Working in Toronto as a US Citizen?

Question

I am planning to move to Toronto in three months to support family out there. I realize I need a working visa as well as a job offer. Is it possible to move there before acquiring either and applying once I get there and how long might it take? I have a degree and willing to take positions in retail or hospitality (experienced server/bartender) if needed. Also if it comes to it, how difficult is it to find an “under the table” job? Any relevant experiences, stories, advice, etc would much appreciated as I need to move there ASAP.

Answer 1

My husband and I came to Canada on work permits. We had to get it before we arrived. To get it we already had to have a job secured. They had to be skilled jobs. They won't let you in just to work in food service, bar tending etc. There are more than enough Canadians who can fill those jobs. They give work permits to people when there are not enough Canadians to fill those jobs. My husband is now an employer. He has to look for 2 years to try and find a Canadian to fill the type of jobs he sometimes has to offer before he can look outside of Canada.

Learn a skill such as electrician, engineer, tool and die maker etc and then do it the right way. That is the legal way.

As for working under the table even if I knew of someone sorry I would not tell you. Us hard working Canadians have to pay taxes. Immigrants do too.

Answer 2

Only through legal means.   Do not try to sneak in and work "under the table", regardless of your education, experience, and work qualifications, or how nice you are,and regardless if you're just trying to support family out there, or whatever purpose you intend your income to do, don't try to bypass the legal way in to work or stay here in Canada.  

They will track you down, and they will deport you if you try it, plus, you will never ever be allowed in again, not even just to visit, plus your own government might not like that you tried that, even to a country that is quite similar in laws and customs, equally -- if not moreso -- sophisticated and concerned with national sovereignty - respect for our laws and nationhood...

This is a realistic and truthfull answer.

Find a way to do it legally, then welcome!