British Citizen trying to get a work permit to work in Toronto?! Please help!

[Chrisingrm]

Hello everyone- please try and help me understand what I can do in terms of getting a work permit.

So, I applied for an open work permit.. but it got denied to due the fact that I didn't have a job offer. Besides that, everything else was accepted but I didn't have a job offer. My question is: Was that the correct work permit for me to have applied for? Or should I just apply for a holiday work visa? I also don't know how I am supposed to get a job offer when I am applying all the way from England.. are there specific sites or employers that hire foreign workers and will give me an LMIA?

Basically, I am trying to figure out what I should be applying for? I don't have a degree just highschool and college diploma. I have 7 years of retail experience and right now I am working in Rehabilitation Centre.

Thank you so much to anyone who bothers to read this and help me!

 

[scylla]

On what basis did you think you qualified for an open work permit? Open work permits are only granted under very specific circumstances (e.g. you have a spouse who is working in Canada as a foreign worker in a skilled role).

It's typically extremely difficult to secure a job offer and approved LMIA as a foreign worker.

If you meet the age and other requirements for the IEC / working holiday visa would be a good option. However be aware that this program is far oversubscribed for those from the UK - meaning there are far more people who apply than spots available. Spots are awarded based on a lottery system. The spots for this year are now effectively gone so you would be looking to apply in 2017.

 

[Leon]

What scylla said plus there would be no websites offering LMIA's for foreigners because they would be swamped. If anybody offers you to buy an LMIA, it's a scam.

The way it works is like this:

1) You find an employer who really really wants to hire you. This can be extremely hard unless you have some special skills or there is a shortage in Canada for people in your field.

2) The employer applies for the LMIA, spending time and money filling out forms, proving that he could find no Canadian or PR who wanted to do this job and that he is offering market wage.

3) If the employer gets the LMIA, they send it to you and you can apply for a work permit.

4) If you get the work permit, you can come to Canada and work but your work permit is tied to this job only. If you want to change jobs or you get laid off, you would need a new LMIA and a new work permit.

As you see, it is easier with an open work permit so if you qualify for a working holiday visa, you should apply but like scylla said, you have already missed out for this year so keep your eyes peeled to see when they open up for 2017 and then apply right away.