Could use advice for Canadian marrying American

[JNoel50]

Quick question...
My fiancé is Canadian and I'm American. I would like to work in Canada and can begin the application process for a work permit from the States (as we are hoping to get married in April or May of this year in Saskatchewan and I would like to work in Canada to be near him before the wedding). However, I just heard that since our intent is to live in Canada we could technically get married in the States (with the Canadian entering on only a visitor visa) and then just come across the Canadian border after the wedding. My biggest question with my soon to be husband sponsoring me to be his wife in Canada is, how do I cross the border after we get married? What is the best way (if we got married in the States) for me to come across? I was thinking it would be better for me to have a work visa so I could work and not have problems at the border once I come across and we're married. Ultimately we just want to make sure we're going about everything the best way according to the Canadian government Any advice or direction online with the cic would be great!!! Thanks!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Quick question...
My fiancé is Canadian and I'm American. I would like to work in Canada and can begin the application process for a work permit from the States (as we are hoping to get married in April or May of this year in Saskatchewan and I would like to work in Canada to be near him before the wedding). However, I just heard that since our intent is to live in Canada we could technically get married in the States (with the Canadian entering on only a visitor visa) and then just come across the Canadian border after the wedding. My biggest question with my soon to be husband sponsoring me to be his wife in Canada is, how do I cross the border after we get married? What is the best way (if we got married in the States) for me to come across? I was thinking it would be better for me to have a work visa so I could work and not have problems at the border once I come across and we're married. Ultimately we just want to make sure we're going about everything the best way according to the Canadian government Any advice or direction online with the cic would be great!!! Thanks!

Have you actually looked into applying for a work permit? A Canadian fiance/husband doesn't in any way entitle you to a work permit. You would need a job offer from an employer with a positive Labour Market Opinion.The LMO/work permit process takes several months and it's quite difficult to find employers willing to do it. If your profession qualifies under NAFTA, you won't require an LMO but will still need a job offer first.

If you get married in the US, you can enter as a visitor while your sponsorship app is processing; many people do this. However, you will not be allowed to work until you become a PR.

 

[Rob_TO]

Have you looked into what kind of working holiday permits you may be eligible for as a US citizen? This depends on your age and if you've recently completed college/university in the US.

Also there are certain professional jobs under NAFTA where it's easier to get a work permit for US residents.

Finally, you can not "live" in Canada until you are a PR. Being married to a Canadian does not give you the right to live here, same as a Canadian married to an American has no right to live in the US. Whenever you cross the border, NEVER use the words "living' or "moving". Until you get PR, you are always "visiting" Canada only, and need to be prepared to leave after 6 months (or whatever time they allow you) if you can't extend your visitor status.

 

[MapleLeafBride]

Have you looked into what kind of working holiday permits you may be eligible for as a US citizen? This depends on your age and if you've recently completed college/university in the US.

Also there are certain professional jobs under NAFTA where it's easier to get a work permit for US residents.

Finally, you can not "live" in Canada until you are a PR. Being married to a Canadian does not give you the right to live here, same as a Canadian married to an American has no right to live in the US. Whenever you cross the border, NEVER use the words "living' or "moving". Until you get PR, you are always "visiting" Canada only, and need to be prepared to leave after 6 months (or whatever time they allow you) if you can't extend your visitor status.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I have heard with a NAFTA position, you need to prove your intent of moving back to the States after your contract expires. And that having a Canadian spouse is a huge red flag you won't go back and the border guards may not let you in even with the job offer.

But yes - it is very difficult to get a working permit unless you have a very specialized skill set that is in demand in Canada. However, moving to Saskatchewan may be in your favour. http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/340228/pinoyabroad/ofwguide/immigration-guide-200-jobs-in-demand-in-canada-with-no-job-offer-requirement

Just make sure that if you do come across with your husband after the wedding without any status in Canada, you cannot bring much with you. So no furniture or appliances or anything that looks like you are moving.

 

[scylla]

SWAP is the US equivalent of the working holiday visa program.

http://www.swap.ca/in_eng/index.aspx