I want a work visa to Canada?

Question

I'm a U.S. citizen considering moving to Winnipeg; what are some things I should know about a work visa? I don't know anything about all that. Thanks!

Answer 1

There are a few ways to immigrate to Canada.  One of them is having a job offer, another is having family there who will sponsor you. You can go to Winnipeg as a Provincial Nominee, maybe the fastest way if you want to immigrate, see Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program: http://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/immigrate/pn...

You can also apply to immigration Canada as a skilled worker under a points system and get a PR card (green card) right away but that takes a bit longer, see: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/i...

A work visa is temporary and is tied to your employer.  If you decided to change employers you would have to do some paperwork.  Unless you are doing a provincial nominee program, you don't necessarily have the right to apply for PR status unless you have enough points under the points system.  Once you are a PR, you have all the same rights as Canadians except to vote as well as access to certain jobs in government.  A PR status can be taken away if you commit a crime or leave Canada for more than 3 years total in any 5 year period.  If you stay in Canada as a PR for 3 years, you are eligible to apply for citizenship.  Since both the US and Canada allow dual citizenship, you would not have to give up your US citizenship to get a Canadian one.