As a visitor in Canada right now - what options to stay longterm?

[vancouverBC2017]

There are typically options for changing your status without leaving Canada - provided you qualify.

If you want to change over to a study permit, you'll need to have a bank balance of at least $25K (likely more) to be approved.

If you want to aim for permanent residency through a job offer from a Canadian employer - you'll need to not only secure a job offer but the employer will also typically need to obtain an approved LMIA (which can be a 4-6 month process). Additionally, you'll want to aim for a job that is skilled - meaning classified as NOC A, B, or 0.

However the first thing you'll need to do is spend a lot more time researching Canada's immigration programs on CIC's web site. What we are telling you here is just scratching the surface and you'll need to dedicate days if not weeks to understanding what it takes to qualify and apply. If this research feels overwhelming - the other option is to hire an immigration lawyer to help you (expect to pay a few thousand dollars for someone decent).

Good luck.

WOW!
Complicated indeed, and I know there is no easy way, so far the start up business idea sounds like the best solution, wow -
@Rob_TO & @scylla - you do not know how I am fascinated by such help / answering a stranger, this means a lot to me.

I guess Rob you are in Toronto and where are you at Scylla?

Also, the Manitoba sponsoring programme sounds interested, unfortunately I do not know any people there .

 

[scylla]

Thank you so much @scylla - This is such an interesting answer, actually sounds great -
the thing is do not have a business, I mean I have many business ideas, could create a really strong one possibly, then try to convince an incubator, and would be fine as well? My status is "visitor" at the moment, but if this is all fine, I might really consider this idea for sure!

It's not as simple as having business ideas. You need to develop a formal business plan - including a financial plan, etc. Most incubators also expect that you have some of your own funds to contribute to the start up - my guess is that this is in the $200K+ range. And again, from what I've seen on this forum, it's not easy to get the support of a designated organization.

The process from the time you start won't take a matter of weeks or a few short months. Plan on a year or more. Submitting the application does not allow you to remain in Canada. So it's quite possible to may have to leave Canada at some point and wait out the processing of the application in your home country.

 

[Rob_TO]

Thank you so much @scylla - This is such an interesting answer, actually sounds great -
the thing is do not have a business, I mean I have many business ideas, could create a really strong one possibly, then try to convince an incubator, and would be fine as well? My status is "visitor" at the moment, but if this is all fine, I might really consider this idea for sure!

I think you need to do a lot more research into this program. The start-up visa program as I understand it, is targeting those that already have existing start-up businesses in their home countries, and want to make the move to Canada to expand their businesses. I'm not sure if you will have any success with no history of actual business ownership experience, and just some ideas. To date the success rate of those looking for the required $75K - $200K investment commitment from one of the designated investor groups, is incredibly low.

Here is some info on this program from the law firm that hosts this forum: https://www.canadavisa.com/the-entrepreneur-start-up-visa-program.html

 

[vancouverBC2017]

It's not as simple as having business ideas. You need to develop a formal business plan - including a financial plan, etc. Most incubators also expect that you have some of your own funds to contribute to the start up - my guess is that this is in the $200K+ range. And again, from what I've seen on this forum, it's not easy to get the support of a designated organization.

The process from the time you start won't take a matter of weeks or a few short months. Plan on a year or more. Submitting the application does not allow you to remain in Canada. So it's quite possible to may have to leave Canada at some point and wait out the processing of the application in your home country.

Oh well and this is also too complicated after all then , thanks for these details @scylla and Rob_TO hm hm I must find other solutions.

 

[Rob_TO]

Oh well and this is also too complicated after all then , thanks for these details @scylla and Rob_TO hm hm I must find other solutions.

You have not stated your basic details - what university/college have you completed? And what work experience do you have so far?

 

[vancouverBC2017]

Around 12 yrs working exp. in PR and HR - college degree, no uni, it is a special school equivalent to college or like a diploma, but no bach/master degree.

 

[scylla]

Around 12 yrs working exp. in PR and HR - college degree, no uni, it is a special school equivalent to college or like a diploma, but no bach/master degree.

You should look into the Express Entry / FSW program and calculate how many points you have under this points system. If you have 430 points or more - you have a good chance of being selected. Look into taking a language test. Look into getting your education officially assessed. Read the immigration program requirement to see what other documentation you'll need to provide to prove your past employment. All of the info is on the CIC site. You really (really) need to spend more time there researching if you are truly serious about immigrating to Canada. Posting questions here isn't going to get you there - not even close. You need to dedicate real time to researching program details on the CIC site. This takes hard work - not just posting on a forum.