themadstans

Has anyone out there managed to get a job in Canada prior to applying for PR? My husband has an interivew in Toronto in September, but is under the impression that he can apply for a work permit whilst his paperwork goes through...that's if he is lucky enough to get it.

Please let me know if I am posting on the wrong page! :scared:

Alberta_Rose

Hi,

Welcome to the boards! I'm sorry I can't answer your question, but if you don't get much response you might try posting on the Canada immigration forum if you didn't already.

Morw

Judy in Calgary

I believe there are at least a few forum members who came to Canada on work permits and then successfully applied for permanent resident status afterwards. One whom I recall is iaink.

If you click on the Search feature (one of the words in black font against a pink stripe near the top of the screen), select the Advanced Search feature, use the search term "work permit" or "work visa," select posts by "iaink," and select the Lifestyle & Culture - Canada or the Immigration - Canada forum, I'm sure you'll find many of Iain's helpful posts on the topic.

Here also is the government's web site that explains the work permit application process.

themadstans

Thanks for the pointers. I will check these out. This site is fab and have learned a lot.

Will let you all know how the interview goes.

brit_in_fizroy

you have to have a talent/skill which is not available in the current work force. I came here on a work visa back in 98, hi-tech but a specialist area. The company have to prove to immigration that they cannot get anyone from Canada to do the job and then apply to get you in on a work visa - back then it was called "fast track". We came here then had to wait 18 months before we could apply for PR then 12 months to landed. While on visas some aspects of life were tricky, credit was hard to get until we found a friendly bank manager, the problem is your SIN number starts with a 9 when on a visa, this can close some doors - but if you have some cash it should be okay.

themadstans

Wow, seems a bit complicated. I will bear that in mind. Thanks

themadstans

I think I need to do a heck of a lot of research first. It is great being able to ask someone who knows.

ramac

We came over on a work visa and applied for PR when we were in Canada.

What type of work is your husband interviewing for?
Is it skilled trades?

Would be happy to share our experience, although it was 6 years ago now. I know the process for applying for the work visa hasn't changes much if at all in that time. It is not complicated at all, honest.

themadstans

Only just read your message. My husband is a barber and has had his own shop for the last 10 years. He wrote letters to a number of barbers and got a reply from one of them who telephoned us directly saying that he specifically wants a European in his shop as he thinks it will be good for business, but wants him fairly soon if it pans out, hence considering work permit.

I would love some advice. Thank you that would be great. Did you send me a personal message, if you did I am sorry I haven't been able to access it due to pop up blocker.

Judy in Calgary

I don't know if a barber's application for a work permit would be granted. Look at what brit_in_fizroy said about a work permit:

I don't think Canada has a shortage of barbers. It may have a shortage of European barbers, but I don't know if Citizenship and Immigration Canada would accept that a local barber could not meet a shop's needs.

themadstans

Have to admit I am a little afraid of that, but will have to wait and see.