Working Permit upon Entrance?

[MatiMualim]

I'm a bit confused on the work permit process. I live in South America and will start studying in Ottawa in September, however would fly over there in May. I'm trying to understand how I can get a work permit to work off those months in between, but can't seem to find (useful) information. I don't have a University degree (kind of why I applied to Uni, after all), so I can't really look for specific skilled-worker jobs.

Any help? I just want to be able to (legally) work while there - in any job - but I can't seem to find options for out-of-Canada applications for someone with no degree. I'm not looking for anything specific, just something that'll give me experience and help me save up.

Thanks in advance!

 

[scylla]

Short answer is that working isn't going to be possible.

If you want to work between May and September - you'll need to secure a full time job offer from an employer in Canada and that employer will need to obtain an approved LMIA so that you can apply for a closed work permit. The LMIA process is very long and expensive for the employer (takes months) and also requires the employer to prove that no Canadian could be hired for the role (employer has to advertise the job for at least a month to prove this). There's really zero chance you're going to find an employer willing to go through the LMIA process just for a four month role. And even if you find an employer willing to go through the process, I think it's highly unlikely the LMIA will be approved by the government. Last but not least, the LMIA process typically takes 3-6 months to complete and you haven't even found an employer yet. So there's effectively no way to be able to work by May.

Assume you will not be able to work between May and the time your classes start. That's really the answer. You'll need to bring enough funds to support yourself during this time without working. If you don't have enough funds, delay your arrival to the start of classes.

 

[MatiMualim]

Short answer is that working isn't going to be possible.

If you want to work between May and September - you'll need to secure a full time job offer from an employer in Canada and that employer will need to obtain an approved LMIA so that you can apply for a closed work permit. The LMIA process is very long and expensive for the employer (takes months) and also requires the employer to prove that no Canadian could be hired for the role (employer has to advertise the job for at least a month to prove this). There's really zero chance you're going to find an employer willing to go through the LMIA process just for a four month role. And even if you find an employer willing to go through the process, I think it's highly unlikely the LMIA will be approved by the government. Last but not least, the LMIA process typically takes 3-6 months to complete and you haven't even found an employer yet. So there's effectively no way to be able to work by May.

Assume you will not be able to work between May and the time your classes start. That's really the answer. You'll need to bring enough funds to support yourself during this time without working. If you don't have enough funds, delay your arrival to the start of classes.

Thank you for the detailed answer! I really needed that explained (I've been going on and around websites). I'll see what I can do from here then, and thanks again!