Change closed work permit to open work permit

[Longtooth]

Hello all,

I have been working in Canada since sept 2022 under LMIA, closed work permit. Unfortunately, there has been a mass layoff in our company. Although they are saying its temporary, I have my doubts of being called back soon. My closed work permit expires in 3 months and I am desperately looking for a job. Is it possible to change the closed work permit to an open work permit, so that its easier to look for a new employer? Thank you

 

[Naturgrl]

Hello all,

I have been working in Canada since sept 2022 under LMIA, closed work permit. Unfortunately, there has been a mass layoff in our company. Although they are saying its temporary, I have my doubts of being called back soon. My closed work permit expires in 3 months and I am desperately looking for a job. Is it possible to change the closed work permit to an open work permit, so that its easier to look for a new employer? Thank you

No. You need to find another employer with LMIA to apply for another closed work permit. Are you eligible for PR through EE with Canadian work experience?

 

[Longtooth]

No. You need to find another employer with LMIA to apply for another closed work permit. Are you eligible for PR through EE with Canadian work experience?

Thanks for the reply. I am only eligible for CEC, provided I have a job offer.

 

[scylla]

Hello all,

I have been working in Canada since sept 2022 under LMIA, closed work permit. Unfortunately, there has been a mass layoff in our company. Although they are saying its temporary, I have my doubts of being called back soon. My closed work permit expires in 3 months and I am desperately looking for a job. Is it possible to change the closed work permit to an open work permit, so that its easier to look for a new employer? Thank you

Any chance you've already applied for PR? If so, there may be options for an open work permit.

Otherwise you need to find a new employer who can obtain an approved LMIA so that you can switch to a new closed work permit tied to that specific employer.

 

[Naturgrl]

Thanks for the reply. I am only eligible for CEC, provided I have a job offer.

Only option for open work permit is to get ITA through CEC to apply for Bridging Open Work Permit. If laid off and still have valid work permit, you may be eligible for Employment Insurance until work permit expires.

 

[Longtooth]

Any chance you've already applied for PR? If so, there may be options for an open work permit.

Otherwise you need to find a new employer who can obtain an approved LMIA so that you can switch to a new closed work permit tied to that specific employer.

not yet, probably not eligible unless i get a job offer

 

[scylla]

not yet, probably not eligible unless i get a job offer

You mean not eligible because you don't have sufficient points?

Unfortunately it sounds like an open work permit isn't an option for you at this time.

 

[Longtooth]

You mean not eligible because you don't have sufficient points?

Unfortunately it sounds like an open work permit isn't an option for you at this time.

thats correct, i dont have sufficient points to be eligible. thanks s lot for your reply

 

[Longtooth]

Only option for open work permit is to get ITA through CEC to apply for Bridging Open Work Permit. If laid off and still have valid work permit, you may be eligible for Employment Insurance until work permit expires.

Thanks for your reply. Is it possible to apply for bridging open work permit once i have applied for PR but havent got an invitation yet?

 

[Naturgrl]

Thanks for your reply. Is it possible to apply for bridging open work permit once i have applied for PR but havent got an invitation yet?

No. You need ITA to apply for PR. Submitting a profile is not enought. To get BOWP, you need ITA, apply for PR and get Acknowledgement of Receipt. Once you have AOR, you are eligible.

 

[Longtooth]

No. You need ITA to apply for PR. Submitting a profile is not enought. To get BOWP, you need ITA, apply for PR and get Acknowledgement of Receipt. Once you have AOR, you are eligible.

thank you