Getting work permit as a tourist?

[matt84]

Hi all,

I'm wondering if anyone has experience getting a work visa as a tourist? It's clear that this is my only chance and would like to travel to canada (impossible to get interviews from abroad) as a tourist and give it a go in a year or so. I assume the more special technical knowledge one has, the more chance he has to get his LMO approved and employed once the work permit issued(?)

I'd like to hear how recruitment agencies and companies react if they find out they need to apply for an LMO for their future employees? Are they aware of how all this works? Do they know what an LMO is at all? Are they willing to wait weeks till I get the work permit. Oh yeah, I'm an IT (database expert) worker if that counts.

I appreciate your inputs. Thank you.

[Leon]

Some employers have experience with LMO's and some don't.  You should try to learn about the process as much as you can so  you can explain it to them if need be.  Never use the wording that you "need sponsorship", the employer may then feel that he is somehow responsible for you which he is not.  A skilled temporary worker is no different than a Canadian in the way that he can be laid off, his hours can be cut etc. and the employer is not responsible for anything.

I'd say most employers would be reluctant to apply for an LMO if they have a choice about it as they have to prove they couldn't find a qualified Canadian or PR who could do the job.  The salary requirements from Service Canada are also over the top sometimes, that is they require the employer to offer a certain amount of money to a foreign worker to do the job when the case may be that he is not paying his Canadian employees that much for the same work.  Obviously that will also not work.

Does your country have a working holiday agreement with Canada?  If yes, you can get an open work permit for one or two years and that is a good way to get your foot in the door with an employer.  After you already working for him, he would be more likely to want to apply for an LMO to keep you or otherwise try to help you immigrate.

[matt84]

Leon,

Thanks for your valuable input. Sadly, no working holiday possibility 


I wonder how such a huge number of temp workers got in? Perhaps I'm the only one being in such a situation?!

Anyone else?

[Leon]

Some people were recruited in their home countries through an agency or they came over starting out on a working holiday or they came over as students and went to post-grad permit and later were able to change that to a regular permit or in some cases they were transferred by a multi-national employer.  I think it is probably the minority that has come to Canada on a visit visa and just looked for jobs.