Visitors Visa = Work Permit?

[NikoDenoma]

Good evening, all.

I'm new to the site, and I've been searching a bit, but the keywords I've used are so often used that the searches return too many posts to look over. I hate to abuse a new topic just to ask a question that has most likely been asked too often, but here goes:

I am an US citizen, born and raised. I have a long-term girlfriend who lives in Vancouver (Well, just outside VC). We've met on multiple occasions for some length, but prefer to get a better idea of what living with each other is like before making marriage commitments. I have graduated college with degrees in Business Administration and Human Resources. I've been part-time employeed in a field un-associated with my degree for over two years now. I've looked over the CIC, but like most government websites, they manage to be way too vague, despite being so specific. My question is this, how can I move to Canada and live with my girlfriend for a period of at least 3 months and preferably work while I'm there. Does the visitors visa give me the ability to seek employment in Canada or are there other options. I'd hate to end up being a financial leach.

Thank you for your time and help.

TL;DR = I'm a US citizen, girlfriend is Canadian citizen. How can I move to Canada and work?

[accreddy]

As an US citizen you can stay in Canada for 6 months as a visitor. You can look for employment.

If you want to work you need to apply for work permit

1) You would have to find an employer (who is willing to apply for labor market opinion (LMO) / HRSDC confirmation for your job, if required).
2) You get a job offer from an employer and see if it falls under North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) professions list (you can check the list here: http://www.nafta-sec-alena.org/en/view.aspx?x=343&mtpiID=147#Ap1603.D.1). NAFTA allows expedited entry. In this case the employer need not apply for LMO.

You can check this manual: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/fw/fw01-eng.pdf, for more information.

[NikoDenoma]

Thank you so much for your help.