Has anyone successfully bridged an IEC working holiday visa?

[seanmheff]

I've heard conflicting information whether you can bridge an IEC.

Has anyone on here done it?

 

[ozlis]

I've heard conflicting information whether you can bridge an IEC.

Has anyone on here done it?

What do you mean by bridge?

IEC work permits are pretty separate from all other work permits - you cannot extend them in any way. As such, they are also do not benefit from implied status if you were to apply for a different permit type.

 

[seanmheff]

I mean, if I apply for an open work permit before my IEC visa expires, can I keep working under implied status.

You say no. Other people say they have done it.

I would really like a definitive answer.

 

[JoacRy]

Hi, don't know if this is the answer you are looking for. I am still on my IEC WP (expiring on 26 June 2016).

I have successfully applied for and Received my overlapping New Work Permit with a 1 year extension.

The other thing is that the only way an IEC Work Permit can be 'bridged' is by applying for another IEC Work Permit (provided the eligibility criteria is met at the time of application).

I hope this helps.

 

[ozlis]

I mean, if I apply for an open work permit before my IEC visa expires, can I keep working under implied status.

You say no. Other people say they have done it.

I would really like a definitive answer.

Unfortunately - that doesn't really exist (certainly not on a forum anyway).

Personally, I've seen a couple of people have issues at the border when they continued to work and went to activate their next permit. There is also one person who had their PR denied at the border as they were deemed to have been working without status. Then of course those that weren't even asked.

Essentially, you will have as many stories for as you will against. If only CIC were clearer on the conditions, it would save a heap of people stress and time.

 

[defintelyguru]

Not sure where the idea comes from that IEC WP cannot get implied status... There are absolutely no restrictions on this in the immigration act !

Those are open work permits, with a specific LMIA-exempt code, under the Mobility program. They are delivered for a specific period, and obey specific requirements of eligibility. Other than that, it follow the same rules as any WP.

So yes, it cannot be extended, that's part of the eligibility criteria. But you can change the conditions of your stay and ask for another work permit, or a study permit, or a visitor visa...
Therefore, if you do so before your WP expire, implied status is applicable, like it would for any WP.

If you should know, I have had implied status for almost 2 months after my so called working holiday visa. My WP application got denied because of LMIA, and I received a letter from CIC stating I only had a valid status until the date of the letter (so not the date of the IEC WP). That letter confirms the implied status.

Though, if you ask for new WP and cross the border, you completely loose the implied status. Meaning if you have worked during the implied status, you have just made yourself an illegal immigrant during that time ! That's probably why some people had issues.
You have to make your application online and remain in Canada until a decision is made.

 

[GoHaPPyCaN]

Yes DefintelyGuru is right.

Implied status applies to IEC applicants as well, the only thing is to send your application for a new work permit before the expiration of your actual permit (30 days before I think).