*URGENT! Weird Situation...

[gbartlet]

I have to move to Edmonton soon from South Carolina. I don't need a work permit (I own an online business based in the States) and a church is sponsoring me, though I'm not clergy. I'm teaching at the church's school for free. They will send a sponsorship letter soon.

I'm married to a Canadian, with children.

Do I need a visa right now to merely begin living in Canada?

 

[rjessome]

If you wife is a Canadian citizen, why doesn't she just sponsor you? Even though you are teaching for free it is still considered "work". And although you are from a visa exempt country and can enter Canada without a visa, you technically can't "move" here as a visitor. Spousal sponsorship seems your best route.

 

[sogwap]

Coming from the US, you can get a work permit at the boarder to work as a clergy.
You will need written job offer, your credentials (school). Check the CIC website for more information. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/special-business.asp

However as it has already been said, your best best is to have your Canadian wife sponsor you as a PR. After which you will have full legal status to live, work (in any field) and be a part of the (Canadian) system.

What you don't want to do is come here as a visitor thinking you can stay indefinitely without seeking proper legal status.