Work permit without job offer?

[JChandler22]

Hello, I'm a US citizen graduating from college in May, and I'm trying desperately to get a job in Canada when I graduate. I have been looking in BC, specifically.

After researching immigration requirements, it looks to me like I will not need a temporary residence visa since I'm a US citizen, but I will need a work permit. The company I've been communicating with is hesitant to offer me a position without me having a work permit, but it seems to me that a valid job offer is a requirement to even apply for a work permit. Am I incorrect here? It seems like a bit of a catch-22.

Also, is a work permit required for temporary, unpaid internship positions in Canada?

Thanks for any insight!

[thaiguy]

Ordinarily a job offer is an absolute requirement before obtaining a work permit.  That's how the system works and why most Canadian employers won't even think about hiring foreigners.  It's too much trouble.

However, since you're still in school but soon to graduate, I think you qualify for the "working holiday" visa.  It would allow you to work for up to 6 months.  That might give your prospective employer sufficient time to evaluate your 'worth' and try to overcome the work permit bureaucracy.

http://www.swap.ca/

Click "Swap To Canada."

[JChandler22]

Great, thanks for the suggestion! I'll look into that.