What on earth do I do?!

[cw212010]

Hi all,

Totally lost at the process here.

I don't seem to be able to apply for the same thing the whole way through!

I'm self employed in the UK and looking to go over to Canada and become self employed there for a temp period.

I intend on freelancing for various companies in a specific industry.

Can anyone clarify what I need to apply for? Self employed is ticked on the eligibility checker but I only have the option for an open work permit on the actual application form!?

A friend of mine went over without so much as a job offer so I'm a little confused!

 

[scylla]

It's not surprising you're stuck.

There's no temporary work permit available for self employed individuals. If you want a temproary work permit, you first need to find an employer in Canada who's willing to offer you a full time job. That employer must then obtain an approved LMIA. Once you have an approved LMIA, you can then apply for a closed work permit that will allow you to work for that specific employer only.

Unless there's something you're not telling us (e.g. you have a spouse who is in Canada as an International Student) - you don't qualify for an open work permit.

Your only other option would be to look into the Working Holiday Visa program (IEC). However the program doesn't reopen until later this year / early next, you have to be 30 years old or less, and here are very few spots available each year vs. demand. They are snapped up extremely quickly each year and unfortunately many miss out. Your friend must have gone over on an IEC.

 

[cw212010]

Brilliant - Thank you!

I don't forsee finding work being too difficult as my job is in high demand worldwide. If I were to obtain an approved LMIA - do I HAVE to apply for a closed work permit?

I understand that an open permit is a no go.

I'll have a look into the IEC - It sounds like that's what they moved over with.

Thanks!

 

[zardoz]

Brilliant - Thank you!

I don't forsee finding work being too difficult as my job is in high demand worldwide. If I were to obtain an approved LMIA - do I HAVE to apply for a closed work permit?

I understand that an open permit is a no go.

I'll have a look into the IEC - It sounds like that's what they moved over with.

Thanks!

Yes, an LMIA always leads to a closed work permit. This means that you are restricted to work for that single employer. You cannot "freelance" under this LMIA+work permit

 

[scylla]

I don't forsee finding work being too difficult as my job is in high demand worldwide. If I were to obtain an approved LMIA - do I HAVE to apply for a closed work permit?

Yes - you have to apply for a closed work permit.

Note that in order to be approved for an LMIA, the employer will first have to advertise the job for a month to prove that no Canadian could be found for the role. The employer will then have to pay a $1K processing fee and submit the LMIA file for processing. Processing times for LMIAs are anywhere from 6 to 16+ weeks.