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Grip

Newbie
Feb 6, 2019
2
0
Hi there,

I'm a British citizen whose IEC expires in late April. I have focused my time here on building a musical project. Workwise, I have been mostly freelancing part-time for foreign companies. As my band is now starting to take flight, I want to find an avenue to stay in Canada legally until the end of the year.

According to the CIC points calculator, my Express Entry score is 410 - so my hopes for PR aren't high.

I'm aware I could stay longer under implied status while converting from worker to visitor. However, I need to LEAVE Canada for a tour. This means I will face my day of reckoning at the hands of CBSA when I try to reenter Canada in July.

What would, realistically, be my best chances of securing another six months or so in Canada?

After some research, the following options present themselves:

1) Seeking reentry as a temporary worker for an LMIA-exempt job (musician). I could demonstrate that my being in Canada is essential to the band.
2) Returning as a visitor, being able to present proof of funds and that I work for an overseas company (thereby not needing a work permit).
3) Using my remaining time here to bolster my PR score.
4) Studying a Masters degree here.

Is there anything I'm missing? Bridging work permit? I hear there's a free LMIA for certain circumstances? I'm quite employable - with a good degree and three years of skilled experience. Could I utilize that somehow?

It's a bit fiddly, but I would really appreciate any forum input here. Thanks all :)