Scribble

Does anyone know of recruitment companies in Quebec that deal with skilled worker jobs and know how to navigate the visa process with the companies?
Quebec has a few skilled worker roles in IT but I have no idea how to go about applying for these jobs. I can see the usual IT job sites but most don't bother trying to hire foreign workers, it's almost as if the application for those roles has to come from specialist companies or the company itself.

Former Lancastrian

This link might help with questions.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/index.asp

Scribble

Hi
It's not the rules so much as who to approach.
I imagine certain recruitment companies would be better placed to advertise jobs with visa processes than some companies who might only recruit locally?

I also heard that if your spouse / partner (Canadian) already lives here then you can get an open work permit instead of going through the longer family sponsor process?

Former Lancastrian

If your partner/spouse is a Canadian then from my perspective this is the best route to take. If not going this route then you might have to jump through a few more hoops. Quebec has different regulations as explained in the link.
The time factor can be frustrating but at least being sponsored by spouse/partner yields more positive results than doing it on your own.

Scribble

I think as long as you have an application going, you might be able to come to Canada and look for work even on a tourist visa. If you get offered a job then you can swap your application over to a work permit application.

Former Lancastrian

That route sounds and seems simple enough but in reality it has many pit falls. If coming from a non TRV country you are not issued a visa. You have to satisfy an examining officer that you are a bona fide visitor and while in Canada will not work or study. If a recent application has just been made the details might not be in the system so the officer would not be aware of the application. Applying for extensions or changing from visitor to worker status through CPC Vegreville can be refused. If you fail to satisfy an officer on entry that you will be leaving Canada after a specified date you can be refused entry or limited to a time less than you expected.
It will be your decision to choose which route but if trying to come in through some back door you think may exist then that door might be closed.

Scribble

What's TRV?
So, you can apply for work but are not allowed to work under a tourist visa?
I'm British so the application times take 7 months from initial family sponsorship. In theory you could wait 3 months or so, have the initial bit of paper showing you have an application going on, and then come in under a tourist visa, apply for work, and wait. In theory it should be approved before your tourist visa runs out and then you have permanent residency. Once you have permanent residency, you also have the right to work?

Former Lancastrian

If you are a citizen of the UK and holder of a UK passport then you do not require a Temporary Resident Visa.
The tourist visa you refer to is only for people coming from countries that require a visa to come to Canada.
In theory and in practice are 2 different things altogether.
Some have been waiting years before their application for PR has been approved long after any visit to Canada so you can take your chances but dont be surprised if you are asked to leave at the end of your stay.
You also have to satisfy the officer that you have sufficient funds for the period of your stay and are not inadmissible for other reasons such as medical, criminality etc.
Visitors to Canada as a tourist cannot work or study while they are here.
Even coming here to look for work over an extended period can be seen as grounds for not admitting you as you are not here just to visit.

BTW have you read the link and the information contained in it?