My wife and I would like to spend some time in Canada. I am Australian my wife is British. From all that I've read I don't believe I would be eligible for permanent residency (I am 57 and it seems 55 is a cut off) However we are wondering if I would be able to get a 12 month work visa which would give us time to see some of the country plus earn some money whilst there. I am a science/biology high school teacher with a BA degree. Do you feel I would be successful in the event that I applied for this type of visa? If I were not able to have a work visa how long could we stay as "visitors" without working? I am semi-retired and have a private income so not working is not a problem but at 57 I would still like to have the opportunity to work if possible. We look forward to your reply. Thank you. Alan

The first step in eligibility for a work permit would be securing a job offer from a Canadian employer. The types of occupations you describe would then require Confirmation from Service Canada prior to eligibility for a work permit. A visitor is otherwise permitted up to 6 months in Canada without special permission; this can be extended from within Canada.

Thank you for your reply David and for the information. Regards. Alan