here on work permit trying to get a open work permit. is it possible? and how?

[damxspam]

Hello everybody,

So I'm here on a work permit till Nov 2014 that a company sponsored. Now I want to quit this company and try to work at other places. I was wondering if it's possible to get an open work permit so I may stay in Canada longer. And does applying for PR help? how do I bridge it over? and how long does a open work permit last??
I'm new to the whole work visa thing, so details like spelled out abbreviations would be great!
Thanks forum!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Hello everybody,

So I'm here on a work permit till Nov 2014 that a company sponsored. Now I want to quit this company and try to work at other places. I was wondering if it's possible to get an open work permit so I may stay in Canada longer. And does applying for PR help? how do I bridge it over? and how long does a open work permit last??
I'm new to the whole work visa thing, so details like spelled out abbreviations would be great!
Thanks forum!

Hi

From what you've said, you do not qualify for an Open Work Permit. OWPs are only given in certain situations, as shown here http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=177&t=17.

If you apply for PR under an economic stream such as CEC or FSW and you meet certain other requirements, you would be able to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2012/ob485.asp

 

[damxspam]

thank you canuck in uk!
I'm a computer graphic artist from the states with several years of exp. and have been working here since nov 2013, with the work permit ending nov 2014. Only having been working and living here for a couple of months, would I qualify for PR? and be one step closer to BOWP??

 

[canuck_in_uk]

thank you canuck in uk!
I'm a computer graphic artist from the states with several years of exp. and have been working here since nov 2013, with the work permit ending nov 2014. Only having been working and living here for a couple of months, would I qualify for PR? and be one step closer to BOWP??

No, a few months working in Canada does not qualify you for PR. You will need a permanent full-time job offer in order to apply.

You should look into the Federal Skilled Worker stream and, depending on your province, the Provincial Nomination Program.