Confused

[dannosaur]

Hi,

So, I have a few questions about moving to Canada from the UK that I'm not really sure who else to go about asking, hoping you guys might be able to help!

Ok, so I have a job in Canada already. I'm working remotely for a company in Montreal doing software development. I intend to move there permanently, and (though I've not confirmed this yet), the company I'm working for are more than likely going to be willing to sponsor any kind of visa I need to go move there permanently. I'm assuming this is more or less an open door to get the necessary paperwork to move? I mean, a place to live (accommodation's already sorted), a job, a sponsor and a skill on FSWP, what could possibly go wrong?

Secondly, in the midst of me leaving my current job and moving to Canada permanently, am I allowed to go and stay in Canada on temporary visas/work on-site before the visa is finalized? I guess this is where there's some kind of weird fuzzy line behind going to Canada to work and visit, mainly because I'm already working *for* a Canadian company, albeit remotely from the UK, but working nonetheless. What are the options here to.."expedite"..the process to go ahead and actually make a move?

Finally, assuming all goes well, what's the usual/average turnaround for work visas from first submission through to receiving permanent residency?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[scylla]

Even though you work for the company remotely, you can't work for them in Canada without authorization. If you do so, you'll be working illegally. Visitors are not allowed to work. Unfortunately there's absolutely nothing "fuzzy" about that rule. It's extremely black and white.

To be able to work legally in Canada, you'll either need a work permit or permanent residency. I wouldn't necesssarily say it's an open door. There are still criteria that both you and your company must meet to be approved.

If you want to apply for PR through FSW then the company will need to make you a permanent job offer in Canada. And yes - you could try coming here first as a temporary worker - one way would be through an Intra-Company Transfer (assuming your job qualifies - not sure it does). If you want to go this route - your company will have to apply for one before you leave for Canada. If you don't qualify for the ICT but want to come on a temporary work permit first, then the company will need to obtain an approved Labour Market Opinion (this is a more difficult route since the employer must prove that no Canadian could be hired to do your role). You can then use the LMO to obtain a work permit as you enter Canada. A temporary work permit will get you here faster than applying for PR. So if getting to Canada is a priority, get a temporary work permit first and then worry about applying for PR.

Most importantly, get your company started on the process/paperwork they need to complete. Nothing is going to move foward without them.