Telecommute to US from Canada . . . What Visa Do I Need?

[Weegoki]

As with most forums, I see many posts with the same situation I am experiencing . . . but there is not resolution, results or findings posted.  Thus, be patient as I pose the same question that has been posted several times over.

My boyfriend has recently accepted a position at his companies Vancouver BC office.  He will have a letter of employment at the time of crossing the border . . . and I'm hoping he will have me.

I am self-efficient but not self-employed.  I work for a large US company as a web producer for a nationally syndicated television show.  I have the luxury of being able to telecommute.  The company does not have a "branch" in Canada.  There is a subsiderary in the Montreal region but I really don't/shouldn't count on it.

I will not be "taking a position" away from a qualified Canadian.  In essence, I am creating a job in Canada -- my own.

My question is -- what Visa, if any, is needed?  What documentation should I have? Do I just need proof of employment?

Help me get to Canada!

[Leon]

Telecommuting is a grey area as far as I know.  Not set rules, don't ask, don't tell.

If you were resident in Canada, you could claim it as foreign income but if you are only visiting, it isn't really their concern what work you do in other countries.

I assume your boyfriend will be on a work permit?  If you have lived together for a year or more, you can get an open permit based on his permit.  If you get married, you could also get an open permit based on his permit.  If you want a permit of your own, you need intra-company transfer or an LMO and Canadian employer.  There are no work permits available for people who want to live in Canada and telecommute to work in the US.  You could however visit him for up to 6 months at a time.