Acting in Vancouver/ PR and other positive stuff!

[ChiliConCarnage]

Hi everyone I just joined. We are British Citizens. My wife has an Aunt and numerous 1st and 2nd cousins, who are all Canadian citizens. We haven't got work permits yet, however, my wife and I are flying out with our son, as he has a study permit for Vancouver for a year. I have representation in Canada as an actor. Our intention is to become permanent residents. (As far as I'm aware when I land a part in a TV series, production companies have dept that can expedite work permits for the weeks I'm needed). One other option is my wife's family (cousins / Aunt), sponsoring us. Can you suggest what are the appropriate work permits and how we could secure PR? Thank you so much!!

 

[Naturgrl]

Hi everyone I just joined. We are British Citizens. My wife has an Aunt and numerous 1st and 2nd cousins, who are all Canadian citizens. We haven't got work permits yet, however, my wife and I are flying out with our son, as he has a study permit for Vancouver for a year. I have representation in Canada as an actor. Our intention is to become permanent residents. (As far as I'm aware when I land a part in a TV series, production companies have dept that can expedite work permits for the weeks I'm needed). One other option is my wife's family (cousins / Aunt), sponsoring us. Can you suggest what are the appropriate work permits and how we could secure PR? Thank you so much!!

Her family can’t sponsor your family so that is not an option. As for you, you need a LMIA and closed work permit if you get a part on a TV series. Your wife would not be able to work unless she gets a job offer with LMIA (employer has to prove no Canadian or PR can do the job, pay $1k). Then she applies for a closed work permit. The process is long and few employers go through the process.

As for PR, your inviation is based on age, education (need assessments), language (IELTS) and skilled work experience. See if you are even eligible through Express Entry. Working in Canada doesn’t guarantee PR.

 

[ChiliConCarnage]

Naturgrl. Thanks for ur quick response. When you wrote: 'pay $1k' I presume you meant that's the minimum salary to be offered.

 

[YVR123]

Naturgrl. Thanks for ur quick response. When you wrote: 'pay $1k' I presume you meant that's the minimum salary to be offered.

That's the cost for the employer to apply for the LMIA for you or your wife to work in Canada.

 

[Naturgrl]

Naturgrl. Thanks for ur quick response. When you wrote: 'pay $1k' I presume you meant that's the minimum salary to be offered.

No employers have to pay for a LMIA. So they have to pay $1k to file a LMIA and file out the paperwork proving no Canadian or PR can do the job. You, as an actor, aren’t LMIA exempt (need to check) so you would need to go through the same process too.

 

[ChiliConCarnage]

I understand. Is there another option where a company sponsors me to get a work visa? OR is that LMIA?

 

[scylla]

I understand. Is there another option where a company sponsors me to get a work visa? OR is that LMIA?

That's what the LMIA process is.

 

[ChiliConCarnage]

You are a star. I have one final question - when I get a work permit - am I able to stay in the country once the permit is over...especially as we will be supporting our son studying in Vancouver.

 

[scylla]

You are a star. I have one final question - when I get a work permit - am I able to stay in the country once the permit is over...especially as we will be supporting our son studying in Vancouver.

The short answer is no. You need to have status in Canada that allows you to stay. The fact you have a son here studying does not allow you to remain in Canada.

Once the work permit expires, your options would be to try to get another work permit (ideally before the first one expires so that you don't end up in Canada without status). Or you can convert your status to visitor, although this will only allow you to remain in Canada for a few additional months and you'll only be in Canada as a visitor (i.e. no working, no access to health care coverage). Or you can try to convert your status to permanent residency - however that will depend on whether you can qualify and be selected through one of Canada's immigration programs. Dedicate time to researching the Express Entry program to understand what you'll be dealing with when it comes to qualifying to immigrate. This is one of Canada's most popular immigration programs. You'll want a score of 480+ to have a good chance of being selected (it's a points-based program and those with the most points are selected).

 

[Naturgrl]

You are a star. I have one final question - when I get a work permit - am I able to stay in the country once the permit is over...especially as we will be supporting our son studying in Vancouver.

Just to add to what @scylla posted, you would need another LMIA to apply for a closed work permit if your acting job is over, and if your work permit expired. On a closed work permit, you can only work for that employer.

 

[ChiliConCarnage]

Naturgrl & scylla. Thank you so much for your taking the time to respond. It's confusing, navigating through all these options online. I wish you both the best x

 

[canuck78]

Naturgrl & scylla. Thank you so much for your taking the time to respond. It's confusing, navigating through all these options online. I wish you both the best x

Think you need to do more research. You are essentially coming to Canada as a visitor and hoping that you will be allowed to visit for 6 months. If CBSA has concerns that you are trying to come and work in Canada you can be denied entry into Canada. For stars of shows it is easy to come and work in Canada but for general actors you will likely find it is much more difficult.

 

[foodie69]

For stars of shows it is easy to come and work in Canada but for general actors you will likely find it is much more difficult.

Especially with the 100s of Canadian actors already in Vancouver fighting for a handful of roles.