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US citizen investigating work permit

drewinoakville

Star Member
Jun 13, 2017
59
5
I have a family member who has 2 Associate degrees (one in elementary ed, one in early childhood ed). In the US, an Associate degree is a 2 yr degree (a certified teacher takes at least a 4 yr degree in US). Wondering what does it take to get a work permit in Canada. Their work experience is limited. Under NAFTA, all of the programs I see are for those with 3-4 yr degrees. The role would be an education associate/consultant and/or possible preschool teacher. Non teaching but helping with lesson plans, etc. The issue is not with the employer at this time (have someone in mind). The issue is not living costs (person would stay with family). The issue is what type of permit? I know they have specialized open work permits for 'experience' open to young people, but those are typically for (former) British colonies plus some of Europe. I haven't seen any for US citizens. Even if it's just for 1-2 yrs, looking at options for this individual. Also, is full time work required or is part time available under the visa/permit you may know about? I can do some investigating but need a place to start.
Thanks,
 

scylla

VIP Member
Jun 8, 2010
92,538
20,358
Toronto
Category........
Visa Office......
Buffalo
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
28-05-2010
AOR Received.
19-08-2010
File Transfer...
28-06-2010
Passport Req..
01-10-2010
VISA ISSUED...
05-10-2010
LANDED..........
05-10-2010
I have a family member who has 2 Associate degrees (one in elementary ed, one in early childhood ed). In the US, an Associate degree is a 2 yr degree (a certified teacher takes at least a 4 yr degree in US). Wondering what does it take to get a work permit in Canada. Their work experience is limited. Under NAFTA, all of the programs I see are for those with 3-4 yr degrees. The role would be an education associate/consultant and/or possible preschool teacher. Non teaching but helping with lesson plans, etc. The issue is not with the employer at this time (have someone in mind). The issue is not living costs (person would stay with family). The issue is what type of permit? I know they have specialized open work permits for 'experience' open to young people, but those are typically for (former) British colonies plus some of Europe. I haven't seen any for US citizens. Even if it's just for 1-2 yrs, looking at options for this individual. Also, is full time work required or is part time available under the visa/permit you may know about? I can do some investigating but need a place to start.
Thanks,
SWAP is the US equivalent of the IEC. All of the SWAP visas are gone for this year.

Otherwise your family member would need to obtain job offer in Canada from an employer and then follow the process of applying for a closed work permit. If the job does not fall under NAFTA - then the employer will need to obtain an approved LMIA before your relative can apply for the work permit.
 

scylla

VIP Member
Jun 8, 2010
92,538
20,358
Toronto
Category........
Visa Office......
Buffalo
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
28-05-2010
AOR Received.
19-08-2010
File Transfer...
28-06-2010
Passport Req..
01-10-2010
VISA ISSUED...
05-10-2010
LANDED..........
05-10-2010
Just to add - job should be full time.

Also make sure you look at the NAFTA list. To the best of my knowledge the teaching job must be at the university or college level to qualify for an LMIA exemption. What you've described does not fall under NAFTA and would required an approved LMIA from the employer.
 

scylla

VIP Member
Jun 8, 2010
92,538
20,358
Toronto
Category........
Visa Office......
Buffalo
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
28-05-2010
AOR Received.
19-08-2010
File Transfer...
28-06-2010
Passport Req..
01-10-2010
VISA ISSUED...
05-10-2010
LANDED..........
05-10-2010

scylla

VIP Member
Jun 8, 2010
92,538
20,358
Toronto
Category........
Visa Office......
Buffalo
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
28-05-2010
AOR Received.
19-08-2010
File Transfer...
28-06-2010
Passport Req..
01-10-2010
VISA ISSUED...
05-10-2010
LANDED..........
05-10-2010
Do they have to have the 4 yr degree for NAFTA?. Is the LMIA route the only other way in for a US citizen? That will be a hard sell as well
I don't know if a 4 year degree is required for NAFTA. However the occupation must be on the list.

Apart from a SWAP, LMIA would be the only other option. Vast majority of employers aren't willing to go through the LMIA process.
 

drewinoakville

Star Member
Jun 13, 2017
59
5
I don't know if a 4 year degree is required for NAFTA. However the occupation must be on the list.

Apart from a SWAP, LMIA would be the only other option. Vast majority of employers aren't willing to go through the LMIA process.
What is a SWAP?
 

scylla

VIP Member
Jun 8, 2010
92,538
20,358
Toronto
Category........
Visa Office......
Buffalo
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
28-05-2010
AOR Received.
19-08-2010
File Transfer...
28-06-2010
Passport Req..
01-10-2010
VISA ISSUED...
05-10-2010
LANDED..........
05-10-2010