Visitor to Canada with questions about work grey area

[AnthonyAdams]

I'm glad I found this forum as there seems to be a lot of helpful people! The situation I have is a little unique and I've been unable to find any similar stories to compare mine to.

I am from the US, and visiting my Canadian partner in Canada. She owns and operates her own business, a small clinic. Because of the amount of time we spend together I am often at her business with her and started picking up the phone, helping out in small ways, etc. I'm not making any money, just trying to be helpful.

Recently, she let go of one of her contract workers. They were so upset with their dismissal, that among other threats, they said they would be calling immigration and reporting us. Do I have anything to worry about here? I've been here for two months (this trip), and have never had any other issues with border crossings. No red flags, no crime on my record, etc.

Am I allowed to go with her to work in the first place? Can I pick up a phone? Sweep the front of the clinic?

We have plans to get married, and to run and operate her business together. Would the best way to achieve this be getting married and then a family sponsorship? Any advice/help would be greatly appreciated.

Also, the last time I came over in to Canada there was no stamp put in my passport. Should I assume that it was scanned and that they know the date I came?

Thanks for the help!

 

[matthewc]

If you're doing work that would otherwise most likely be done by a Canadian or PR, you could be considered to be working illegally, even though you're not being paid. If they do report you, you (and your wife) could get in trouble.

You're right it's a grey area though. You're certainly not prohibited from going to work with her. This may help clarify - it's written for students but discusses the difference between working and volunteering:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/institutions/work-volunteer.asp

In the short term, it's possible you may be able to get a work permit - it would depend on the type of work though, and she'd have to demonstrate that she can't hire a Canadian or PR for the job.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/index.asp
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/hire/index.asp

In the long run, if you plan to get married, her sponsoring you for PR is the fastest way to obtain permanent status and the ability to work legally in Canada without restrictions.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/fc.asp

Typically when US citizens enter Canada they don't stamp the passport. It's implied that you can stay up to 6 months from the day you arrive as a visitor in that case.

There may be a record in CBSA's computers if your passport was scanned, or of your license plate if you drove across.

 

[AnthonyAdams]

Thanks for the fast response! This is a big help.

One more question... If we do get married and apply for a sponsorship, am I allowed to go back to the US during the process to visit friends and family?

Thanks!

 

[AnthonyAdams]

Okay, last question!

Can I work in Canada while our sponsorship is being worked out?

I think that should do it for me. Thanks for the help!

 

[Baloo]

Thanks for the fast response! This is a big help.

One more question... If we do get married and apply for a sponsorship, am I allowed to go back to the US during the process to visit friends and family?

Thanks!

Apply "OUTLAND" not "INLAND" If you want to leave the country and keep your application active.