Hi, I am currently 15, but will be emancipated here in the US at 16. From now until I am 17, I will be working and saving in hope to move to QC, Quebec. I will have at least a year guaranteed of work experience, I plan to live alone. what type of permit/entry must I apply for if I plan to move alone at 17 as an emancipated US citizen?
Immigration at 17
- Thread starter hannahsublett
- Start date
From what I've been reading online, Canada at the federal level does not recognize child emancipation. Quebec is the only province that does, which seems to be the reason why you are trying to immigrate there. The specific program for Quebec is the Quebec-selected skilled workers stream; however, when I looked up their chart used to assign points, it only begins at age 18, you need to have at least finished high school (Niveau de scolarité > Secondaire général), and on the program webpage it states you must be at least 18. If you're serious on this plan, I think it would be best to talk to a lawyer based in Quebec regarding the law and rights of emancipated minors in Quebec, and if the program could apply to you as if you were an adult. Otherwise, it might be best just to stay in the US to finish high school or get to your GED and gain more than one year of work experience, which would strengthen your eligibility assessment when you apply at or after age 18.
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You need a job offer from an employer in Canada and an approved LMIA from the employer in order to be allowed to move to Canada and work. You'll need to wait until you are 18 to apply. If you can meet these requirements, you'll be able to come to Canada to work temporarily, but not immigrate and live here permanently.
To move to Canada permanently (immigrate), you'll need to meet a separate and higher set of requirements. Generally you must complete post secondary education for this to be possible.