Expiring post graduate work permit- Help please

[Khokodile]

Hi guys,

Heres the situation:

I was issued a 1 year post grad work permit which is expiring in October 2015, I just completed an internship and I am actively and desperately looking for a job in the web development field. I was wondering..

1) What's the process to have my work permit extended? I'm guessing this is only possible if i were to get a job AND have an employer willing to apply for LMIA for me? Does the LMIA apply even though I am on the post grad work permit? Is it any easier on the employer to help in extending my work permit as a PGWP holder? I keep reading conflicting information so I'm little confused.

2) Realistically what are the chances of a smaller company being able to help in the extension of my work permit? And how much trouble(and cost) is it actually for a company to retain me and help in the extension should I find a job.

3) I'm guessing if I do not find a job/company willing to apply for a LMIA/help in the extension theres no other way for me to stay?

Any input is appreciated, thanks a lot for the time guys!

S.

 

[mahendraaaaa]

I feel your pain. But unfortunately, your case is even more depressing. Yes, you need a company that already has an LMIA.

There are a couple of things you can check that might help you though:
1. Why were you given only 1-year work permit? If you were supposed to get more than a year (for example, your passport expires this year), you can ask for an extension after you renew your passport.
2. You already applied for a permanent residency and received an AOR. This case, you can request an extension by showing the AOR to the immigration.

 

[Khokodile]

I feel your pain. But unfortunately, your case is even more depressing. Yes, you need a company that already has an LMIA.

There are a couple of things you can check that might help you though:
1. Why were you given only 1-year work permit? If you were supposed to get more than a year (for example, your passport expires this year), you can ask for an extension after you renew your passport.
2. You already applied for a permanent residency and received an AOR. This case, you can request an extension by showing the AOR to the immigration.

Thanks for the reply Mahendra. The situation described is for my girlfriend actually.

She completed a 4 year undergraduate program and started another 1.5 year diploma program after. She then applied for a post grad work permit and was only given 1 year I guess based on the 1.5 year diploma program and since it had already been 2 years since she graduated from the earlier 4 year undergraduate degree. Most of our friends who applied for the work permit after their 4 year undergrad were given a 3 year work permit. Really unfortunate. If you do know of a way out of this pickle please let me know.

I appreciate the help!

Thank you again.

S

 

[mahendraaaaa]

I don't know any more ways with that case.

Anyway, I am just wondering why she only got 1 year. I did a 1.5-year diploma program as well but I got 3-year work permit. Check again her passport and visa expiry date. Have you tried calling the immigration to ask why she only got 1.5 years?

 

[Khokodile]

I don't know any more ways with that case.

Anyway, I am just wondering why she only got 1 year. I did a 1.5-year diploma program as well but I got 3-year work permit. Check again her passport and visa expiry date. Have you tried calling the immigration to ask why she only got 1.5 years?

I have no clue, her passport expires in 2018, she should have called as soon as she got the 1 year WP to ask. I'll get her to do it asap. Thanks again.

 

[arjy2405]

I am not sure if this helps but you can also consider checking out - ontarioimmigration.ca/en/pnp/OI_PNPSTUDENTS_MASTERS.html - the Provincial Nominee Program route. You would go into Implied status till a decision is made and then get a bridging permit to increase the validity of the work permit after the decision. All the best.