Living in Canada for 12 months - questions

[Linsun11]

Hello,

I am trying to figure out exactly what I'd need to live/work in Canada for a year. I live in New York currently, I have no family in Canada (several friends) and I have no formal education beyond High School.

According to the website, visas aren't required to visit Canada from the US (I have been there several times before on an enhanced liscense) but I can't seem to find more information on actually living/working there for a time. I'm not exactly a professional worker as I don't have my education yet, but I planned on getting a simple job to help support myself. I have a solid job now where I live, and have plenty of money to get myself started. I also have a roommate/potential housing.

I'm probably just making a fool of myself and missing something basic on the website...but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[Leon]

Here is the section on the immigration website about work permits: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/index.asp

You would need to find an employer first.  The employer needs to apply for a labour market opinion for you (LMO) proving that he has advertised and found no Canadian or PR who wanted the job and/or was qualified for the job.  If the employer gets the LMO, he can send it to you and you can apply for your work permit as you cross the border.

[Maid_Marian]

Hey, you don't say how old you are, but if you're under 30, you may be eligible for a Youth Mobility Scheme. I know that, as a UK citizen, I can live/work in Canada, USA, Australia or New Zealand for a year under this scheme, which is commonly known as the one year working holiday visa and is administered by BUNAC in the UK.

You'd have to look into whether the USA and Canada have a similar agreement, if this would a viable option for you. The application in the UK was quick and easy and I had a work permit within 3 months. Best place to ask would be a travel agent that specialises in GAP year holidays.

GOOD LUCK!