Changing work while PNP is under way

[TomTom]

Pls shed some light and correct me if I am wrong.

I understand that applying for permanent residence requires a lot of patience but sometimes, job opportunities require you to move fast. I am already settled in BC under an open work permit (my spouse is having the specific employer work permit) and we underwent medical exams on Jan 18th, our application is in Seattle since Jan 22th. So here I go

- Next step, if everything goes well, is the passport request. Does that mean that I will have to send my passport to Seattle and wait (quite a while according to some) without having on me my travel document which would interfere with my freedom of movement or proof of my right to work in BC?

- Has anyone with a restricted work permit change work while PNP application is in process. I understand the PNP nomination would have to be "reconsidered" but who would denied a 3-figure-salary in a better location and more responsibilities ?

Merci

 

[Leon]

Make copies of your passport before you send it away. That way you will at least have something to show if somebody asks. Giving up your freedom of movement for a very short time is a minor inconvenience to get the PR, don't you think?

You can discuss your (wifes?) potential job change with the BC PNP but from what I've heard, both BC and Alberta will cancel your PNP nomination if they hear that you are no longer working for the employer who sponsored you. You can take the chance that they don't find out and risk your PR or you can talk to the new employer and see if he will wait.

 

[TomTom]

The BC PNP contact we talked to said it "would be reconsidered" without giving more details. But honestly why should it matter? I would stay in BC and participate to its economic development the same way (probably better due to the increase of income), and in the same area of expertise.

We should have applied through the Canada Experience Class, looks like it goes much faster !

 

[Leon]

It matters because under PNP, you are being sponsored by your employer. If you are no longer working for that employer, of course the sponsorship part doesn't hold anymore. If you have a new employer, they would want to know if this employer is also offering to sponsor you so therefore your processing would start all over again. If it is your wife who is the primary applicant on her fixed work permit and she's not changing employers, she's still with the employer who sponsored her but you are changing employers on your open work permit, it might not matter to PNP at all. Ask them.

As for CEC, yes it's faster and it's not dependent on where you work at all so that's what you should have done. However, since your PNP is almost there, might as well stick with it.

 

[TomTom]

Patience is rewarding !
Got my PR and was glad to cheer for Team Canada during the Olympics !
No need for me to worry about changing job and ruining my PNP
What a relief it is ! May you all live this exiting moment !