Is it OK to look for a job while being on a tourist visa?

[style-sheets]

Hey guys,

I understand that:

• It's illegal to work in Canada without a work permit.
• If I get a job offer which satisfy the Canadian gov. requirements, I'll have to go back to my country and apply from there.

What I need to know is this: in practice and in the eyes of the law, is it OK to look for a job while visiting Canada as a tourist (tourist visa)?

If a Canadian custom officer inquired about the reason of my visit, I'd say to have a long-deserved holiday and visit (X, Y and Z), but also to see if there's a perspective in term of employments Canada. Both reasons would true.

Even though I'm a software developer (jobs in IT are, compared to other fields, "supposedly" easier to get), remotely hunting for jobs is more difficult. I figured if I'll have more chances at getting jobs if I'm in Canada.

What do you guys think? Is this practice OK / common? Or should I just keep this job hunt plan to myself?

Thanks in advance!

 

[scylla]

Yes - you can look for a job as a tourist in Canada. Don't share your job hunt plan with the CBSA officer - the officer may be concerned you'll overstay and refuse you entry. State you're here as a tourist only.

 

[style-sheets]

Got it, thank you!