I am a dependant. Can I extend my Open Work Permit?

[ptps]

I am having trouble finding out about this. Would someone be able to help me please?

- I came here as a dependant with an Open Work Permit on my common-law's Study Visa.
- Both our permits/visas expire August 2014.
- I am currently in Canada and have been employed for a little over a full year, and my company is looking to retain me as their employee.

1) Am I able to apply for the maximum 4-year extension on my open work permit?
2) If my partner's visa is cancelled, does that automatically cancel my work permit as well, since I am her dependant?
3) Am I able to apply for PR while on my Open Work Permit, extended or not?

Please and thank you!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

1) You cannot extend your OWP beyond the date of your partner's permit, as your status is entirely dependent on her status.
2) Your OWP is valid until it's expiry date.
3) If you qualify for PR, you can apply whenever you want.

Some possible options:

- If your job is NOC A, B or 0 and you've been there for over a year, you can apply for PR under the Canadian Experience Class. If you receive a positive eligibility decision on your CEC app before your current OWP expires, you could apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit that would allow you to continue working throughout the processing.

- Your employer can apply for an LMO. If it's positive, you can apply for a closed work permit.

- If your partner gets a Post Grad Work Permit and is able to find a skilled job that is NOC A, B or 0, you could apply for another OWP based on that.

 

[ptps]

Thank you so much, canuck_in_uk. That clears up a lot of questions I had.

It looks like I fit into Skill Level C (1411 General office support workers). Does that mean I have no chance of applying for PR?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Thank you so much, canuck_in_uk. That clears up a lot of questions I had.

It looks like I fit into Skill Level C (1411 General office support workers). Does that mean I have no chance of applying for PR?

NOC C doesn't qualify you to apply for CEC. You can have a look at the different Provincial Nomination Programs but there really aren't that many options for unskilled workers.

You'll need to try another route. If your partner can get the PGWP and you can get an OWP, try to go for a skilled job so that you can qualify for CEC.

 

[ptps]

Thank you very much.