Hello,

I've been a contractor for a company for 7~ years now. I am more or less self employed. I current am telecommuting to work via the Internet as my job has never required an on site presence and shouldn't for the foreseeable future.

I am currently confused on what action I can take to live in Canada. I've been in a relationship with a Canadian citizen for over a year now. We still each reside in our own country and visit each other every other month or so.

I am not sure how I would go about applying for a work permit. The main site seems to be confusing. I am not currently interested in entering their work market, I will not be taking anything away from their work market. I just wish to be able to legally work and live in the country. When the time comes we have intentions of filling together so I can get a more permanent residence.

I guess I am stuck on how do I get into and reside on a more long term basis.

If you are not working for a Canadian employer, directly or indirectly, then you do not need a work permit and would not be eligible to be granted a work permit. As such, you would need to consider an alternate temporary resident visa category (e.g., visitor or student), or consider a permanent resident application.