Hi,

I have tried to find details through BUNAC, the Canadian High Commission, and elsewhere but to no avail; perhaps you can help?

I have a non-student open work authorisation and was working for a Canadian employer up until recently when i moved to a new city where my partner found work. I am now wondering about the legality of working as a freelance writer on this visa. Hypothetically speaking, of course, if I was to work for a US based client, a UK based client and other such clients outside of Canada, would this be allowed on this BUNAC non-student visa? Would working for a Canadian client be allowed? Would I be allowed to be self-employed without having to reapply for the self-employed entrepeneur visa (which I wouldn't get as I don't have to requisite thousands of dollars just sitting around)?

I would want to pay taxes but don't want to waste money going to a tax accountant if I cannot legally be classed as self-employed on this visa... in which case I'll just have to find another employer in Canada for the remainder of the visa...

Many thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide,
Olivia

If you have an open work permit (such as those generally granted under youth programs such as BUNAC), other than restrictions specifically stated on the permit, you are able to work in any position, including freelance work. Otherwise, working for a foreign client without any division in Canada does not require a work permit.