Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

Thank you for accepting me into the group.

Moving to Canada has always been the hope for myself and my husband and due to many things, mainly family ties, we have stayed in the UK. We have now found ourselves devoid of all ties due to bereavements and really want to leave England.

I am already in the Express Entry pool but with a score of 444 so not wonderful but not awful either. I'm 37, and have a degree, Masters and a PhD which helped with the points, but I know my age doesnt. I know applying for work from here in the UK and being successful would get me in but I am trying to work out if I would be better going over and looking for work over there - and whether this would even be possible.

I am fortunate in that I have someone I can stay with (I studied abroad at UofT for an academic year and have maintained solid friendships over the years), so there is not that barrier. I would rather avoid wasting any more time here trying to get over via getting a job from here, I’d rather just get stuck into the job search over there, if that makes sense. Has anyone here tried successfully that way? My background is in research (sociology/criminology/social policy) - I have held lecturing and social research positions in the past. I suppose I am just trying to gather some options. But I would happily work in somewhere like Tim Hortons or such like. If anyone can help or speak from experience I'd be very grateful.

Billie

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

Hi, and welcome to BE.

It's certainly not at the moment, due to the borders being closed for anything other than essential travel. But potentially you could do that when things improve, and that's the way most find a sponsoring employer/job offer.

You would be highly unlike to find an employer prepared to pay the money, go through the paperwork/hassle, and wait months for you to start, for a Tim Hortons type position, and I doubt a LMIA would be granted anyway with so many Canadians out of work and able to do that job. So focus on your actual skills, experience, and you may get lucky.

Which province are you looking to move to, and can you give us a breakdown of your CRS scores so we can see if they can be improved anywhere? What's your NOC code? Also, when do you turn 38?

Lastly, what's your husband's CRS score and what does he do for a job?

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

Thank you for replying, I’m sorry for the slightly late reply. You’re right of course, getting out of the UK is impossible at the moment, we are lockdown till at least end of February. In that regard, I’m hoping to be able to come in April/May, on the hope things will improve.

I know it would only be a professional type job that would go to all the hassle and expense of having me - the only reason I suggest Tims et al is because I’d be totally up for working there if they’d take me on, then allowing me to obtain a work visa. And as you say, there are plenty of Canadians who can do those types of jobs.

The thing is with the professional sector, it’s all about making connections, meeting the right people, which is why I’d rather be over there to do just that. I want to go to Ontario, but I don’t believe my sector (social research / academic lecturer in social sciences ) is that in demand in any province. My husband is on my application, with me as the lead applicant. His score is minimal as he has always been self employed in the film and media industry.

I’m 38 in March, he is 40 in Jan 22. I’ll give you a breakdown of the scores when I get home (on another computer at the moment so don’t have access to the password).

I’m also considering going over with my savings and hoping I can find somewhere - ideally a professional role - before I have to return to the UK (I think I can stay 6 months on a holiday visa).

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

I think you have UP TO 6 months on a visitor visa, and it is entirely up to the decision made by the border officer at the airport when you arrive.

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

If your husband is self employed in the film and media industry, he could be your route in to Canada.

Has he considered the self employed route? It includes those industries.. depending on what role he works in, in that industry.
https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpce...qnum=291&top=6
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration...igibility.html
https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/Structure/Hie...oj5UCjpg%3D%3D section 5
:)

Social sciences faculty positions, there appear to be more in Ontario than elsewhere in Canada : https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/jobs/4683/ca

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

Thank you everyone. I appreciate your advice. Christmas asked for my breakdown, here it is;

Age 60
Level of Education 140
First Official Language Proficiency 128
Spouse - First Official Language Proficiency 16
Education 50
Foreign Work Experience 50

I have booked to fly over in April to stay with my friends and try and make connections - if I can, you never know with the times we are currently in with covid. In the meantime, I am going to try and apply for roles from the UK. I figure getting over there and trying to meet with people in person is my best way of getting lucky.

My husband is definitely up for the self employment route, he always has been self employed here. My understanding through to set up in Canada he would need a substantial amount of money to settle in the first place. We have always been of the view its down to me to secure employment untimately to get in. However, I will pass on those links to him.

I'm off to look at the job bank now - thank you.

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

There is no proof of funds requirements for SE applicants, unlike for EE applicants! So not sure where you're got that from.

If he qualifies, a SE app would be a much better option for you, so get him to look at those links sooner rather than later.

I can't see your visit in April happening tbh, you wouldn't be able to enter under current rules, but just keep an eye on things. Hopefully by then you'll have a better Plan B anyway. :D

Good luck.

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

Just to clarify, it's not just a case of 'taking you on' and that allowing you to obtain a work permit. The employer has to pay $1000, wait months and submit lots of paperwork to prove that they've advertised the job nationally and been unable to find a Canadian willing, or able, to do the job. If they do that, they then get a LMIA and that's what allows you to apply for a work permit. Hence why it's highly unlikely a Tims would even consider it.

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

Thank you - it’s really difficult at the moment to plan anything with covid. I’m hoping by April they will let me in as long as I present a covid negative test. Who knows. Fingers crossed I can. I will have my husband think of using his skills as the main route in, to be honest we hadn’t considered that.

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

Who knows indeed. At the moment a negative test wouldn't make any difference, you cannot enter Canada at all without PR/citizenship or an exemption (i.e. you have a work permit). But perhaps by then the rules will have changed, all you can do is see if the rules change between now and then. :fingerscrossed:

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

What is it he does in the film and media industry? I ask because there is also the BC Tech Pilot, which has some NOC's in that industry.. :)
I missed one off - 5121 Authors and writers
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...8f6e9a5c98.jpg
Check the NOC codes to see if any apply to him (drill down) https://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p3V...16&CLV=1&MLV=4 and then look at the tech pilot (only open until June 2021) to see if it might work for you :)
https://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-t...PNP-Tech-Pilot

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

He is a Director of Photography / film producer, self employed. The last big thing he did was a live virtual Panto (Covid has resulted in things been done pretty differently in his industry).

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

That could be NOC 5131 and isn't on the list for BC PNP Tech Pilot.. perhaps check the main duties / descriptions to see if they are a fit or not.
He should stll be able to apply through the self employed route.. or has he considered applying for any jobs here doing that, just to get you in initially? :)
https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/Structure/Noc...CsGsM3cyovQMdX

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

Based off these comments does that mean if a work permit is granted before you leave the UK, that you can apply for a Canadian job without the employer having to go through the $1,000 and the rest of the faff?

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

If you will have a spousal open work permit then you won't need an LMIA :)

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

Hello everyone.Thank you everyone for your comments.

Well I think have found a way. Despite my qualifications and work experience, I'm not going to get in on express entry with only 444 points, unless I was very lucky, and quite honestly I could be waiting forever - getting older and losing points in the process.

So; I have discovered if I do a course I can obtain a work permit (part time) and study permit. I have found a course which is relational to my field (Social services) and is relatively inexpensive for an international student (in comparison with doing a degree). It seems I can work in Canada for up to 3 years after graduating from the course - which will allow me time to get a firm job. I'm hoping then I will be able to go for PR. So the plan would be, go over, do the course and work part time, get a job in the social services field, apply for PR that way.

The thought of doing another course gives me the shivers - I already have a PhD, but I figure I need to do what is needed, and it will be useful to get a feel for the Canadian way with regards to social issues.

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

The PGWP will be for between 8 months and 3 years, depending on your course length. Do make sure the course is at a Designated Learning Institution. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration...ions-list.html

I hate to be the voice of doom, but be aware study permits are often refused if you would be studying a lower level of qualification than you already have, as CIC may not believe you're a genuine student. Just make sure you have a good justification for wanting to do that course if you've already got a PhD.

A study permit is an expensive way to do it and not terribly secure, so I usually suggest it as a last resort, but can work if that's your only option.

Can I ask why you've discounted the Self-Employed program? That would be a much easier/cheaper/more secure route but I assume your husband isn't eligible?

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

Thank you for your reply. I have a place at a designated training institution in Ontario, in fact I just got notice that I have been granted a work/study visa. But I hear and totally agree with you, its far from ideal.

I know its far, far from ideal. Regarding my husband, well the reason he isn't going in on the self employment route he says we need money (obviously we have some but I'm talking a serious amount). I'm sure someone here said that wasnt the case though.

That really sounds too good to be true. But I'm going over the details again now.

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

That would be me that said that. If you don't believe me, here it is from the horses mouth - https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpce...qnum=294&top=6

I *really* suggest you re-read the links above. If he's eligible then it would get you both PR which seems to be the aim. There is no minimum funds requirement. There is no requirement to put money in to any business in Canada. There is not even a requirement for him to stay in the same occupation, or to remain self-employed, when he gets to Canada. There is a points requirement but it's much less onerous than EE. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration...n-factors.html

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

THANK YOU. Frog marching him over to the desk as we speak!

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

It's definitely from IRCC? It's just a study permit, no work visa (you can work without needing one if you're on a study permit - your study permit will state if you are allowed to or not). Processing times are normally around 9-10 weeks so it's just very quick that's all, just wanted to check you've not applied via a dodgy third party website!

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

:lol: Seems like your best route to me, but perhaps he's not eligible for some reason (i.e. hasn't done the 2 years required etc). But definitely get him researching!

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

For sure - I know though eh, it was quick! I went to London to give biometrics only yesterday.

The reverse of the letter (the bit for the immigration officer) says 'Permit - WP' 'Permit-SP'

The course I got on requires a placement as part of it, which is why I needed to have a work permit element to the visa.

On the topic of my husband, you know it looks like we ARE eligible, we have 75 points altogether. This is giving me hope, so we are going to go through stuff again tonight.

As it originally stood I was going to go on my own, stay with my friend and do the course and he was going to come over as soon as he could. I'd work part time hours and give my friend money for staying with him.

Obviously this was not something we wanted ideally (although we have been together 20 years and he annoys me most the of the time I would miss him a LOT!!)

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

OK, a genuine study permit then (was just checking!).

I'm intrigued to know what you'll do if he does qualify for PR via this route (other than tell him he should have listed to us a month ago and saved you a lot of hassle and money!). Will you still go over on the study permit or wait until you both get PR?

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

Ha! That is exactly the question I've just put to him!!

The answer is - I'm not sure. We have a dog, who we would like to bring with us (that would be a job for my husband). As ridiculous as it sounds to some, he is a rescue and I couldn't leave him (we have no family we could give him too). What I'm thinking at the moment is I go over and do the course as planned (its only a one year fast track) and he come over on the self employed route.

As it stands the first part of the course is all online due to Covid anyway, I was planning on flying over in April but who knows what is going to happen. Point is if I had to I could do the first part here in Blighty. The time difference is -5 hours so it is doable. The following 2 semesters are placement based, so I'd need to be over for that (so at the latest go in June/July, as I'd need time to actually network and get a placement prior to the semester starting in September).

You must think I have the most bizarre circumstances, to be honest I do, but hey you only live once. I just wish I'd went over years ago, but now our caring responsibilities are no more, we can go and not have to worry about anyway.

Thanks again for your replies, you are very helpful.

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

Indeed lol

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

I need to proofread my posts......listened obvs, not listed!

The dog thing absolutely does not sound ridiculous. I have 3 and no way would I leave any of them.

Could you defer your course place for a year maybe? Then go together. Or you both go, OH on the open work permit and you on the study permit, whilst your PR app is processed.

And just checking, but don’t forget you can only work a certain number of hours during the term on a study permit, so if you need to do a work placement you need to apply for this (if that’s not already the ‘WP’ mentioned in your LOI - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration...rk/intern.html

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

ok so we have started the process of filling out the self employed route application, starting with my h getting his police certificate done, that’s now applied for.

The next big question is this; you need a certain amount of points to be considered - like with ee- but are there draws for the self employed route, or is it a case of you can get in if you have above the required set of points ( I think it said 35 but will check) Again the latter seems too easy.

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

Oops submitted too quickly there. From what I gather you are given points upon submission of the form. Submission of the form requires an upfront fee. Is this to go into some sort of self employed pool? I hope I am making sense..

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

It’s just a minimum points requirement and there is no pool. He’s submitting a full PR application at the start, there’s no waiting to be invited to apply like with EE.

If he meets the points threshold then he applies and they process his PR app. That’s it. :D

Re: Obtaining a work visa whilst in Canada - possible?
 

Wow. I'm not used to things seeming so easy! Well, we are getting the process started now. You are very knowledgeable, have you been through this process yourself? Do you know how long it generally takes to process SE applications? It's going to take a couple of weeks for him to get his accounts together for the application, and some elements of it seem pretty vague but we will give it a shot. Another thing I was slightly concerned about was the net worth part of the form, surely that must be the part where they decide whether or not you are worth granting PR to? For what its worth, my husband has done ok so far but he doesnt have a multi million pound turnover etc.