Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hermes.trismegistus]

Hey all! Not sure if this is the right spot to post...thought I'd give it a go!
I am Canadian, my fiance is American. We are currently teaching English here in South Korea, and want to organize his work permit, or his sponsorhip for coming to Canada.
I've checked the government websites, and they show that he can only get a work permit if he has a job offer in Canada. Also, organizing his sponsorship for permanent residence from Korea is problematic since we are coming to Canada in 6 months, and it seems to take MUCH longer to process... I KNOW that there must be some sort of alternatives for American citizens coming to work and live in Canada. I was thinking of getting a working holiday visa (since he is under 35), yet the gov't website didn't seem to have much info.
Does anyone have any advice??!!

Thanks a million

[K-in-C]

Well, maybe he could apply as a refugee or you both can seek advice on him coming over as a draft dodger. This is not meant as a sarcastic statement just a possible option. I of course am not an authority on immigration proceedures nor is it likely that anyone else on this forum is; however, someone else may have had the same experience.

Many Canadians would not want to give up one of our choice jobs for someone from another country. This might lead to yet another university educated Canadian having to fly over and put in some time on the ROK.

I hope it all comes together for you.

K

[europe2seoul]

[ajgeddes]

[poker player]

The good news is that an American getting into Canda is a lot easier than a Canadian going to the US. In general, I know Americans can apply for landed immigrant status without a job but the waiting period is about 1 year. But you must apply for the LIS outside the country. However you need a visa to work in Canada without LIS and you need to get a job offer to get that.
So it looks as though the steps would be to apply for the LIS, come to Canada on a tourist visa, look for a job, get an offer which you need to get a visa which is for a period of time and then once the LIS comes through no visa is required.
But you need to go to the Canadian embassy in Seoul and get their advice and get the ball rolling.

Finally,marriage is a much quicker route but I'm sure you already have thought about that

[mindmetoo]

[cathenry]

We're in the process of doing the same thing. The only the thing I can think of for you to do is to sponsor him yourself but like you said you will be going to Canada in 6 months and that wouldn't be enough time.

I know someone who received their Canadian permanent residency within 8 months. Maybe you could just stay in Korea a bit longer until it comes through since it might happen faster than you think or you could go ahead and he can join you when he receives his residency. Obviously not ideal situations but what can you do????

Also... make sure you have ALL the documents before you send off your package and start now. It's a huge pain.

[ttompatz]

[hermes.trismegistus]

Thanks for the info!
We have been living common-law for over a year.
Since we don't seem to have enough time to process his Permanent Residence from Korea, it seems it would be best to apply for it once we are back in Canada. What are our best options for getting him a work permit until his Permanent Residence goes through?
(I'm from Vancouver, and it's a DAMNED expensive, but beautiful place to live! we'll both need to be working so as not to piss all our savings in Korea away!)

[ttompatz]

[europe2seoul]

But, this person is your fiance. Why don't you just marry each other and speed up the process and all complications with it?
You are living together for a year now anyway. Simply do not get it why would you guys do it the hard way when there is an easier way.

[canuckistan]

[ttompatz]

[hermes.trismegistus]

This all leads me to 2 questions.

1) If I apply for his sponsorship for his Permanent Residence once we get to Canada, what about if he wants to go to University (to complete his Master's)? Would he be allowed to study if he is approved in principle, before the PR goes through?

2) If we arrange a working holiday visa for him, so he can work right away in Vancouver, will that affect my sponsorpship of his PR? (so that he doesn't have to wait 3-6 months to work legally?)

3) If i apply for his Permanent Residence from Korea, do we have to stay in Korea until it is finished? Or can we head on into Canada and arrange for his interview in the USA (Seattle preferrably!)?

Thanks a million!!!!

[ttompatz]