Agrega58]

Im sure this is redundant and has been answered several times already, but I’m reading so many posts that I’m not sure what fits my situation!

Im 27 years old and I am looking to move to Montreal with my boyfriend. We do plan on getting engaged and married soon. I’m leaving my job in December and do not have any leads for a job in Montreal (also should note that I do not speak French yet).
My boyfriend moves in to “his” appartement starting January 1st.
I’m reading so many things about open visas and NAFTA and Different eligibilities....

I just want to know how I can go to Montreal, work and live so I can be with him and we can begin to qualify for common-law.

 

[scylla]

Open work permits are generally difficult to get and only available under very specific circumstances. Based on what you've written, it doesn't sound like you would qualify for one.

To qualify for a closed work permit, you need to start by finding an employer in Canada who is willing to give you a job offer. That employer may also need to obtain an approved LMIA which is a very long and expensive undertaking (generally extremely difficult to find an employer willing to go through the process). It would certainly be worth your while to research the NAFTA occupation list. If you manage to get a job offer in Canada that falls under that occupation list, then you can obtain a closed work permit without having your employer go through the LMIA process.

 

[Agrega58]

Thanks that’s great I appreciate your reply!

And do you know what the processe would be if I were to just visit for an extended period without working?