Work permit extension for PGWP

[hgunawa]

This question is following up on my status as a PGWP holder. I recently got a permanent full time job offer (Oct. 2017) but my PGWP permit will expire in November 2018.

Does anyone know if I am eligible for an extension of my work permit, in the case of me being unable to process my PR application before I hit the end of the permit?

 

[Wonderland_1010]

This question is following up on my status as a PGWP holder. I recently got a permanent full time job offer (Oct. 2017) but my PGWP permit will expire in November 2018.

Does anyone know if I am eligible for an extension of my work permit, in the case of me unable to process my PR application before I hit the end of the permit?

The only way for you to extend your work permit is by having your employer apply for LMIA. This is a difficult process which most employers doesn't want to go through. Processing time for LMIA is 4 to 6 months.

 

[noscaf2014]

Agree with the above. Not without LMIA.
The good news is that you have 13-14 months, so be prepared. You will have 1 year of Canadian work experience by the end of 9/2018 (if your job started October 1st 2017). Then, you have the months of October and November 2018 to apply for PR and BOWP. So, get everything ready by the end of 9/2018 including police certificates and IELTS so that you get the medicals done and submit the application immediately when invited. Good Luck!

 

[hgunawa]

Thanks everyone for the replies! Yup I'm hoping for the best and hope the timing will actually work out. I'm cutting the time line very close but I don't think I have any other option unless I consider applying for something like provincial nominee program to speed things up.

 

[ContactFront]

If you are in Ontario, you could also look at OINP master stream. If not, just prep your best for EE, once you have one year experience you can apply even from outside Canada

 

[hgunawa]

If you are in Ontario, you could also look at OINP master stream. If not, just prep your best for EE, once you have one year experience you can apply even from outside Canada

Yes Im in ontario, went to school and got the job in Ontario so I should also be able to apply through ONP (with a job offer category). Im considering that option as well.

 

[ContactFront]

Yes Im in ontario, went to school and got the job in Ontario so I should also be able to apply through ONP (with a job offer category). Im considering that option as well.

Job offer stream has requirements on your employer, also you need to have prior experience in the same NOC. Master stream would be the easiest way to go.

 

[hgunawa]

Job offer stream has requirements on your employer, also you need to have prior experience in the same NOC. Master stream would be the easiest way to go.

I see, okay, thanks.

If I apply through the Masters stream, would that expedite the process of the PR application so that I will get the offer within the coming year or should I just wait for my one year of work experience and apply right away (but then I'm cutting the time line very close)?

What do you think is the best option? Im stuck between the two.

 

[ContactFront]

I see, okay, thanks.

If I apply through the Masters stream, would that expedite the process of the PR application so that I will get the offer within the coming year or should I just wait for my one year of work experience and apply right away (but then I'm cutting the time line very close)?

What do you think is the best option? Im stuck between the two.

Both Job offer stream and master stream are paper based so the timeline would more or less be the same. It takes Ontario 2 months to process your application. Once you receive the nomination letter, you then send another paper application to federal government for PR, which could take them 1 to 2 years to process.

The good thing is once federal government receives your application and issues a final number, which takes 1 to 2 months from the date they receive your application, you can apply for bridge open work permit and continue to work and stay in Canada.
The downside is obviously, the long processing time. And it costs more than EE.

Master stream is currently closed. Job offer stream is probably still open. So maybe it's a better option for you time wise

 

[hgunawa]

Both Job offer stream and master stream are paper based so the timeline would more or less be the same. It takes Ontario 2 months to process your application. Once you receive the nomination letter, you then send another paper application to federal government for PR, which could take them 1 to 2 years to process.

The good thing is once federal government receives your application and issues a final number, which takes 1 to 2 months from the date they receive your application, you can apply for bridge open work permit and continue to work and stay in Canada.
The downside is obviously, the long processing time. And it costs more than EE.

Master stream is currently closed. Job offer stream is probably still open. So maybe it's a better option for you time wise

Okay makes sense, I will look into both the options. I still prefer the EE system because it's faster and cheaper. But lets see. Thanks for all your help!