Working Visa Loophole

[CkMaddall]

Hmm ok, Loophole might be the wrong term, but it has caught your attention!

My GF and I qualify for Common Law from April 2013, and her UK working Visa runs out around the same time. I am planning on joining her in Winnipeg on a 6 month visiting visa from June 2013, and then wait out the common law visa process before I get a job.

In terms of Employment prospects prior to the visa being issued, I understand they are pretty slim including voluntary work. To stop me from having to sit idle for what could be 6 months, I was wondering whether it would be possible to work on UK freelance projects while in Winnipeg? ie online consultancy/web development (I am doing a masters in GIS) or online teaching etc?

Alternatively, would I be able to apply for a course and then get a student working visa from inside of Canada?

Many thanks for looking!

 

[chipits]

If you're on a visiting visa you absolutely can't do any sort of work, even online. You could risk it, of course, but you also risk putting your entire application in jeopardy if CIC were to find out.

I believe you can apply for a student working visa from inside of Canada, but wait for someone else to chime in and confirm that as I'm not an expert.

 

[ldjames]

If you're under 30 you would also be eligible for the youth visa and can apply even if you have residency pending.

 

[CkMaddall]

Cheers for the heads up...

It appears I will be able to do menial unpaid tasks for lodgings... basically I will become my girlfriends maid!

 

[CkMaddall]

If you're under 30 you would also be eligible for the youth visa and can apply even if you have residency pending.

Alas I am 31. We sat down to do the youth mobility visa over the summer but the allocation had run out 2 days before.

It feels as though you are almost encouraged to get married for a visa, which is something I do not want to do quite yet.

Any information on gaining a work visa from inside of Canada would also be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[annabruce]

If I am understanding you correctly, you're a UK citizen doing freelance work for a UK company that is resident in UK? There is nothing wrong this. If the UK company is resident in Canada then you may need permission.

 

[ldjames]

Any information on gaining a work visa from inside of Canada would also be appreciated.

Yeah I just missed the youth visa window too.

You can work within Canada provided you have an employer willing to hire you who can get an LMO (Labour Market Opinion). Essentially they have to prove that they advertised the position to Canadians but that they were unable to source anyone suitable locally- you would need to have a unique skill set for that. I don't know a lot about your area of work but depending on how specialised it is then you may have a chance via this option.

For studying until you get PR I believe you would have to apply (and pay fees) as an International Student so it depends on your financial situation.

A third option (depending on your experience level) is to get a foot in the door by doing an unpaid intern-ship which is less of a sacrifice if you are unable to get paid anyhow.

 

[CkMaddall]

If I am understanding you correctly, you're a UK citizen doing freelance work for a UK company that is resident in UK? There is nothing wrong this. If the UK company is resident in Canada then you may need permission.

Sorry for not being clear. My working status is as follows:

5 Years admin experience up to completing my undergrad
Undergrad degree in Human Geography
5 Years experience in Supply Planning/Logistics (which I hated!) Quit September 2012
Currently studying for an MSc in Geographical Information Systems (Cartography/Mapping etc)

I currently do not work, but there are online teaching programmes in the UK which I could be eligable to be a tutor on, so was wondering whether than would be a possibility. Also, is it possible to apply for a working visa from inside Canada while on a visitor visa, and in the middle of applying for a common law visa?!

Many thanks for the advice - truly appreciated!

 

[scylla]

You are fine doing the online work provided it's not for Canadian clients.

 

[amikety]

Alas I am 31. We sat down to do the youth mobility visa over the summer but the allocation had run out 2 days before.

It feels as though you are almost encouraged to get married for a visa, which is something I do not want to do quite yet.

Any information on gaining a work visa from inside of Canada would also be appreciated.

Thanks

I get that feeling too about the married bit.

Just a recommendation: start searching for LMO jobs months before you leave. I started 3 months early and now been in Canada 16 months. Finally got a job interview.

Depending on your skill set, you may find you're in need in Winnipeg. Or not.... Good luck.

 

[CkMaddall]

I get that feeling too about the married bit.

Just a recommendation: start searching for LMO jobs months before you leave. I started 3 months early and now been in Canada 16 months. Finally got a job interview.

Depending on your skill set, you may find you're in need in Winnipeg. Or not.... Good luck.

Just saw your message! What have you been doing for the past 16 months?! Gf says she will support me until I get a job, but feel I will get rather bored, rather quickly!

Did you get the job?!

 

[amikety]

Just saw your message! What have you been doing for the past 16 months?! Gf says she will support me until I get a job, but feel I will get rather bored, rather quickly!

Did you get the job?!

I was offered two jobs until I asked for the LMO. Then the offer was retracted. This is in spite of the fact I clearly stated on both applications that I need a LMO.

I cook, I clean, I lurk on this forum. I also write as a hobby, so that takes up a good amount of spare time