Don't know where to start!

[KMKunkler93]

Hello, all!

I'm a US citizen (Texas) looking to work in Canada, and at the very least have permanent residency. However, I'm struggling to wrap my head around the process, or even finding a job.

While I would like a career in graphic design, it doesn't seem I can qualify for express entry. I've also considered getting a student visa to complete my education toward a Bachelor's (I have an Associate of Applied Science). But I don't know if I can find a college I can afford or what kind of entry pass I can apply for.

The only thing I know that's certain is where I'd be living, and that's with a friend I can share rent with. Once I can secure a job at all and have some kind of work visa/residency.

Is there any way for me to streamline my research and actually starting the process?

 

[scylla]

You have a few different options:

1) If you have very recently finished your associates, you can look into the SWAP program that can grant you an open work permit in Canada. I know there are education requirements to qualify and am not sure if an associates meet this requirement or if it has to be a full degree. You'll have to research.

2) Obtain a job offer from an employer in Canada in an occupation that falls under NAFTA and apply for a work permit.

3) Obtain a job offer from an employer in Canada in an occupation that does NOT fall under NAFTA, have that employer obtain an approved LMIA and then apply for a work permit. (This tends to be next to impossible to do since most employers aren't willing to go through the trouble of obtaining an LMIA.)

4) Come here as a fully time student on a study permit. This is an expensive option. You'll need to show that you have enough funds to cover first year tuition (generally $15K or more) and also have an additional $10K to cover first year living expenses - so a total bank balance of at least $25K.

 

[KMKunkler93]

How recently would I need to have gotten it? It was December of 2017, and I struggled to find permanent work most of 2018, save for a brief internship.

 

[scylla]

How recently would I need to have gotten it? It was December of 2017, and I struggled to find permanent work most of 2018, save for a brief internship.

You'll have to research the program to confirm current requirements. I don't know for certain if the education requirement still applies.

I believe I may have read somewhere that all spots for 2019 are already accounted for - but I don't know for certain.

Anyway - google the SWAP program and start your research there.