Can I live in Canada but work remotely for a US company?

[jmrhodesy]

Hey everyone,

So I'm a single, US Citizen that would like to move to Vancouver. I currently have a job in IT that allows me to work remotely from home or wherever. However, I'm trying to figure out what I need to do and what to apply for so that I can move and work for my job in Vancouver. I'm looking for a more permanent stay as of now and nothing temporary. I've talked to my company and they say they are cool with the move. Also, I wouldn't be trying to make this move for about 6 months so I'm trying to figure out everything that I need to do and to apply for. Do I need a work visa, resident visa, or something else? Also, about how long does the application process take?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Rob_TO]

There is no such visa that guarantees you to stay in Canada, unless you wanted to apply for a study or work permit from a Canadian school/employer.

With your plan, you can certainly "visit" Canada and while here work remotely for your US company. However in entering as a visitor it would be expected you are here for something like a vacation, and would be leaving after a max of 6 months. If they felt you actually intended to stay in Canada longer and not leave when your status expired, CBSA could deny you entry. As such you should not try to enter the country with more belongings than a typical visitor would bring, and they may ask what your itinerary is while in Canada. Use the words "move" or "live" to CBSA when trying to enter Canada, and you could be looking at a quick rejection!

Assuming you were granted entry with a 6 months visitor status, you could then apply to extend that status when it's almost up. If it's approved you could stay longer, and then apply to extend again as needed, and repeat as often as you want. However there is no guarantee on if your visitor status would be extended. Also if you left Canada to go back to US, you would need to repeat everything when trying to re-enter and there is no guarantee of success each time.

 

[jmrhodesy]

Well that would be too risky to have to keep reapplying and risking not being readmitted every time I leave. So you can only get a work visa for work with Canadian based companies? They don't want me spending my money in their country? :'( Ugh, I don't care if they tax me, I have to get registered for things, etc. I just want to live there.

 

[scylla]

There are a number of different options for being able to live in Canada. Unfortunately none of them fit your scenario. As Rob_TO explained, you can only visit temporarily at this time - living here isn't an option based on the information you've provided.

The options for living in Canada are:

1) Immigrate through one of the following immigration programs: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/apply.asp
2) Obtain a work permit (you'll need a full time job offer from a Canadian employer)
3) Obtain a study permit (you'll need to be studying in Canada full time)

 

[Rob_TO]

Or on the off chance you've recently graduated college/university: http://www.swap.ca/in_eng/us_index.aspx

Your best bet is to see if you can find employment from a Canadian company, that qualifies under NAFTA eligibility. Not sure how IT jobs fit under NAFTA.

 

[jmrhodesy]

Well that sucks for me. Thanks for the help!

 

[jmrhodesy]

Okay so it looks like I'll need to find work. Does this have to be full time? Like could I find a Canadian employer to do part time contract work and be able to get a work visa?

 

[scylla]

Does your occupation (i.e. the occupation a Canadian employer would hire you to do) fall on the NAFTA list? This makes a big difference in the answer.

 

[Ponga]

Well that sucks for me. Thanks for the help!

Have you ever visited Vancouver? Do you know anyone there?

It's a very expensive place to live, so why not at least consider a 6 month `visit' (while you work remotely) and see what you think?

If it turns out you'd like to extend your visit, you might just meet someone that would be willing to hire you, by them going through the LMIA process.

Or...maybe you'll meet your soul mate and then s/he could [eventually] sponsor you to become a permanent resident.

 

[scylla]

If it turns out you'd like to extend your visit, you might just meet someone that would be willing to hire you, by them going through the LMIA process.

LMIA won't be required if the job falls under NAFTA.

 

[jmrhodesy]

Have you ever visited Vancouver? Do you know anyone there?

Yes, I visited recently in late August/early September, but during the best time of the year. I do know some people that live there and know it's an expensive city to live. I'm also a software developer/technical consultant so I do well. I've definitely done some research on the city to get an idea of what to expect in terms of living, costs, weather, etc. I still want to move there.

Or...maybe you'll meet your soul mate and then s/he could [eventually] sponsor you to become a permanent resident.

Haha I'm not banking on that. But that would be a win/win.

Does your occupation (i.e. the occupation a Canadian employer would hire you to do) fall on the NAFTA list? This makes a big difference in the answer.

So I have a Bachelor's of Science in Information Technology. This list isn't clear but my IT degree could fall under Computer Systems Analyst, Engineering, and Scientific Technician/Technologist. My work experience being a software engineer/developer and currently a technical consultant. I imagine that I'd be fine under these categories. But it still looks like I'm required to have a job offer, it's just easier for me to get in.

 

[scylla]

But it still looks like I'm required to have a job offer, it's just easier for me to get in.

Yes - you certainly need a job in Canada if you want to go the work permit route and be able to live in Canada under the work permit. The reason why the NAFTA question is so important is that it determines whether you need an approved LMIA or not to get a work permit.

LMIAs are approvals that must be obtained by employers. They are very time consuming and expensive undertakings. So being able to potentially avoid the LMIA process is a gift.

 

[jmrhodesy]

They are very time consuming and expensive undertakings. So being able to potentially avoid the LMIA process is a gift.

Well it looks like I at least have that going for me. ;D