Obtaining work Permit as a visitor.

[Liesta]

I am a 24 year old with a bachelors degree on a F1 OPT in America and recently got a visitor visa to Canada.What will be the best way to change it to a work Permit within Canada.Also l am going to visit my girlfriend for 2 years but haven't lived together ,can she be considered common law?
Please reply.

 

[scylla]

Assume it will be next to impossible to find a job and secure a work permit. To qualify for a work permit, you need to find an employer willing to give you a job offer and who is also willing to obtain an approved LMIA. The LMIA process is long and expensive for the employer with no guarantee of approval. The first step is for the employer to advertise the job for at least a month to prove no Canadian could be found for the role. The vast majority of employers aren't willing to go through the LMIA process.

No - you and your girlfriend are not common law. To be common law you must live together continuously for at least one full year.

 

[Liesta]

Assume it will be next to impossible to find a job and secure a work permit. To qualify for a work permit, you need to find an employer willing to give you a job offer and who is also willing to obtain an approved LMIA. The LMIA process is long and expensive for the employer with no guarantee of approval. The first step is for the employer to advertise the job for at least a month to prove no Canadian could be found for the role. The vast majority of employers aren't willing to go through the LMIA process.

No - you and your girlfriend are not common law. To be common law you must live together continuously for at least one full year.

Thank you.considerd I do find a job that's willing to sponsor me.can l still do the applications within Canada though?

 

[scylla]

Thank you.considerd I do find a job that's willing to sponsor me.can l still do the applications within Canada though?

Yes. Note that the LMIA process will likely take 4-6 months and then after that you must apply for a work permit separately.

 

[Liesta]

Thank you.Also is there any advice you would give perterinaing extending my stay in Canada without having to leave Canada,as my US visa is expiring soon and l can't go back to my country of origin for political reasons.Thank you

 

[Bryanna]

Just to add to scylla's responses:
1. Do you have a TRV/visitor visa?

2. You would not want to state a visit of 2 years when you arrive at the POE

 

[Liesta]

Just to add to scylla's responses:
1. Do you have a TRV/visitor visa?

2. You would not want to state a visit of 2 years when you arrive at the POE

Thank you.l have a visitor visa.