Need clarification. I am an American citizen will be applying for permanent Canadian residence using EE program. But, will be starting a job in Canada in 2.5 weeks (just received written offer of employment and signed contract). Do I need to apply for a work Visa while my EE application moves through the approval process? I have an American passport and have traveled in/out of Canada 4 times in the last year. Do I just go in as a visitor (knowing I have 6 months to stay in the country) and wait for the EE process to move through the steps? Any insight appreciated.
Need to apply for work Visa while waiting for EE processing?
- Thread starter 80sRadioGuy
- Start date
You must obtain a work permit. You cannot work in Canada as a visitor and having an EE application in progress does not entitle you to work either. Americans can apply for work permits at the border. You should check to see if your job is LMIA exempt or not before you come to Canada. Hopefully your job is LMIA exempt (e.g. because it falls under NAFTA) and if so, you're good to go. If an LMIA is required, you won't be able to start working in 2.5 weeks since the LMIA process takes a few months to complete.
