I have an expired work permit can I reactivated?

[DesignerAnimator]

Hello,

I lived in Canada for 6 years and got a work permit for 3 years after graduating from my Animation Program in 2009 in Toronto. Unfurtunately, the recession had just happened. I tried to find a job in my field for a year but, due to it, this process was impossible to do so.

At the end of that year, I got a job in my filed in the country I born. It´s being four yeas that I´m work at the same company. Meanwhile, I have being applying for job back in Canada. I did get a great feedback about my work and a couple studios were saying that they were happy to offer me a job as long as I get a valide work permit for that to happen. Also, my family who are citizens of Canada have invited me back to their home.

My question is: could reactivate the other 2 years of my work permit to obtain a officail job offer? Or could I talk to someone about other options?

Thank you for your time.

Best regards.

 

[scylla]

No - you can't reactivate the 2 remaining years of your old work permit. It's use it or lose it.

Your intended employer in Canada will have to obtain an approved LMIA (including advertising the job to prove no Canadian could be found for the role). With an approved LMIA and a full time job offer in Canada, you will be able to apply for a closed work permit tied to that specific employer. So you will need to find someone who is willing to help you get a valid work permit.

Depending where you are from and your age, you may also qualify for a working holiday visa which would give you the opportunity to work in Canada for a year to two years for any employer you wish without going through the LMIA process. Google your country and "Canada IEC".

 

[DesignerAnimator]

Hello,

That´s a bummer but thank you for answering it anyways. I appreciate it.

Also, thank you for mentioning the working holiday visa. I didn´t know it existed. I´ll look in to it and I´ll inform my potential employers.

Have a nice week.

Regards.