Some questions about Permanent Residency Status and Moving to Canada for work (employment)

[Further North]

Well, first off, I want to say that I have been doing my homework on this site and I have found it to be VERY helpful! After reading up on the CIC site and a few threads including the one below, I still have some questions though:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/canad...canada-eh.html

I am prospectively getting a job offer for employment in Toronto in the very near future. I think in fact that this may happen tomorrow when I speak to the company again. I will have an offer for full time employment, and I qualify under NAFTA as a “Professional Foreign Worker” and my job title is listed under appendix 1603.D.1 so I DON’T have to apply for HRSDC approval because of this. I’ve also read the Permanent Resident Section of the CIC site and I’m a bit confused:

- What I’m wondering is, does this mean that if I’m granted entry and qualify for the work permit, does that classify me as Permanent Resident Status?

- If my Work Permit ISN’T going to grant me Permanent Residency Status, then what it the process I need to undergo, and how long will it most likely take to be granted?

- Do I have to have the 730 days of time in Canada over 5 years FIRST before I even qualify for Permanent Resident Status?

- What IS my status when I first arrive if I do not qualify for Permanent Resident UNTIL the 730 days has passed?

I’m mainly concerned for reasons of qualifying for health care after the 3 month period is over. I understand that after 3 years I would be considered a “landed immigrant” and could begin to apply for citizenship, but I’m really not sure if that’s the route I’ll be taking. I’m going into this job opportunity thinking that I’ll be aiming for 3-5 years for employment, and after that time I’ll have to assess whether I’ll want to stay with that company, look for other employment within Toronto or CA in general, or move back to the States for a different job.

As soon as we agree to terms on employment, then I’ll be talking to the Canadian Embassy to make SURE that I am going about everything properly. I already have a valid U.S. Passport BTW, so roadblock #1 is passed!

[Cornerguy1]

You do indeed have some very specific questions, and it's important that you get correct answers. Not to knock our very informative posters, but I don't think CD is the place to get them.

IMO, the best source for informatin is CIC itself.

When you are in Toronto, why not contact CIC by phone at their Call Center? This will give you access to "the horse's mouth", and you can get all your queries resolved.

CIC can be reached at:

1-888-242-2100

The Call Center is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.

CIC advises that call volume is higher on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Personal experience tells me you have to be a little patient getting through, but the agents are very accomodating and knowledgeable.

Good luck.

[castor]

Originally Posted by Further North

- What I’m wondering is, does this mean that if I’m granted entry and qualify for the work permit, does that classify me as Permanent Resident Status?

Absolutely not. It's a different status. If you qualify under NAFTA, you will receive a work permit and be considered as a foreign worker, that's all. You are allowed to work only for a specific employer and you need an authorization if you switch to another employer.

- If my Work Permit ISN’T going to grant me Permanent Residency Status, then what it the process I need to undergo, and how long will it most likely take to be granted?

To be a Permanent resident (PR), you have to apply for it. The government will select candidates under a few criterion (age, education background, etc) and once you are accepted, you will receive a confirmation of permanent residence. This is the equivalent of the green card in US, means you are able to live in any province and work for any employer or be self-employed. It's like if you were Canadian. The only thing, you cannot vote and have the Canadian passport.

You can apply on-line. There's is the website:

Immigrating to Canada: Skilled Workers and Professionals

You can apply while you are in Canada if you have a status other than tourist (in your case, foreign worker). If you don't have any legal status, you will have to apply OUTSIDE Canada. This process takes a few months. Be patient.

- Do I have to have the 730 days of time in Canada over 5 years FIRST before I even qualify for Permanent Resident Status?

No, nothing got to do with that. The 730 days thing is the number of days you have to be physically in Canada to keep your permanent resident status (730 days per 5 years). If you do not respect this condition, your PR status ("green card") will be withdrawn.

You can apply for citizenship after 3 years of permanent residency (1095 days). You can apply on-line and the process takes 1 year, you have to do a test (learn Canada's history!) and if successful, you will be granted Canadian! But make sure with the US if you are able to keep your American citizenship too before.