Bridging Open Work Permit

[orla88]

Hi guys,

Hopefully someone on here can help me.

I've been working in Canada under the Working/Holiday initiative for two years and have applied for PR under Canadian Experience Class from within Canada.

Since applying, I've had to come home to the UK because my current visa expired. I am trying to find out if I can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit from outside Canada and if not, can I enter as a visitor and apply then? If I can do that, how long on average does a Bridging Open Work Permit take to process?

I understand it takes around 13 months to process a PR application, but I would love to find a way to return to Canada before then, because I have a job there already.

Thanks in advance for any info. The websites are just not answering my questions right now!

 

[scylla]

You only qualify to apply for the Bridging Open Work Permit if you still hold a valid work permit. If your work permit has expired, then unfortunately you don't qualify to apply for a BOWP. If your employer wants you to work while you wait for the CEC application to be process, the employer will have to obtain an approved LMIA and then you will have to apply for a closed work permit.

 

[orla88]

Thankyou for your response.

Do you know how long it takes, typically, for a closed work permit to be processed?
And is it expensive for the employer to apply for an LMIA?

 

[scylla]

The LMIA process is long and expensive. The employer will first have to advertise the job for at least a month to prove no Canadian could be found for the role. Once this is done, they will submit the application along with a $1,000 fee. Processing times for LMIAs are anywhere from 6-20 weeks. If / when the LMIA is approved, you could then obtain a work permit right at the border (as you enter Canada) since you hold a visa exempt passport.

 

[orla88]

Stressful!!!

Thankyou for your help.