Hello there!
I am looking into getting a work permit and any advice would be helpful. I am a graphic designer currently living in Chicago. In the past, I have worked for a design firm based in Montreal and now the employer is interested in hiring me full-time towards the end of the year. However, I would not be living in Montreal, but in Toronto where a couple of the employees are living. From my understanding, the design firm being based in Montreal and me wanting to live in Toronto would not be an issue. The only thing that might get a bit tricky is that my diploma isn’t strictly in graphic design but in a closely related field. I’ve talked to my university advisor and he said he would be more than happy to write an official letter stating how this degree helped me obtain the skills needed for the career. I took a lot of design courses and it is a degree which many people I know have used to become graphic designers. By the time I apply, I will also already have more than three years of professional experience. My previous employers would be writing letters of recommendation, explaining my duties in their company.
From all of the research I have done I think the easiest way to apply for a work permit is under NAFTA since Graphic Design is one of the professions included. Also, recently I found out that now the employer has to submit the Offer of Employment Form and pay a fee prior to applying at the point of entry.
I guess I'm just afraid that my degree will pose a challenge since it is not called 'Graphic Design' or 'Visual Communications'. Do you think this will be a big issue? Also, is there some sort of penalty for not getting your permit on the first try? Will I not be able to enter the country at all?
Again, any advice is welcome.
Thank you so much!
I am looking into getting a work permit and any advice would be helpful. I am a graphic designer currently living in Chicago. In the past, I have worked for a design firm based in Montreal and now the employer is interested in hiring me full-time towards the end of the year. However, I would not be living in Montreal, but in Toronto where a couple of the employees are living. From my understanding, the design firm being based in Montreal and me wanting to live in Toronto would not be an issue. The only thing that might get a bit tricky is that my diploma isn’t strictly in graphic design but in a closely related field. I’ve talked to my university advisor and he said he would be more than happy to write an official letter stating how this degree helped me obtain the skills needed for the career. I took a lot of design courses and it is a degree which many people I know have used to become graphic designers. By the time I apply, I will also already have more than three years of professional experience. My previous employers would be writing letters of recommendation, explaining my duties in their company.
From all of the research I have done I think the easiest way to apply for a work permit is under NAFTA since Graphic Design is one of the professions included. Also, recently I found out that now the employer has to submit the Offer of Employment Form and pay a fee prior to applying at the point of entry.
I guess I'm just afraid that my degree will pose a challenge since it is not called 'Graphic Design' or 'Visual Communications'. Do you think this will be a big issue? Also, is there some sort of penalty for not getting your permit on the first try? Will I not be able to enter the country at all?
Again, any advice is welcome.
Thank you so much!
