Temp entry aiming for PR - What to tell Border Security?

[Jon_East]

Hello everyone!

Sorry for the incoming wall of text. There are many moving parts here and I want to be as precise as possible so you understand the situation. Thank you so much for taking the time to read all this.

1 - Status quo
I'm a German citizen (visa-exempt country) aiming to permanently settle in Canada. Vancouver, to be exact. I'm currently gearing up to kick off the application process for Permanent Residence (Express Entry as Skilled Worker, I have a pretty good case with my age, level of education, language skills, etc.). I am already in the middle of my job hunt, but as you might imagine that takes a while, since I'm trying to find an employer who's willing to sponsor a work permit.

Now, if that were the end of the story, I realize the case would be easy: Be patient until the whole PR process is through or until I have a job, and then come to Canada. However, I have a high interest in coming there as quickly as possible, and I do think I have a case for it. I'd love any help and advice I can get for this.

2 - My plan
Reason being: My boyfriend is a Canadian citizen living in Vancouver. As you can imagine, I want to be with him sooner rather than later. I also realize that in the face of big bureaucratic processes, emotional arguments don't have a lot of sway, but I'm hoping at least some of you see where I'm coming from here. (Also, before you ask, no we're not thinking about getting married right now)

Now here's the path that I'm on right now:

• Come to Canada and, for the time being, continue to work for my current German employer remotely (employer already agreed to this, so I'm safe on that front)
• As a German citizen, I can stay in Canada for up to 6 months (source) without a visa (source)
• Use the time to continue my job hunt in Vancouver
• Over the course of the 6 months, either have a job offer from a Canadian employer or be far enough into the application process for Permanent Residence so I don't have to leave the country again (Yes, neither of these options is guaranteed, but as I mentioned, I do have quite a good case and should realistically be able to find a job within half a year)

3 - Entering the country
Now the question is, what do I tell the Border Security at the airport? I assume that the actual story as described above doesn't fly with them, as they seem to not react well to probabilities, no matter how high the chance of success.

I can either enter the country as a visitor, for work or for immigration.

Immigration is out as long as I don't actually have my permanent residence approved.

Work would be the option to go for if I have a job offer by the time of my flight. However, that is not guaranteed. It's the ideal case, but I need alternatives.

So I suppose I'd be entering as a visitor. That opens up a new question: How do I book my flights?

4 - My actual questions
I've read that it's the safest option to book a return flight even if you don't intend on returning so soon / at all. Otherwise, the airline and/or border security might just turn you away. Fair enough. However, what would be the best time span for this? Does it matter what date my return flight is if I don't plan on taking it anyways?

Here's my thinking:

1. A longer timespan (e.g. entering the country end of September, return flight in December) would give me enough time to figure out my job / immigration stuff, so by the time I cancel the flight I have actual proof that I can stay longer.
   However, what would I tell Border Security? That I'm on vacation for 2 months? Do I tell them about my remote work, since I am legally allowed to do that as a visitor even without a work permit (source)?
2. A shorter timespan (2-3 weeks) is certainly more reasonable in the context of vacation. If I cancel the return flight either way, I suppose it doesn't matter?
   Do I have to expect a visit from the authorities if I don't take my return flight within 2-3 weeks? Do they even care, as long as I don't overextend beyond 6 months?

And somewhat connected to this: Do I have to have a proof of funds if I'm entering the country as a visitor? As I understand it, the proof of funds is only for actual immigration, correct? At least I never had to have this just for vacation trips.

I would love to hear your advice on this! Any help is appreciated. Once again, thanks for reading all of that!

Jon

 

[bellaluna]

If you're 18-35 years old, you're better off applying for IEC than worrying about any of this, which will all only happen by a series of good chances falling into place.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/iec/eligibility.asp

I'm not sure how many employers in Vancouver would be willing to undergo the work permit process unless you have a niche skill set.

 

[Jon_East]

If you're 18-35 years old, you're better off applying for IEC than worrying about any of this, which will all only happen by a series of good chances falling into place.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/iec/eligibility.asp

I'm not sure how many employers in Vancouver would be willing to undergo the work permit process unless you have a niche skill set.

Thank you, Bellaluna!

I will apply to this program as well. I was unsure about IEC, since you cannot really control when they send you invite to participate, but I suppose it doesn't hurt to just be in the pool.

Still taking feedback for the rest of my post though!

 

[scylla]

The IEC is your most realistic option for being able to work. If you haven't submitted a profile yet - you should do so asap. The alternative would be for you to marry your boyfriend (or live with him for a year continuously to become common law) and have him sponsor you for permanent residency inland. You can include an open work permit application with the sponsorship application which would be approved around four months after the complete application is received.

Looking for an employer without an open work permit isn't a good plan and will almost certainly fail. To hire you, an employer will need to obtain an approved LMIA so that you can apply for a closed work permit. It's effectively impossible to find employers willing to go through the LMIA process due to the cost, effort and waiting time required - and because approval is never guaranteed. Submit the IEC profile now.

 

[Jon_East]

The IEC is your most realistic option for being able to work. If you haven't submitted a profile yet - you should do so asap. The alternative would be for you to marry your boyfriend (or live with him for a year continuously to become common law) and have him sponsor you for permanent residency inland. You can include an open work permit application with the sponsorship application which would be approved around four months after the complete application is received.

Looking for an employer without an open work permit isn't a good plan and will almost certainly fail. To hire you, an employer will need to obtain an approved LMIA so that you can apply for a closed work permit. It's effectively impossible to find employers willing to go through the LMIA process due to the cost, effort and waiting time required - and because approval is never guaranteed. Submit the IEC profile now.

Understood! And done!

I suppose now begins the waiting game. It's difficult to do these things without having a clear idea of when I will be able to get over to Canada, especially when there's a relationship involved.