Can I apply for temporary work visa while PR express entry is pending?

[GuyFromGermany]

I recently started gathering materials for my PR application via express entry under federal skilled worker program but now I realize that this might take 6-9 months. As I would like to work in Canada already at an earlier time as a data scientist, I am considering applying for a temporary work visa to start ASAP.

Can I thus immigrate on the temporary visa and switch over to the PR once the express entry got approved? Or is PR express entry only available to those who remain outside Canada for the entire duration of the express entry application process?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

I recently started gathering materials for my PR application via express entry under federal skilled worker program but now I realize that this might take 6-9 months. As I would like to work in Canada already at an earlier time as a data scientist, I am considering applying for a temporary work visa to start ASAP.

Can I thus immigrate on the temporary visa and switch over to the PR once the express entry got approved? Or is PR express entry only available to those who remain outside Canada for the entire duration of the express entry application process?

You can't immigrate on a work permit. People in Canada can apply for PR through EE.

How exactly do you qualify for a work permit?

 

[GuyFromGermany]

Maybe I should clarify: Let's assume that I applied for a temporary visa with work permit (either open or through an actual job offer). At the same time I also applied for PR through express entry (EE) as a federal skilled worker. Since the processing of temporary visa is 1 month and EE takes 6 months, I would like to immigrate in one month, work for 5 months and as soon as my EE is approved, switch the status from temporary resident to permanent resident. Is this possible? Or do I have to remain abroad until EE is granted and not pursue the temporary visa?

I'm asking because I do not want to jeopardize the PR process and I have read somewhere that switching from temporary visa to PR has much more stringent requirements and takes longer than the federal skilled worker program when applying from abroad.

 

[Maverick28]

Maybe I should clarify: Let's assume that I applied for a temporary visa with work permit (either open or through an actual job offer). At the same time I also applied for PR through express entry (EE) as a federal skilled worker. Since the processing of temporary visa is 1 month and EE takes 6 months, I would like to immigrate in one month, work for 5 months and as soon as my EE is approved, switch the status from temporary resident to permanent resident. Is this possible? Or do I have to remain abroad until EE is granted and not pursue the temporary visa?

I'm asking because I do not want to jeopardize the PR process and I have read somewhere that switching from temporary visa to PR has much more stringent requirements and takes longer than the federal skilled worker program when applying from abroad.

It's called dual intent and you can apply for that.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/visitors/dual-intent-applicants.html

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Maybe I should clarify: Let's assume that I applied for a temporary visa with work permit (either open or through an actual job offer). At the same time I also applied for PR through express entry (EE) as a federal skilled worker. Since the processing of temporary visa is 1 month and EE takes 6 months, I would like to immigrate in one month, work for 5 months and as soon as my EE is approved, switch the status from temporary resident to permanent resident. Is this possible? Or do I have to remain abroad until EE is granted and not pursue the temporary visa?

I'm asking because I do not want to jeopardize the PR process and I have read somewhere that switching from temporary visa to PR has much more stringent requirements and takes longer than the federal skilled worker program when applying from abroad.

No clarification needed. You seem to have some misunderstandings.

If you come to Canada on a work permit, it is not immigration. You will still only have temporary status as a worker. As I already said, you can be in Canada and apply for PR through EE.

I have no idea what you mean about "switching from temporary visa to PR has much more stringent requirements". Whether you are here or outside of Canada, it's the same.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

It's called dual intent and you can apply for that.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/visitors/dual-intent-applicants.html

Dual intent is not something that is actually applied for.

 

[GuyFromGermany]

Many thanks for pointing me to dual intent articles @Maverick28. That's great to know.

@canuck_in_uk Temporary visa is not technically immigration, got it. And thanks for verifying that applying through EE from within Canada is allowed.

Could you also comment on one more thing that confuses me? What I meant with "switching from temporary visa to PR has much more stringent requirements" is the following.

Source here: https://www.visaplace.com/blog-immigration-law/going-from-a-temporary-work-permit-to-permanent-resident-status-in-canada/

"If you are working with a Canadian employer on a temporary work permit and the employer has made you an offer for permanent employment, you may be eligible to apply for your permanent residency under the Federal Skilled Worker Program."

and then
"This process can take up to 12-18 months."

At the same time, I'm reading at canada.ca that EE Federal Skilled Workers program does not require a job offer and takes 6-9 months (if I include the current waiting time for degree evaluation by entities like WES & assume my score gives me an immediate invite).

I was very interested in whether I could apply for open work permit, freelance from within Canada / search for a full-time job, and then a few months later officially "immigrate" and have the same rights as a permanent resident. All this on the same timeline as "Express Entry" described on canada.ca and whatever I do professionally.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Many thanks for pointing me to dual intent articles @Maverick28. That's great to know.

@canuck_in_uk Temporary visa is not technically immigration, got it. And thanks for verifying that applying through EE from within Canada is allowed.

Could you also comment on one more thing that confuses me? What I meant with "switching from temporary visa to PR has much more stringent requirements" is the following.

Source here: https://www.visaplace.com/blog-immigration-law/going-from-a-temporary-work-permit-to-permanent-resident-status-in-canada/

"If you are working with a Canadian employer on a temporary work permit and the employer has made you an offer for permanent employment, you may be eligible to apply for your permanent residency under the Federal Skilled Worker Program."

and then
"This process can take up to 12-18 months."

At the same time, I'm reading at canada.ca that EE Federal Skilled Workers program does not require a job offer and takes 6-9 months (if I include the current waiting time for degree evaluation by entities like WES & assume my score gives me an immediate invite).

I was very interested in whether I could apply for open work permit, freelance from within Canada / search for a full-time job, and then a few months later officially "immigrate" and have the same rights as a permanent resident. All this on the same timeline as "Express Entry" described on canada.ca and whatever I do professionally.

Get your information from IRCC, not visa websites.

I ask again, how do you think you qualify for a work permit? Also, have you checked your CRS yet to see if you qualify for PR?

 

[GuyFromGermany]

I found the answer to my question from a legit source - I will post it here in case somebody is in the same shoes and finds my question on this forum.

Source: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who-permit-result.asp?q1_options=1i&q2_options=2c&q3_options=2c_i

"You've applied for permanent residence under Express Entry
You may be eligible for an open work permit if:

• you’re already working in Canada,
• your work permit is due to expire within four months, and
• you’ve applied for permanent residence under one of the following:
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • Canadian Experience Class
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program
  • Provincial Nominee Program

You may be eligible for a special type of open work permit called a bridging open work permit."

In other words, if someone was invited to apply for permanent residency via EE, you don't need to wait till the case is resolved but can apply for an open work permit to bridge this time (processing time is country-specific, e.g. 6 weeks). It doesn't affect EE processing time and there's professional freedom to search for suitable position (open work permit is "not job-specific" as stated here https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=176&top=17 ).

Cheers!

 

[Copingwithlife]

I found the answer to my question from a legit source - I will post it here in case somebody is in the same shoes and finds my question on this forum.

Source: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who-permit-result.asp?q1_options=1i&q2_options=2c&q3_options=2c_i



In other words, if someone was invited to apply for permanent residency via EE, you don't need to wait till the case is resolved but can apply for an open work permit to bridge this time (processing time is country-specific, e.g. 6 weeks). It doesn't affect EE processing time and there's professional freedom to search for suitable position (open work permit is "not job-specific" as stated here https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=176&top=17 ).

Cheers!

You’ve only highlighted the third bullet , you’ve got to also be under the other two bullets
- be in Canada, working
- your work permit is about to expire
That’s why it’s called a bridging
And as noted , a foreigner getting work authorization, is easier said , then done

 

[canuck_in_uk]

I found the answer to my question from a legit source - I will post it here in case somebody is in the same shoes and finds my question on this forum.

Source: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who-permit-result.asp?q1_options=1i&q2_options=2c&q3_options=2c_i



In other words, if someone was invited to apply for permanent residency via EE, you don't need to wait till the case is resolved but can apply for an open work permit to bridge this time (processing time is country-specific, e.g. 6 weeks). It doesn't affect EE processing time and there's professional freedom to search for suitable position (open work permit is "not job-specific" as stated here https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=176&top=17 ).

Cheers!

As said above, this doesn't apply to you. You need to already be in Canada with a work permit due to expire within 4 months and have AOR from a PR app in order to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit.

You seem to be trying to find information to support what you want. Doesn't quite work like that.

 

[GuyFromGermany]

@Copingwithlife thanks for pointing this out. I just realized this wasn't either/or kind of bulletpoint when combing through more links...

To sum up, the only option to solve my issue is to a) find employment, b) apply for temporary residence, c) apply for express entry.

And to my question, (b) does not affect the processing time of (c) and once (c) is approved, I would be free to change jobs.

And nobody says things are easy but when you take a leap and decide to move countries or even continents, it is unwise to not consider all options. So thank you all for your helpful feedback.

And @canuck_in_uk, as much as I appreciate your input, I don't like your tone.

Cheers
actually a gal from somewhere else in Europe than Germany

 

[canuck_in_uk]

@Copingwithlife thanks for pointing this out. I just realized this wasn't either/or kind of bulletpoint when combing through more links...

To sum up, the only option to solve my issue is to a) find employment, b) apply for temporary residence, c) apply for express entry.

And to my question, (b) does not affect the processing time of (c) and once (c) is approved, I would be free to change jobs.

And nobody says things are easy but when you take a leap and decide to move countries or even continents, it is unwise to not consider all options. So thank you all for your helpful feedback.

And @canuck_in_uk, as much as I appreciate your input, I don't like your tone.

Cheers
actually a gal from somewhere else in Europe than Germany

I provide information and don't sugarcoat. Tone is subjective. It really does not appear that you have done much research into this.

Also, your solution to solve your issue is not realistic. It is next to impossible to find a job from outside of Canada in order to apply for a work permit, as an employer needs a positive LMIA in order to hire you. If you want to move to Canada, focus on qualifying to immigrate.

 

[GuyFromGermany]

It really does not appear that you have done much research into this.

Neither did you apparently, as my questions were pretty clear and you struggled to provide simple answers. And guys with no people skills should not be facing customers.

I also never asked you to evaluate my skills. If you struggled to get a job, it doesn't mean I will.

On that note, I will summarize my questions and answers.

• Can I apply for temporary work visa while PR express entry is pending?

yes

• Can I thus immigrate on the temporary visa and switch over to the PR once the express entry got approved?

you can live and work on the temporary visa and switch over to the PR once the express entry got approved.

• Or is PR express entry only available to those who remain outside Canada for the entire duration of the express entry application process?

no, people residing in Canada can also apply for EE. Same processing time, same rules.


The thread can be closed. Thank you.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Neither did you apparently, as my questions were pretty clear and you struggled to provide simple answers. And guys with no people skills should not be facing customers.

I also never asked you to evaluate my skills. If you struggled to get a job, it doesn't mean I will.

On that note, I will summarize my questions and answers.

• Can I apply for temporary work visa while PR express entry is pending?

yes

• Can I thus immigrate on the temporary visa and switch over to the PR once the express entry got approved?

you can live and work on the temporary visa and switch over to the PR once the express entry got approved.

• Or is PR express entry only available to those who remain outside Canada for the entire duration of the express entry application process?

no, people residing in Canada can also apply for EE. Same processing time, same rules.


The thread can be closed. Thank you.

I did not struggle. I clearly stated that you can apply for PR while in Canada. Again, coming to Canada on a work permit is not immigrating.

Customers? Are you paying me? No. This is a public forum with advice provided by people for free in their own time. No one here is paid.