Moving to Canada to Live with Girlfriend

[j1994]

Hello,

I'm an American citizen, and I've been dating my Canadian girlfriend for two years (one year online, one year seeing each other in person every other month). From August 2021 through August 2022 I lived in Canada as a grad student on a study permit, but I left my program to pursue another field with greater job security. I lost my status after dropping out, and moved back to the US. I would like to move back to Canada to live with my girlfriend (ideally by August of next year), but I'm unsure of what options are available. I'm currently interviewing for remote positions that might allow me to work for a US company while living in Canada (cursory google searches have told me this isn't illegal) to fund myself while attempting to get PR status. However, it's my understanding that the likelihood of recieving a visa that allows one to stay for 6+ months is partly contigent on you having had one year of experience in your field. I'm at a bit of a loss as to what I should do. Is it even possible given my circumstances to move back to Canada in a little under a year?

For personal reasons it is important to my girlfriend and I that we live with eachother for at least a year before considering marriage, so we are not considering spousal sponsorship.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[bellaluna]

However, it's my understanding that the likelihood of recieving a visa that allows one to stay for 6+ months is partly contigent on you having had one year of experience in your field.

It’s not clear what you are talking about here, to be honest. Maybe you are thinking of an ICT visa? But it doesn’t apply in your case, even if you do get a job that allows you to work remotely in Canada…that’s not what the ICT visa is meant for.

Your best option is to enter as a visitor/temporary resident and once you are in, apply for an extension to stay longer than 6 months.

 

[canuck78]

Hello,

I'm an American citizen, and I've been dating my Canadian girlfriend for two years (one year online, one year seeing each other in person every other month). From August 2021 through August 2022 I lived in Canada as a grad student on a study permit, but I left my program to pursue another field with greater job security. I lost my status after dropping out, and moved back to the US. I would like to move back to Canada to live with my girlfriend (ideally by August of next year), but I'm unsure of what options are available. I'm currently interviewing for remote positions that might allow me to work for a US company while living in Canada (cursory google searches have told me this isn't illegal) to fund myself while attempting to get PR status. However, it's my understanding that the likelihood of recieving a visa that allows one to stay for 6+ months is partly contigent on you having had one year of experience in your field. I'm at a bit of a loss as to what I should do. Is it even possible given my circumstances to move back to Canada in a little under a year?

For personal reasons it is important to my girlfriend and I that we live with eachother for at least a year before considering marriage, so we are not considering spousal sponsorship.

Any help is appreciated!

In order to work in Canada as a visitor the employer can’t have any offices in Canada and can’t have any clients/customers in Canada.

You can try to visit longterm but there are never any guarantees. You may be asked for proof of a home and or job in the US when entering from the US. If you are let into Canada with no issues you should avoid crossing the borders as much as possible. Most people run into problems when they are crossing the border somewhat frequently and CBSA determines that they are living in Canada not just visiting.