Citizenship Guidance: Illustrator Who's Studied and Lived in Canada for 7 years

[Nolanjetson]

Hi there,
I'm an American who moved here in 2007 to study at an art school. After graduating I got a 3 year post-graduate work permit that's set to expire at the beginning of the new year. Since that time I've done freelance art for the Globe & Mail, National Post, New York Times, etc etc. I've also taken various part-time odd jobs to pay the bills.

I can't figure out if I'm eligible for any programs. It looks like I'm not. I can't support myself fully through my illustration small-business. I've lived here for 7 years, have a Canadian cat, a Canadian long-term girlfriend, and lots of Canadian friends that I can't say goodbye to. I would hate to be forced out of the place I call home. Ugh!

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Rob_TO]

Hi there,
I'm an American who moved here in 2007 to study at an art school. After graduating I got a 3 year post-graduate work permit that's set to expire at the beginning of the new year. Since that time I've done freelance art for the Globe & Mail, National Post, New York Times, etc etc. I've also taken various part-time odd jobs to pay the bills.

I can't figure out if I'm eligible for any programs. It looks like I'm not. I can't support myself fully through my illustration small-business. I've lived here for 7 years, have a Canadian cat, a Canadian long-term girlfriend, and lots of Canadian friends that I can't say goodbye to. I would hate to be forced out of the place I call home. Ugh!

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Have you lived with your long term gf for at least 1 consecutive year? If so you are common-law, and can apply for PR based on that.

Or you will need to find an employer willing to hire you on a closed work permit based on going through LMO/LMIA process successfully.

Or finally, does your profession fall under NAFTA agreement to get a work permit that way?

 

[Nolanjetson]

My girlfriend has spent about 5 days and nights a week at my house each week, but I doubt that counts as common-law.

Would the part time jobs I've taken affect my application if I apply as Self-Employed? I've definitely worked at least 30 hours a week doing freelance, even when I've held down other jobs. Also, do they take finances into account? Do you need a minimum yearly salary to apply as a self-employed person.

Thanks Rob.

 

[Rob_TO]

My girlfriend has spent about 5 days and nights a week at my house each week, but I doubt that counts as common-law.

Would the part time jobs I've taken affect my application if I apply as Self-Employed? I've definitely worked at least 30 hours a week doing freelance, even when I've held down other jobs. Also, do they take finances into account? Do you need a minimum yearly salary to apply as a self-employed person.

Thanks Rob.

No that wouldn't count as common-law. You would need to have combined your affairs to live/cohabit in 1 home only, and show proof of this.

I really have no idea if your job falls into the skilled worker categories/NOC codes to apply for PR that way.

Nor do I know if your job category falls into jobs under NAFTA agreement. You'll need to research this.