There are several ways to obtain a work permit, however, the general rule is that a job offer is needed. It is better to seek professional advice to evaluate your specific situation and your options as the Temporary Foreign Worker program is very broad.
If I do not qualify for one of the three programs (FSW, CEC or FST) can I still apply for Express Entry?
In order to be able to enter the pool of candidates, you need to first qualify for one of the programs.
Does a letter from my employer count as a job offer for Express Entry?
For Express Entry, a job offer is defined as a process under the PNP or LMIA.
Can I apply for Express Entry even I do not have a job offer?
Yes, although candidates with a job offer have better chances to be invited to apply for permanent residence; through out the year the scores for Express Entry change and people without a job offer may be called as well.
Is it better to file an application inland or outland for family sponsorship?
The general rule is that applications outside Canada take less time to process. This is one of the main reasons people decide to apply outland, however, other factors must be considered before making the decision. Every case is different.
Can I sponsor my partner if he/she does not have legal status in Canada?
Yes, if your partner is already in Canada without legal status, they can be sponsored for permanent residence in most cases. However, some exceptions may apply.