Hello,
I am currently in a delicate situation. I have been living in Canada for over five years now and have been working for more than two years with a company in Quebec under a closed work permit. However, this permit expired on January 30th.
At the end of last year, I went on a long-term trip, and while I was outside Canada, I received my CSQ. When I returned to Canada—only five days before my visa expired—I did not have enough time to submit my permanent residence application. The initial plan was to apply for a work permit renewal in the meantime. However, several complications arose.
The person in charge of human resources at my company had not taken any proactive steps regarding my case and was, on top of that, on vacation when I returned! As a result, it was impossible to submit my application before my visa expired.
Since then, we have submitted my work permit renewal application, but of course, my status has expired because the application was made after my previous permit had already expired. Although a status restoration request has been submitted, my employer and I have been deeply concerned about one question ever since.
Since I no longer have official status, I am not legally allowed to work unless—and until—my work permit is approved. However, the processing times are far too long for my company to go without my skills for an extended period.
My question is as follows:
Are there any possible ways for me to work legally before obtaining my permit?
For example, could I submit my permanent residence application instead of applying for a work permit?
Could any exceptions apply to my case?
I sincerely appreciate your help.
I am currently in a delicate situation. I have been living in Canada for over five years now and have been working for more than two years with a company in Quebec under a closed work permit. However, this permit expired on January 30th.
At the end of last year, I went on a long-term trip, and while I was outside Canada, I received my CSQ. When I returned to Canada—only five days before my visa expired—I did not have enough time to submit my permanent residence application. The initial plan was to apply for a work permit renewal in the meantime. However, several complications arose.
The person in charge of human resources at my company had not taken any proactive steps regarding my case and was, on top of that, on vacation when I returned! As a result, it was impossible to submit my application before my visa expired.
Since then, we have submitted my work permit renewal application, but of course, my status has expired because the application was made after my previous permit had already expired. Although a status restoration request has been submitted, my employer and I have been deeply concerned about one question ever since.
Since I no longer have official status, I am not legally allowed to work unless—and until—my work permit is approved. However, the processing times are far too long for my company to go without my skills for an extended period.
My question is as follows:
Are there any possible ways for me to work legally before obtaining my permit?
For example, could I submit my permanent residence application instead of applying for a work permit?
Could any exceptions apply to my case?
I sincerely appreciate your help.