I am from New Zealand, currently working in Canada under the IEC. I am trying to figure out if I can apply for a work permit, or extend my current one. I don't work in any of the required areas for a PNP or whatever it's called. A year isn't long enough in Vancouver! I want to stay longer. What options do I have? I've only been here for a month and have a sales job.
I want to stay longer
- Thread starter SarahRose
- Start date
The longest you could stay in Canada under IEC is 2 years. Unfortunately you are not allowed to extend your IEC visa since it is not permitted by the Canadian authorities. However, depending on your country of origin, you may check whether you can participate in IEC more than once. For more information on that matter read THIS.
If you qualify for another IEC term just reapply for it.
If you qualify for another IEC term just reapply for it.
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IEC NZ restricts it to one participation.
The only way for you to get a work permit is for your employer obtain a positive LMIA, Labour Market Impact Assessment. With a positive LMIA, you could apply for a closed work permit. However, this is now very difficult to do now and costs the employer $1000 just to apply.
You could apply to extend your stay and change your status to visitor in order to stay in Canada longer, though you couldn't work.
The only way for you to get a work permit is for your employer obtain a positive LMIA, Labour Market Impact Assessment. With a positive LMIA, you could apply for a closed work permit. However, this is now very difficult to do now and costs the employer $1000 just to apply.
You could apply to extend your stay and change your status to visitor in order to stay in Canada longer, though you couldn't work.