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Ok, admittedly I haven't done any homework on this yet, I'm juggling a hectic work day and my brain is in overdrive, but was hoping someone had a tidbit of information on this to share.

As you know we're waiting on a spousal PR. We're out-of-Canada, and he's still working in the US. He originally intended to take a remote job with Cisco, but the more we're thinking/talking about it, a nice, local 9-5 job that didn't include trans-continental travel is more appealing to us. So, we've been working with a local recruiter (headhunter) researching the job market in our area.

She's turned up a pretty good lead, and seems to think she can line him up a series of interviews with other potential employers for the week of Dec 19th while he's here over Christmas. He's been up front in saying he has NO status in Canada, and it will be March-April before he has PR. He has said, if the right opportunity presented itself and could obtain a work permit, he'd be willing to relocate immediately.

I emailed our consultant just to get their thoughts, and it turns out one of companies Michael may be interviewing with is actually a client of theirs. This is good news, as it tells me they've obtained work permits before, and may be willing to do it for Michael (if they want him bad enough).

Our consultant told me that going through NAFTA to obtain a work permit is usually quicker and faster than going through HRDC, and he can simply apply at the border.

What's this all about? How does NAFTA factor into work permits, and how are they able to override HRDC?

Anyone have any first-hand knowledge or experience with this?

Thanks!
Ooh, this is important to us, too!
Chelle,

The consultant is 100% correct.Michael being an American has the right to apply for a WP under NAFTA class,upfront at the border.Citizens of US,Canada and Mexico with university education and work experience can come for a work in high tech industry.Cisco definitely being high tech and equipped with all credentials necessary,Michael needs a job offer from a Canuck company.NAFTA overrides HRSDC and he can start right away with a WP.Same is true for a Canadian going to US border.

If it would not be too much to ask,is it possible you can provide me address or contact info. of the head hunter?We have a few in Toronto but they talk most of the time non-sense and seems difficult to deal with.With all WP,HRSDC they seem to be discouraging here.A little info would help.

Thanks.

JC
Hi JC. Well, I'm not sure it's going to be as easy as it sounds, now that I've done some research. There's a specific list of professions listed here he would need to fall into in order to meet the requirements.

He is a 'manufacturing enineering manager' and I don't see a category for that Rolleyes I especially like the 'plant breeder' category though :D

We'll see. Our consultant still thinks there are some options based on his resume, but a lot will depend on the job description (when he has an offer). Just a wait-and-see situation I guess...

The recruiters we're using are Ian Martin, they specialize in the high-tech sector.

Thanks, and good luck!
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