What requirements do I need to move to Canada?

Question

Hello,

I want to move to Canada to be with my Boyfriend (Who is a college student). I have valid US Passport. I have been researching like crazy and I stumbled upon this website

https://www.migrationexpert.com/canada/visa/visa_canada.asp

Does anyone have experience with them?? The site seems really helpful. I was taking some of the online assessments tests on their page to see if I qualify to move to Canada. I did pass the "Visitors Visa" and I also passed the "Temporary Working Permit" .. Those are the ONLY 2 I passed. I only passed the Temporary working permit test because I put that I DO have a job offer (Which I don't).. But I wanted to see If I could pass with the job offer.. before I actually look for one.

To get further or find out more information on the website, you need to PAY for everything it seems. ugh.. I am not going to shell out lots of $$ if I'm not 100% sure I'll get what I need.

I was wondering.. Is it possible to live in Canada on a Visa for a year ( I read the visas can be 6mon to 1 yr) and get the work permit for that time as well? And if so.. Will I be able to apply to live there permanently, while on this 1 year visa visit / work permit ?

I thought I saw that you can't work in Canada on a Visitors Visa.. But If I got the Temp Working Permit, Is that okay to work there under the Visitors Visa?? I am soo confused. Can someone please help me?

And does anyone know how long the process takes?

Answer 1

Lonya is correct.

You cannot work on a visitor visa. You need to get a work permit, and you need to have a job offer first to get the work permit.

There are 2 other things you need. A college degree, and a minimum of 12 months work experience in the field of your degree.

check out www.cic.gc.ca and look under work permits.

Answer 2

Check out the government of Canada information site, canada.gov.ca.

You will need to go to Immigration Canada.  Sorry, but it is really hard to get into Canada.  It has to do with our extensive social safety net.

Answer 3

You need to remove all but one of your teeth. Then you need to say eh after every word.  

Answer 4

Get a visitors permit, and a job one too- after that and after you DO have a job its easier then to get the whole package. I had a teacher that did that from there to here- ALSO learn as much as you can about it too!

Answer 5

I don't think much of "migrationexpert"  I think their advice is accurate enough, but nothing that you can't find out for free.  And if you only want to pay for a sure thing they hardly seem like a place to start.

Answer 6

You did read it correctly--you cannot work in Canada on a visitor visa.  Visitor visa's are only good for 180 days also.  Then you must leave Canada as promised.

If you have a work permit then you do not need a visitor visa at the same time.  IF you can get a temporary working permit then you will be set to work in Canada.  This visa is only TEMPORARY and is usually good for 1 to 2 years and then you must leave Canada.

I have never used this website you mentioned.  I would recommend the official Citizenship and Immigrations Canada website at www.cic.gc.ca.

I am an American married to a Canadian and I now live in Canada as a permanent resident.  Getting into Canada as an immigrant is not easy and takes time.  You can get a visitor visa in one day at the border but everything else takes months or years to get.  The temporary work visa takes about 6-8 months if you have a job offer.  Permanent residence takes about 1-2 years and can take longer (mine did).

The only way that you can apply to live in Canada permanently is to immigrate as a skilled worker or as a sponsored family member.  In your current situation you do not qualify for either of these classes.  Later down the road if you and your bf get married then he can sponsor you to live in Canada as his spouse.  This is provided that you have a clean criminal record and can pass the medical exam and applicant questionairre.  Your spouse will also have to agree to sponsor you for immigration.

You should really go on the CIC website.  You can look around on there and download forms and applications.  Good luck.