Hello everyone, I wanna start by saying that I'm overwhelmed by the warmth and friendliness of the Canadian people. I am hopeful to someday be a part of such beautiful country to contribute to its culture and to also have a place I can call home. I'm originally from Guatemala, I grew up in extreme poverty but full of dreams. I started writing at age 7 (I'm 31 now) and it was that passion in me, that helped me get an education. My dream was to become a screenwriter and filmmaker and after graduating from highschool and having no opportunities nor future ahead of me I left my country, crossed into Mexico and entered the US illegally. A task that took four months and nearly costed me my life. After a couple years mastering the language I wrote the first of many screenplays. I won different awards with a short film I wrote and directed and now I have a bigger project in the works in which people from the film industry are involved, but there's always a fear in me as I suffer everyday from the rejection the US has against immigrants such as myself. With all of that being said I have a couple questions. Is there a possibility for me to acquire self employed permanent residency (I would like to start an independent production company in Toronto) even though I'm in the US illegally? I'm married to a US citizen and have no criminal background whatsoever. Can I apply in the United States? I haven't been to Guatemala in 11 years and it is extremely dangerous. The rate of murder and drug trafficking in my home town is at scary levels (People I knew in highschool have gotten murdered) and going back is almost a matter of life and death. I appreciate the kind responses. Thank you so much!