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[Ray7]

Hello ,I recently entered Canada in the 29th of October as a united states citizen .My girlfriend (Canadian citizen) boughht a ticket for me and i flown here.My problem is that i dont understand the process of obtaining a work permit .I believe i do have visitor status and i dont know if i can get a work permit until I obtain temporary resident status .I know with a permanent resident status i could apply for one but i do not fit in any immigration programs that i've seen.
the money I've saved can't be accessed through my card at ATMs here(currently working on a way to resolve that) Please I need some advice ,feels like everything is crashing on me and i really want to make this work so i can make a life with my girlfriend together.

 

[lazycrazyboon]

Hey.. I don't think you are allowed to work on visitor visa. I am not sure if the process is different for a states citizen but in genera to obtain a work permit, you would -
1. Apply for work permit - which requires a Job which is either LMIA exempt or get a Job offer which is LMIA approved.
2. Get a student visa and permit and get a post graduation work permit.

I guess you need to give more background for anyone to advise- what kind of Job you are looking etc.

Another thing I would suggest looking into is - options for Common law partner of a canadian citizen.

1. Can my spouse or common-law partner work in Canada?
2. How can my common-law partner and I prove we have been together for 12 months?
3. I am a Canadian citizen and my spouse is not. Can my spouse work in Canada?

check these links.

 

[Ray7]

Thank you for the reply sir.I can't do the common law program.I dont have the requirements for one but Im searching everything I can to make it happen .

 

[scylla]

Thank you for the reply sir.I can't do the common law program.I dont have the requirements for one but Im searching everything I can to make it happen .

You can't get a work permit without first securing a full time job offer in Canada. So your first step is to find an employer in Canada who is willing to give you a full time job.

If that job is in an occupation that falls in the NAFTA list of occupations, you can then apply for a work permit. If the job doesn't fall under NAFTA, your employer needs to obtain an approved LMIA before you will qualify for a work permit.