I currently live in Connecticut and am looking to move to Sainte-Foy QC where my boyfriend is. Having a really hard time navigating all the sites regarding working there, work visa's. I do not speak french as of yet. So looking for work is hard enough. Do i need my work visa first? If so I have no idea what forms are needed. I just really need to formulate some kind of list to follow to get the ball rolling here. Time is of the essence as my current room mates are leaving at the end of September, Also my boyfriend does not make enough to support both of us should I not find work right away and I do not have enough saved to support myself for 6 months while I look for work. I just need some guidance if anyone can help me get started. Much appreciated.
Where to start-moving to Quebec
- Thread starter Lori C
- Start date
You can't just move to Canada. If you want to work, yes, you need a work permit first. Depending on your age, you can look into the SWAP program. Otherwise, you would need a job offer from an employer with a positive LMIA. Given the strict requirements, cost and processing time, very few employers are willing to go through this process, so don't expect any success with this route.
If your boyfriend is a Canadian citizen or PR and you get married, you can apply for sponsorship. If you apply inland, you can get an OWP in 3-4 months.
Well, my age is 50 so SWAP is not a option. From what I can see even if I do land a job I have to stay in it for one year...is that correct? My boyfriend is a Canadian citizen, but even to get married would not solve everything needed. Its more the financial aspect of it at this point. I just wanted to know what documents were necessary to get the ball rolling on my work visa. There are so many. Its just me, no dependents, no criminal convictions, no major health issues. I just need a list of the proper documents. Thanks
Realistically a work visa most likely isn't an option (unless you marry your boyfriend and he applies to sponsor you inland in which case you could get an open work permit four months after applying - you would not be able to work right away). To get a work visa independently, you first need to secure a job offer in Canada - so that's your first step. Next, your employer needs to obtain an approved LMIA which is typically a 4-6 month process with no guarantee of approval. If your job offer happens to fall under NAFTA, then you can skip the LMIA process but still need a job offer from an employer in Canada.