Hey, I am an American student studying at McGill. I am finishing up my classes this semester and should be receiving my final grades in mid-April. I have received a verbal employment offer from a Canadian employer; however, they have stated that they are not willing to give me a written job offer until I either receive a work permit, or until I have confirmation that I would be eligible to stay and work in Canada with a NAFTA work permit. I would like to, if possible, expedite the process of getting a work permit as I worry that the employer may decide to hire another candidate if the process takes too long. My questions are:
1a. Am I eligible to apply for a NAFTA work permit instead of a PGWP assuming that the job meets one of the professions covered by NAFTA?
1b. If so, assuming that I convince the employer to give me a written job offer, can I receive a NAFTA work permit prior to graduation and from within Canada?
2. Would it be more difficult to obtain permanent residency or extend my work visa under NAFTA vs. a PGWP?
3. Is there any way to obtain a conditional PGWP, meaning that the government would offer a work permit prior to graduation which is conditional upon meeting graduation requirements?
1a. Am I eligible to apply for a NAFTA work permit instead of a PGWP assuming that the job meets one of the professions covered by NAFTA?
1b. If so, assuming that I convince the employer to give me a written job offer, can I receive a NAFTA work permit prior to graduation and from within Canada?
2. Would it be more difficult to obtain permanent residency or extend my work visa under NAFTA vs. a PGWP?
3. Is there any way to obtain a conditional PGWP, meaning that the government would offer a work permit prior to graduation which is conditional upon meeting graduation requirements?