Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) - Sept, 2014 applicant

[ravsept]

Hi all,

I hope you all are doing well. I am new to this forum and I have a few questions. I have applied under the CEC class on Sept, 2014 (1st line on my CIC account). Received my AOR (processing of application also began around this time) on Feb 1st week, 2015 (2nd line on my CIC account).

Ques 1: My work permit is going to expire June, 2016 and I was wondering if I needed any kind of approval (Medical request, RRPF) from the CIC before they start processing my BOWP. What happens if my work permit expires before I get any kind of approval from the CIC?
Ques 2: What kind of documents should I request to see which stage my application is at?
Ques 3: My current lawyer is asking for a $150 fee for the BOWP application (in addition to govt. fee of $250) and my brothers lawyer is asking for $850 in addition to the govt. fees. Can anyone tell me if this a rip off? My brother's lawyer are definitely a bigger firm but the difference is huge. Is there anything this new lawyer can do that will help me which my current lawyer can't. Below is a description of an email she sent me of the services they will offer if I decide to switch lawyers
Services ($500 for transfer of my case to them): This will cover a request for CAIPS notes, a status inquiry to CIC, communication with CIC for any requests for medicals, updated documents, etc., and providing guidance to you with regards to any issues that may arise until your application is in process.

Looking forward on some feedback as I have no idea whether I should stay with my current lawyer or whether my BOWP will be affected if I don't have any approval from CIC. Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[sf1234]

Answer 1:
You can apply for BOWP when there is minimum 4 months remaining on your current work permit. I guess for your case you can apply in March 2016.
Answer 2:
You can apply for GCMS notes to see what stage your application is at (they are free). https://atip-aiprp.apps.gc.ca/atip/welcome.do
Answer 3:
$850 sounds like a big rip off. BOWP applications are really not that hard to do yourself. Here is a thread that covers all the tips and tricks: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/tips-for-a-successful-bowp-application-t147650.810.html
Stay with your $150 lawyer. CIC will not approve your BOWP until your eligibility is set to passed in their internal system. You will be considered as implied status until you get a decision on your new BOWP application. You can continue working in implied status, but your health card will probably expire and you wont be able to get a new one until you get the new BOWP.
For me, my BOWP was approved as soon as I received medical request for my August 2014 CEC PR application.

Hope this helps.

 

[ravsept]

@sf1234, thank you so much for your prompt response and guidance!

 

[marmaht]

Good morning!
I am finishing to apply for my BOWP (I'm an October 2014 applicant, visa expired in April). I am so scared to make a mistake that I prefer to ask for your advice...
- I am still in Canada and wanted to know if I have to fill the IMM5257 form, as I am applying from within Canada...? I guess I shouldn't, but wanted to double check

Thanks a lot for your input! I am just really nervous about these whole PR and BOWP applications...

 

[sf1234]

Good morning!
I am finishing to apply for my BOWP (I'm an October 2014 applicant, visa expired in April). I am so scared to make a mistake that I prefer to ask for your advice...
- I am still in Canada and wanted to know if I have to fill the IMM5257 form, as I am applying from within Canada...? I guess I shouldn't, but wanted to double check

Thanks a lot for your input! I am just really nervous about these whole PR and BOWP applications...

IMM5257 form is for Temporary Resident Visa. This does not have to filled up if you are applying for BOWP only. This form is only needed after you receive your work permit and you want to apply for TRV. TRV is the actual visa glued to your passport. It is only needed if you plan on visiting somewhere and need to get back in Canada. If you are going to be living in Canada until you get your PR, you dont need to apply for this.

 

[Rouble]

hey guys,

Q1.Which option should i select in form imm5710E for this

I am applying for one or more of the following:

A. A work permit with the same employer
B. An initial work permit or work permit with a new employer
C.Restoration of status as worker
D. Temporary resident permit

I know that it cannot be A. I have an open work permit and i want to apply for bridging before it gets expired. So which one should i select?

Q2. Should i mention my current employer details or not? The reason i am asking is because i changed my job after applying for PR under CEC and i didn't inform CIC about it. So, please guide me what should i do in this situation?

Q3. Under Employment details should i also mention about my current job position that CIC doesn't knows about because i didn't inform them after changing my job. I just don't know what to do please help me in this situation.