Closed work permit expiring soon (with no extension) - applied for PR but no AOR yet (got CSQ), what to do?

[frasts]

Closed work permit expiring soon (with no extension) - applied for PR but no AOR yet (got CSQ), what to do?

• Lived and worked in QC since 2017 with repeated 2 year long temporary work permits (as highly skilled worker, researcher at university).
• CSQ received end of October 2024 (PEQ through Quebec skilled worker program).
• RP sent end of Dec 2024 (delayed planned timeline due to post Canada strike blocking some documents).
• Current closed work permit with university expiring mid February, no status after: need to have a valid status in Canada to be legal from that date.

1. Do I understand correctly that: cannot extend current temporary worker status as no job extension or new job (can only apply to closed work permit full time skilled type of jobs, many companies only take PRs or Can nationals), so need to switch to visitor if want to stay in Canada. Request for status change needs to happen around a month before expiration (so now). If visitor, won’t be allowed to work when in Canada and also won’t be allowed to apply for new work permit if work offer arrives while visitor from inside Canada as per new rules (even if I have CSQ – is this still true or with CSQ I can apply from inside?).
2. If confirmation of completeness of RP dossier arrives before mid Feb, can apply for Bridging open work permit and keep working in Canada. Rules for this are not super clear https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/extend-permit/bridging-open-work-permit.html. Do I understand correct that for BOWP: should have valid work permit (will not after mid Feb) or maintained status (cannot as do not have new offer) or be eligible for restored status (how does it work and is it worth it? Sounds risky to not apply for visitor status and let current status expire without doing anything). Does it mean then that if AOR does not arrive in time, I will not be able to apply for BOWP with visitor status in Canada in the next months? Or I can send application without AOR and will likely have it by the time they process it? But I still do need to apply for visitor status to be legal in the meantime?
3. So it may be looking like have to apply now for new status (visitor) and will have to go out of Canada to apply for a specific closed work permit if in the next months get a job offer (if too late for BOWP). How long would this take given CSQ already, and can I skip LMIA assessment https://www.quebec.ca/en/immigration/permanent/skilled-workers/regular-skilled-worker-program/after-selection-certificate )?
4. I don’t think I can apply to the IMP+ program for open work permit since I’m not resident abroad (unless I leave for a bit even if I don’t have an offer yet and hope to get back quickly through this, but usually it’s a really long process so probably not worth?).

What’s my best strategy for the next months?

Edit: I tried to post it in the QC section but was not accepted for some reason so trying here.

 

[frasts]

Any leads on this? Should I consult my immigration lawyers again? They took 4k for the CSQ so I was trying to handle the PR on my own.
Thanks!

 

[bhutta08]

Closed work permit expiring soon (with no extension) - applied for PR but no AOR yet (got CSQ), what to do?

• Lived and worked in QC since 2017 with repeated 2 year long temporary work permits (as highly skilled worker, researcher at university).
• CSQ received end of October 2024 (PEQ through Quebec skilled worker program).
• RP sent end of Dec 2024 (delayed planned timeline due to post Canada strike blocking some documents).
• Current closed work permit with university expiring mid February, no status after: need to have a valid status in Canada to be legal from that date.

1. Do I understand correctly that: cannot extend current temporary worker status as no job extension or new job (can only apply to closed work permit full time skilled type of jobs, many companies only take PRs or Can nationals), so need to switch to visitor if want to stay in Canada. Request for status change needs to happen around a month before expiration (so now). If visitor, won’t be allowed to work when in Canada and also won’t be allowed to apply for new work permit if work offer arrives while visitor from inside Canada as per new rules (even if I have CSQ – is this still true or with CSQ I can apply from inside?). tm sim registration
2. If confirmation of completeness of RP dossier arrives before mid Feb, can apply for Bridging open work permit and keep working in Canada. Rules for this are not super clear https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/extend-permit/bridging-open-work-permit.html. Do I understand correct that for BOWP: should have valid work permit (will not after mid Feb) or maintained status (cannot as do not have new offer) or be eligible for restored status (how does it work and is it worth it? Sounds risky to not apply for visitor status and let current status expire without doing anything). Does it mean then that if AOR does not arrive in time, I will not be able to apply for BOWP with visitor status in Canada in the next months? Or I can send application without AOR and will likely have it by the time they process it? But I still do need to apply for visitor status to be legal in the meantime?
3. So it may be looking like have to apply now for new status (visitor) and will have to go out of Canada to apply for a specific closed work permit if in the next months get a job offer (if too late for BOWP). How long would this take given CSQ already, and can I skip LMIA assessment https://www.quebec.ca/en/immigration/permanent/skilled-workers/regular-skilled-worker-program/after-selection-certificate )?
4. I don’t think I can apply to the IMP+ program for open work permit since I’m not resident abroad (unless I leave for a bit even if I don’t have an offer yet and hope to get back quickly through this, but usually it’s a really long process so probably not worth?).

What’s my best strategy for the next months?

Edit: I tried to post it in the QC section but was not accepted for some reason so trying here.

You need to apply for visitor status before your work permit expires to maintain legal status in Canada. Without an AOR, you can't apply for a BOWP. If an AOR arrives after switching to visitor status, you can restore your status and apply for a BOWP. Leaving Canada complicates matters.

 

[laay]

My closed work permit had expire last feb 17 2025 as HCCP but I received an email of approval of open work permit feb 18 but my current employers doesn't want to renew me because they don't need a nanny anymore.Can I look for a new employer?thank you

 

[canuck78]

My closed work permit had expire last feb 17 2025 as HCCP but I received an email of approval of open work permit feb 18 but my current employers doesn't want to renew me because they don't need a nanny anymore.Can I look for a new employer?thank you

What was the grounds for the OWP?

 

[jamesbrownuk]

Closed work permit expiring soon (with no extension) - applied for PR but no AOR yet (got CSQ), what to do?

• Lived and worked in QC since 2017 with repeated 2 year long temporary work permits (as highly skilled worker, researcher at university).
• CSQ received end of October 2024 (PEQ through Quebec skilled worker program).
• RP sent end of Dec 2024 (delayed planned timeline due to post Canada strike blocking some documents).
• Current closed work permit with university expiring mid February, no status after: need to have a valid status in Canada to be legal from that date.

1. Do I understand correctly that: cannot extend current temporary worker status as no job extension or new job (can only apply to closed work permit full time skilled type of jobs, many companies only take PRs or Can nationals), so need to switch to visitor if want to stay in Canada. Request for status change needs to happen around a month before expiration (so now). If visitor, won’t be allowed to work when in Canada and also won’t be allowed to apply for new work permit if work offer arrives while visitor from inside Canada as per new rules (even if I have CSQ – is this still true or with CSQ I can apply from inside?).
2. If confirmation of completeness of RP dossier arrives before mid Feb, can apply for Bridging open work permit and keep working in Canada. Rules for this are not super clear https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/extend-permit/bridging-open-work-permit.html. Do I understand correct that for BOWP: should have valid work permit (will not after mid Feb) or maintained status (cannot as do not have new offer) or be eligible for restored status (how does it work and is it worth it? Sounds risky to not apply for visitor status and let current status expire without doing anything). Does it mean then that if AOR does not arrive in time, I will not be able to apply for BOWP with visitor status in Canada in the next months? Or I can send application without AOR and will likely have it by the time they process it? But I still do need to apply for visitor status to be legal in the meantime?
3. So it may be looking like have to apply now for new status (visitor) and will have to go out of Canada to apply for a specific closed work permit if in the next months get a job offer (if too late for BOWP). How long would this take given CSQ already, and can I skip LMIA assessment https://www.quebec.ca/en/immigration/permanent/skilled-workers/regular-skilled-worker-program/after-selection-certificate )?
4. I don’t think I can apply to the IMP+ program for open work permit since I’m not resident abroad (unless I leave for a bit even if I don’t have an offer yet and hope to get back quickly through this, but usually it’s a really long process so probably not worth?).

What’s my best strategy for the next months?

Edit: I tried to post it in the QC section but was not accepted for some reason so trying here.

We understand the stress of waiting for your AOR while your closed work permit is expiring. With over 17 years of experience, expert immigration lawyers can guide you through this process and explore options like a Bridging Open Work Permit to ensure you stay on track. Reach out for professional advice and support – we're here to help you achieve your immigration goals smoothly!