Hi,
I am posting this behalf of one my cousin. As title says his PGWP expiring end of this month and his OINP application is under assessment. What are his next steps? Can he apply for a work permit to buy some time or better to apply a visitor visa?
thank you in advance.
If your cousin’s Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) application is still in the assessment stage and his Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is expiring at the end of this month, here are the immediate steps he can consider:
1. Apply for a Visitor Record: To maintain his legal status in Canada, he can apply for a visitor record before his PGWP expires. This change in status would allow him to stay in Canada while waiting for the outcome of his OINP application, but it does not permit him to work. He would need to stop working once his PGWP expires.
2-Restoration of Status (if he misses the deadline): If he is unable to submit any application before his PGWP expires, he may still apply to restore his status within 90 days of expiry. However, during this period, he would not be permitted to work until his status is restored.
Applying for a visitor record is generally the simplest way to maintain status while waiting on his OINP nomination decision. Once his OINP application is approved and he has the nomination certificate, he can submit his PR application and can all for Closed work permit application with help of employer and PNP work permit support letter.
Once your cousin receives his nomination through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), he can apply for a closed (employer-specific) work permit if his employer has provided a valid job offer and, if required, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA exemption.
Step 1: Obtain Supporting Documents from Employer
• LMIA-Exempt Job Offer: If the job is LMIA-exempt (e.g., through the International Mobility Program or an approved Provincial Nominee Program category), the employer must submit the job offer through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay the compliance fee. The employer will then provide a job offer number that will be required for the work permit application.
Step 2: Prepare the Work Permit Application
Your cousin can apply either online or at a Visa Application Center (VAC), depending on his location. He’ll need to include the following documents:
• Nomination Certificate from the OINP
• Job Offer Letter from the employer
• LMIA or LMIA-exempt job offer number from the employer
• Proof of Nomination: Some provinces issue a letter specifically for work permit support, which helps with LMIA-exempt applications.
• Personal Identification Documents: Passport, previous permits, and any additional documents as required by IRCC.
• Completed Work Permit Application Forms (IMM 5710 or the appropriate form based on his location)
Once approved, he’ll receive a closed work permit tied to his employer, allowing him to work while awaiting his PR application outcome.
