Clergy Permit Expiring - What are my options?

[Hokyfan]

My wife and I moved from the United States to Canada about 2.5 years ago on a clergy permit which I obtained through the church I am working for here in Canada. The permit was issued for 3 years and expires in May of 2019. My wife was issued a work permit tied to my clergy permit and her permit will also expire in May of 2019. We would like to remain in Canada but the church will likely not renew the offer and so both of our permits will expire.
What is our best option to remain in Canada and are we eligible to apply for permanent residence? Can we apply for open work permits?

Thank you

 

[scylla]

You don't qualify for open work permits at this time. If you want to stay in Canada longer as temporary workers, you would need to find a new employer and that employer would potentially have to go through the LMIA process before one of you can apply for a new closed work permit. The other spouse could then apply for an open work permit.

For PR, you will need to dedicate time to researching Canada's immigration program to determine what it takes to qualify and how to apply. I would recommend that you start by researching the Express Entry program. This is a points based program and those with the most points are selected. You would need to score 440+ points to be selected out of the pool. Further details in the links below:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/works.html

 

[Hokyfan]

If I have a potential job offer with a new employer, what are the chances of getting a positive LMAI? A relative here said they would be willing to hire me if I took care of all the paperwork. I was told that it would be unlikely to succeed because they could theoretically hire someone who is already a Canadian citizen.

 

[scylla]

If I have a potential job offer with a new employer, what are the chances of getting a positive LMAI? A relative here said they would be willing to hire me if I took care of all the paperwork. I was told that it would be unlikely to succeed because they could theoretically hire someone who is already a Canadian citizen.

We can't tell you what the chances based on the limited information you've provided. It depends on a number of factors including what job it is, where it's located, market conditions for that occupation, etc.

You cannot take care of the paperwork. Your employer is the one who must apply for the LMIA. As part of this, the employer must advertise the job on at least three approved job sites to prove no Canadian could be found for the role and the job has to be posted for at least a month. The LMIA application then has to be submitted for processing. Processing times are typically around 3-4 months with no guarantee of approval.