Can one work outside of Canada for a year, then live in Canada for 2?
Lots seriously wrong with this plan. You can work in your home country all your wish. You cant visit Canada for two years. You are only permitted to visit Canada for a length of time suitable to the purpose of your visit which cannot include work or school. It doesnt take years to visit someone or site see. Visits to Canada are rarely given for more than a few months. Exceptions would be something like caring for a sick Canadian relative, accompanying a visa-exempt worker (your spouse is a NATO soldier posted in Canada), etc. A typical visit to Canada will be several thousands a month. CIC/CBSA would want extreme proof you leave Canada for any visit over a month or two, proof you have work in your home country, proof you are maintaining a residency there, travel medical insurance, return plan tickets, etc. Visitors cannot work or attend school. You cant get health insurance (or than short-term travel insurance), open a bank account, get a drivers license, etc. Visiting Canada does not allow you to stay or migrate to Canada. Visitors cannot apply for permanent residency in Canada even if they meet the qualifications. They must return to their home countries and apply through the embassy there. Nor would being unemployed in Canada for months likely help any permanent residency application. You must be a Canadian citizen to get a Canadian passport. Visiting Canada for 1095 days (even if permitted) does not make you are citizen or permanent resident. There are no ways around the Canadian immigration system.