Bridging Visa on Student Work Visa

[Sarantos]

Hi all,

I will be applying for my PR (CEC) in February. I got a student and work visa which is due to expire in March. Can I get a bridging visa on this student work visa until I get a response on my PR application?

Am I eligible to work the moment I submit my bridging visa?

any information would be appreciated.

 

[scylla]

It sounds like you will be setting up an Express Entry profile in February and then hoping you are selected (receive ITA). If that's the case, you cannot apply for a bridging open work permit until you have received ITA and have formally submitted your application. So if your work permit expires in March, it's quite possible you will not qualify for an OWP by then and will have to convert your status to visitor and stop working.

 

[Sarantos]

Do you think it's possible to get a work permit extension based on the fact I don't have enough time to apply for my PR? If I do apply for a work extension on that date does that not put me on implied status and once I get my ITA I can then pursue bridging visa?

I'm doing my English exam next week so I'm hoping with sufficient points it will get me into the 420-450 point area.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Do you think it's possible to get a work permit extension based on the fact I don't have enough time to apply for my PR? If I do apply for a work extension on that date does that not put me on implied status and once I get my ITA I can then pursue bridging visa?

I'm doing my English exam next week so I'm hoping with sufficient points it will get me into the 420-450 point area.

No, you can't get a work permit just because you are running out of time.

No, it does not grant you Implied Status because you don't qualify for an extension and will therefore be submitting an incomplete app. If you do this and continue working, you will be working illegally.

Which permit do you hold, a study permit or a work permit?

 

[Sarantos]

Holding both at the moment.. Both expire on the 15th of March 2018.

I'm uploading my transcript from College February 15th for my PR.
I'm also be applying for my PGWP on the 15th also. I don't know if I can continue working while I wait for a response on my PGWP if my work permit expires on the 15th.

 

[Sarantos]

"I'm uploading my transcript from College February 15th for my PR." that's of course if I get my ITA within that time.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Holding both at the moment.. Both expire on the 15th of March 2018.

I'm uploading my transcript from College February 15th for my PR.
I'm also be applying for my PGWP on the 15th also. I don't know if I can continue working while I wait for a response on my PGWP if my work permit expires on the 15th.

I remember you now.

When does your course actually finish? Have you verified that your private college program meets the requirements for a PGWP?

 

[Sarantos]

Course finishes end of January. But won't get my transcript until the 15th of February.

Well I spoke with the immigration counselor in the college and she advised me that immigration have been reaching out to all private colleges advising that they can't guarantee PGWP.But she told me the last student got their PGWP in November from that college. So right now it seems like it comes down to the actual immigration officer.

My issue right now is I need to work until I get my response on my PR.
Doesn't make sense for me to go back Ireland for 4-6 months and wait until I get an answer. Any suggestions?

I'm hoping the officer takes into consideration I've been working 2 years.
I was thinking of writing a letter indicating my situation and attach it to my PGWP profile indicating I need time until I get my PR.
Not sure if that will be of any help.

 

[scylla]

I'm hoping the officer takes into consideration I've been working 2 years.
I was thinking of writing a letter indicating my situation and attach it to my PGWP profile indicating I need time until I get my PR.
Not sure if that will be of any help.

Don't bother - it won't help. Officer won't care that you are applying for PR or that you've been working for 2 years. All that matters is if you have attended a school that qualifies you for a PGWP. We've been seeing more and more refusals here lately - and it appears CIC is now fairly consistently applying this rule. If your school has received a call letting them know they cannot guarantee a PGWP - then you should assume you're going to be refused and ensure you have a plan B.

 

[Sarantos]

That's right I am assuming it's going to be refused.
That's what I'm concerned about now. I don't know what my Plan B is. Bridging visa seems to be not an option I'm not sure if there is any other option I can apply for until I get my PR.

But If I get my ITA before my expiry of my visa does that mean I can apply for bridging visa?

 

[Sarantos]

Also is there any way I can book an appointment with a Immigration officer to discuss with them?

 

[scylla]

Also is there any way I can book an appointment with a Immigration officer to discuss with them?

No - definitely not possible.

If you want advice on your application - then you would either need to hire an immigration lawyer or a consultant to assist you.

 

[Sarantos]

Any recommended Immigration Lawyers? I had a bad experience with the last one that gave me false information.

 

[scylla]

But If I get my ITA before my expiry of my visa does that mean I can apply for bridging visa?

No - it doesn't. Receiving ITA isn't enough to qualify for a BOWP. You would need to receive ITA, submit your complete PR application and receive confirmation from CIC that it's been accepted before you'll qualify for a BOWP. Additionally, your work permit must still be valid at the time you apply for the BOWP.

 

[scylla]

Any recommended Immigration Lawyers? I had a bad experience with the last one that gave me false information.

I don't. I've never used one myself. However others here might.