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:
//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!