Trying to move from Florida U.S to Vancouver. Lost in all the info online

[art_is_pain]

HI,
I am a United states citizen, specifically from Florida, I have allways wanted to move to Vancouver. I am 21 years old and I am a professional Tattoo artist. I have read through tons of paperwork and lawyer jargen on the internet and have not found much that applys to me. Most sites say that you have to have a mainstream profession to immigrate as a skilled worker. Does this include a tattoo artist, do i have to change my profession to move? I have no friends or family in Canada at all so i can't be grandfathered in. If anyone could please point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time ;D

 

[Leon]

According to the NOC, being a tattoo artist is considered a semi-skilled occupation so even if you found employment, an employer who would apply for your labour market opinion so you could apply for a work permit, it would not lead to your immigration. It would allow you to move and work for a couple of years though.

If there is a mainstream occupation that you might want to get into, it would make it easier for you to immigrate I suppose.

 

[art_is_pain]

Thank you so much for the info. do you know if i would have to find a shop up there to hire me before i start the paper work for the permit? Also would i be able to legally rent a apartment or house not being a canadian citizen?Or would i be eligable for helth care while on the permit? Again, thanks for your time

 

[Leon]

Yes, you can't get a work permit without an employer. You could go to Vancouver and check out the scene. Visit some people and chat. See if anybody will help you apply for a permit. It's a bit of a hassle for the employer because they need to advertise the job and apply for a labour market opinion. They need to show that they could not find a Canadian to do your job. If they like you, they can make the ad for your job specific to your experience so that nobody else can apply for it. Getting this labour market opinion can take a few weeks. After that, you can go to the border and get your work permit.

I do believe that BC health covers temporary workers on work permit but you'd have a 3 month waiting time. Better to get an emergency insurance to cover you during that time. You would be able to rent an apartment or house.

 

[art_is_pain]

Thank you for all the info. ;D One other thing, would my boyfriend be able to travel with me or would we have to get married first?

 

[Leon]

The thing with a low skilled work permit is that even a husband does not get automatic right to come with you. He would have to qualify for his own work permit. If he is skilled and can get a work permit of his own, if you are either married or common law (lived together for 12 months or more) then you could get an open work permit based on his permit making it easier for you.

 

[art_is_pain]

ok. thanks for all the info. youve been a great help.