Am I still able to work while I'm waiting for my PR/OWP application is being processed?

[KennethAllenfort]

Hi there,

It would be awesome if someone could explain to me how it this whole thing works. I found a couple of sources online from 2014 and 2015 saying that you I would have implied status as a visitor but I wouldn't be allowed to work while the whole application is being processed.
Does anyone has already had similar issue?

Can I still work after my IEC visa expires at the end of march, while the government is processing my PR and OWP application?

I would be grateful for any information on this.

Thanks guys,
Kenny

 

[scylla]

You'll need to stop working as soon as you IEC expires. You can legally remain as a visitor in Canada - however you won't be able to start working again until your OWP is approved.

 

[KennethAllenfort]

Ok, so there is no such thing as a bridging visa, which allows me to work while its being processed? I don't really understand the reason you why you would have to send it in that early then, if it doesn't allow you to work during the whole process...
Than you for your quick response though.

 

[scylla]

Ok, so there is no such thing as a bridging visa, which allows me to work while its being processed? I don't really understand the reason you why you would have to send it in that early then, if it doesn't allow you to work during the whole process...
Than you for your quick response though.

You would be able to continue working if you held a different class of work permit that allows extensions (e.g. closed work permit based on an approved LMIA and job offer). However since IECs cannot be extended, you unfortunately cannot continue working while you wait for the OWP to be approved.

There are a few reasons for sending the OWP in early. The first is that it gives you legal status in Canada after your IEC expires (i.e. you can remain legally as a visitor). The second is that the OWP takes 2-4 months to process so the sooner you submit it the sooner it will be approved (i.e. it's in your best interest to submit it along with the inland application package).

 

[KennethAllenfort]

Okay thank you so much for the clarification here, that helps me a lot - however not the news I wanted to hear ...
May I ask how long you think it will take to get approved (OWP)? They received it alongside my inland PR application package on January 19th.

 

[JulianaAndrew]

Okay thank you so much for the clarification here, that helps me a lot - however not the news I wanted to hear ...
May I ask how long you think it will take to get approved (OWP)? They received it alongside my inland PR application package on January 19th.

Count 3-4 months from the date you just mentioned.

 

[KennethAllenfort]

Hey everybody,

I would appreciate your knowledge one more time. I am very confused regarding the "implied status" and "visitor visa".
So I have applied for PR and a OWP under the family class sponsorship . The PR application got accepted and was already linked to my online account. The OWP however got sent back because I didn't pay all the fees I needed to pay (I forgot the Open work permit holder fee: 100$). Anyways, I've payed it now and resent it to the provided mailing address. My current OWP expires at the end of this month, I know it is very soon...
You said:"
The first is that it gives you legal status in Canada after your IEC expires (i.e. you can remain legally as a visitor).

So, does that mean that I don't have to hand in a third "application" to extend my visa to a visitor?
Can I just stay as a visitor while they're processing the whole package? Or do I have to take any precautions here?
I know that because of the fact that I forgot to pay the 100$ the whole OWP process will be delayed.

A little bit of clarification regarding the "implied status" and the whole "yes you can stay as a visitor, while it's being processed" situation would be highly appreciated, since I'm actually struggling to understand that.

Thanks a lot,
Kenny