Application for Work Permit – apply outside of canada or upon entry?

[NiphredilSelphie]

Hi all

My situation:

I am currently in Canada as a visitor, visiting my partner (who is here on a temporary work permit) and have got a job offer for a position starting on the 1st of November. My employer is currently applying for an LMIA. I have less than two months to apply for a visa so I want to know what is the fastest possibility. I am going overseas to Europe at the end of this month, so if I have to send my passport, I have even less time. I am an Australian citizen (visa exempt country).

My questions:

1. Should I apply outside of Canada, or upon entry to canada? I have less than two months, and only three weeks until I leave Canada. I haven’t seen any discussion of the entry-upon-arrival option here in the forums, but it looks like I am eligible for it, according to here:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who-eligible.asp
Does someone know if I will need to send my passport anywhere? Since I will need it in three weeks when I go to Europe. I read elsewhere that its ok to “apply from outside of Canada” while still in Canada, and give a Canadian address, since applying outside of Canada really just means applying at a visa office outside of Canada. Is this information still valid?

2. I believe I can choose between applying in Australia or in the US, am I wondering which to go for. The online processing times says 5 week for Aus and 15 weeks for US. On the other hand, there’s a chance they might ask me for an interview right? It will cost $1000+ if I have to fly to Australia for an interview.

3. I came across this page describing 2-week processing, which I think I should be eligible for. Do I have to do something special for that?
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/gss.asp

4. I will return to Canada three weeks before my job contract starts on the first of November. Assuming I get the work permit in time, will I be able to enter with the work permit then? Or will I need to enter as a tourist and then re-enter on the 1st of November?

If any one has any idea about these questions, I would be very grateful to hear your information or experiences.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

1. Should I apply outside of Canada, or upon entry to canada? I have less than two months, and only three weeks until I leave Canada. I haven’t seen any discussion of the entry-upon-arrival option here in the forums, but it looks like I am eligible for it, according to here:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who-eligible.asp
Does someone know if I will need to send my passport anywhere? Since I will need it in three weeks when I go to Europe. I read elsewhere that its ok to “apply from outside of Canada” while still in Canada, and give a Canadian address, since applying outside of Canada really just means applying at a visa office outside of Canada. Is this information still valid?

2. I believe I can choose between applying in Australia or in the US, am I wondering which to go for. The online processing times says 5 week for Aus and 15 weeks for US. On the other hand, there’s a chance they might ask me for an interview right? It will cost $1000+ if I have to fly to Australia for an interview.

3. I came across this page describing 2-week processing, which I think I should be eligible for. Do I have to do something special for that?
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/gss.asp

4. I will return to Canada three weeks before my job contract starts on the first of November. Assuming I get the work permit in time, will I be able to enter with the work permit then? Or will I need to enter as a tourist and then re-enter on the 1st of November?

If any one has any idea about these questions, I would be very grateful to hear your information or experiences.

Hi

1. You can apply at a POE, provided you have all of the necessary documents. You don't need to send your passport anywhere, as you do not require a visa to enter Canada.

2. Interviews are very rarely requested for work permit applications.

3. If your employer has applied for the LMIA through the Global Talent Stream, then you would qualify. Moot point if you are applying at a POE.

4. You should be given the work permit. It's quite normal to arrive before a work contract starts to get settled.

 

[NiphredilSelphie]

Thanks for you answer! Sorry, I have a follow-up question.

For applying at the POE, what kind of documents are needed? For applying outside of Canada there is a long list of forms and documents one needs to show, but I couldnt find any information about what to do for getting the work permit when you arrive? Do you just rock up with the job offer?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Thanks for you answer! Sorry, I have a follow-up question.

For applying at the POE, what kind of documents are needed? For applying outside of Canada there is a long list of forms and documents one needs to show, but I couldnt find any information about what to do for getting the work permit when you arrive? Do you just rock up with the job offer?

It's been awhile since I looked at this but if I recall correctly, you need the job offer with full employer contact info, the LMIA and proof that you meet the experience/education requirements of the job, along with the standard stuff like your passport and proof of funds.

 

[NiphredilSelphie]

Ok, so similar stuff to when you apply outside of the country, makes sense. And if you don't have all the right documents, they'll let you enter as a tourist and you have to apply again, do you know..?

Thanks!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Ok, so similar stuff to when you apply outside of the country, makes sense. And if you don't have all the right documents, they'll let you enter as a tourist and you have to apply again, do you know..?

Thanks!

The officer will likely let you back in as a visitor but remember that there is never a guarantee of entry, so it is always possible to be refused.

 

[Rockologist]

This thread popped up as I was searching for something else, but it made me think. I've just received an offer and an LMIA-exemption number. I've had the same job before, as well as the same LMIA-exemption, but last time, I applied from within Canada and the process was fairly straight forward. This time, I'm applying from outside Canada, and the list of required documents is way more comprehensive, including reference letters / pay history for every job of the last 10 years (complicated for me as I have worked for small public art institutions where no one still works that I worked with).

My question is, as a US citizen, is less expected of my support document wise if I apply at the POE? I expected that an online application created less stress all around-since I probably wouldn't require an interview, plus I spare CBSA from having to do an application on the spot, which I've read can take up to 2 hours. Applying for Study permits at the POE was easy, took like, 15 minutes. I just imagine a work permit takes much longer.