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Applying for work permit within Canada

RaeShumba

Star Member
Nov 5, 2019
56
3
Hi there,

I'm trying to determine how / if I can apply for a work (standard or open) permit from within Canada.

I'm currently in Canada on an ETA and also have a submitted express entry application and am now in 'the pool' waiting for a ITA.

From reading the IRCC webpages I'm unclear as to whether:
a) I can apply for a work permit from within Canada as I have formally submitted my EE application (skilled worker) or, I
b) must wait until I have received an ITA?

And in either case can I apply for an open work permit or standard work permit?

Any clarity would be appreciated! Thanks
 

scylla

VIP Member
Jun 8, 2010
97,021
22,946
Toronto
Category........
Visa Office......
Buffalo
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
28-05-2010
AOR Received.
19-08-2010
File Transfer...
28-06-2010
Passport Req..
01-10-2010
VISA ISSUED...
05-10-2010
LANDED..........
05-10-2010
Hi there,

I'm trying to determine how / if I can apply for a work (standard or open) permit from within Canada.

I'm currently in Canada on an ETA and also have a submitted express entry application and am now in 'the pool' waiting for a ITA.

From reading the IRCC webpages I'm unclear as to whether:
a) I can apply for a work permit from within Canada as I have formally submitted my EE application (skilled worker) or, I
b) must wait until I have received an ITA?

And in either case can I apply for an open work permit or standard work permit?

Any clarity would be appreciated! Thanks
1) No.
2) Yes - you must wait until you have ITA and have submitted your complete application. You must also be holding a valid work permit at the time you apply for the bridging open work permit based on ITA.
 

RaeShumba

Star Member
Nov 5, 2019
56
3
1) No.
2) Yes - you must wait until you have ITA and have submitted your complete application. You must also be holding a valid work permit at the time you apply for the bridging open work permit based on ITA.
Thanks for the reply. What I don't understand is why IRCC have sent me a Job Seekers Validation Code and information for registering with the Job Bank if I cannot apply for a work permit to be able to legally work?

Also if you could advise - I am anticipating a job offer shortly; am I to add this to my submitted EE application? And then how can I take up the job offer? i.e. do I have to wait until I have an ITA and then apply for a work permit?

Thanks again
 

scylla

VIP Member
Jun 8, 2010
97,021
22,946
Toronto
Category........
Visa Office......
Buffalo
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
28-05-2010
AOR Received.
19-08-2010
File Transfer...
28-06-2010
Passport Req..
01-10-2010
VISA ISSUED...
05-10-2010
LANDED..........
05-10-2010
Thanks for the reply. What I don't understand is why IRCC have sent me a Job Seekers Validation Code and information for registering with the Job Bank if I cannot apply for a work permit to be able to legally work?

Also if you could advise - I am anticipating a job offer shortly; am I to add this to my submitted EE application? And then how can I take up the job offer? i.e. do I have to wait until I have an ITA and then apply for a work permit?

Thanks again
- The job seeker validation code is a standard part of the process. You can certainly apply for a work permit, however you need a job offer and approved LMIA from your employer.
- A job offer isn't sufficient to add this to your profile. Your employer also needs to get an approved LMIA. Once once the LMIA has been approved can you add this to your EE application and claim the 50 job offer points. Make sure your employer knows they have to go through the LMIA process. A job offer without an approved LMIA is useless.
- If you get a job offer and approved LMIA, you can apply for a closed work permit tied to that specific employer.
 

RaeShumba

Star Member
Nov 5, 2019
56
3
- The job seeker validation code is a standard part of the process. You can certainly apply for a work permit, however you need a job offer and approved LMIA from your employer.
- A job offer isn't sufficient to add this to your profile. Your employer also needs to get an approved LMIA. Once once the LMIA has been approved can you add this to your EE application and claim the 50 job offer points. Make sure your employer knows they have to go through the LMIA process. A job offer without an approved LMIA is useless.
- If you get a job offer and approved LMIA, you can apply for a closed work permit tied to that specific employer.
Thanks for this. So just to confirm if I am offered a job I must 1) ensure they have an LMIA 2) I add the LMIA and job offer to my EE application 3) apply for a closed work permit, separate to my PR application (but can I do this from within Canada?)
 

scylla

VIP Member
Jun 8, 2010
97,021
22,946
Toronto
Category........
Visa Office......
Buffalo
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
28-05-2010
AOR Received.
19-08-2010
File Transfer...
28-06-2010
Passport Req..
01-10-2010
VISA ISSUED...
05-10-2010
LANDED..........
05-10-2010
Thanks for this. So just to confirm if I am offered a job I must 1) ensure they have an LMIA 2) I add the LMIA and job offer to my EE application 3) apply for a closed work permit, separate to my PR application (but can I do this from within Canada?)
Yes - that's right. Yes - you can do this from Canada. Make sure you keep your status here valid as a visitor.