Extending post-grad work permit while waiting for PR

[future_canuck]

Hi folks,

I've been on a 3 year post grad work permit since July 2009. My PR application was received in Buffalo on July 11th and I was hoping to get my PR before my work permit expires on July 29th 2012. The estimated processing time on the CIC website showed 11 months at the time so I wasn't worried about timing.

Now it says 14 months so I'm gonna have to think about some contingency plans.

I've read on this forum that extending the post grad work permit cannot be done without an LMO. I don't think my company is willing to do that for cost reasons but I will definitely push for it if it's really necessary.

Here are my questions:

Would I have implied status because I applied for PR and can I continue to work if I don't receive my PR by the work permit's expiry date?

Is it absolutely necessary to get an LMO? How solid is this info? If yes how should I go about asking my employer to do that?

Thanks in advance.

 

[yafayu]

No you can't extend your post-grad work permit. What i did was apply for visitor visa and i waited another few months for my PR to come....during the period i couldn't do anything...but if your boss is willing to let you work without the work permit and pay you cash.... ;D you know what i mean..

By the way, i applied visitor visa on CIC website, it took me about 2 months to come

 

[scylla]

Is it absolutely necessary to get an LMO? How solid is this info? If yes how should I go about asking my employer to do that?

Yes - you need an LMO and a new work permit if you wish to continue working legally.

You could direct your employer to the following page which provides an overview of LMOs:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/employers/lmo-basics.asp

 

[jes_ON]

Hi folks,

I've read on this forum that extending the post grad work permit cannot be done without an LMO. I don't think my company is willing to do that for cost reasons but I will definitely push for it if it's really necessary.

The LMO does not cost a dime.


Would I have implied status because I applied for PR and can I continue to work if I don't receive my PR by the work permit's expiry date?

No. Application for PR gives you no status or privileges in Canada.

Is it absolutely necessary to get an LMO?

Yes, it is necessary to get an LMO to apply for a new work permit. The "info" Because you were originally hired on a PGWP, your employer does NOT have to show recruitment efforts, so the LMO application is much easier in your case than for most of us. Your employer DOES have to indicate that they intend to hire you permanently.

How solid is this info?

It is good not to believe everything you read on this forum, so that should motivate you to do your own homework. You can read all about it here:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/extend-worker.asp

If yes how should I go about asking my employer to do that?

If your permit expires in July 2012 you should ask your employer to apply for the LMO in April 2012.

Surely your employer knows you have applied for PR. You simply let them know that you don't know if your application will be approved by the end of your work permit; if it is not, you would need a new work permit to be able to continue to work. To get a new work permit, s/he (the employer) has to first get a positive labour market opinion (LMO), but it doesn't cost anything, they just have to submit the application.

You can give them this link:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/intstugrad.shtml