INLAND APPLICATIONS 2010

[Love_Young]

Glad all of you could better help chau01. Also, very nice to see new members coming in. Welcome inlandhelp and couver! Hope you feel at home and receive the help you need. If you both could give me the data on your application such as the date it was received, when it started processing, the day you got AIP, when you are landing, and what city. That would be great and I will add you to the chart. Just give the information that applies to you.

Hey Teriskier, yes e-Cas updates on the weekend. I once got one on Sunday before.

 

[wes786]

Does anybody know if ECAS updates over the weekend?

They get updated every Tuesdays apparently, so I heard.

 

[Love_Young]

They get updated every Tuesdays apparently, so I heard.

It is supposed to and it does happen a lot on those days but it can happen on any day of the week. None of my updates were on a Tuesday. It just happens to notify you two days AFTER they make an update so whatever day that falls on is what it falls on, if its a Tuesday it is probably just coincidence. That is probably their intended guideline but from experience, it can be any day of the week.

 

[Jurjen]

1. Can I expect to receive an open work permit as a result of my PGWP application (it was in the same envelope as the PR app)?

What's a PGWP? If you applied for an OWP with your PR application, there's a fair chance it'll be processed and issued in August.

2. If I do get the OWP before Aug, and if I do go to the states for a few weeks, will the OWP be made null and void?

I can't see why.

3. Are first-stage approval OWP's typically multiple-entry if you are from a visa-exempt country?

Yes! (Even if it's written on your work permit that it isn't multi-entry. But always check!)

4. Would it be normal for a border guard to allow me in to Canada, assuming no criminal record, with just a passport and no OWP if I said I had PR pending (August is cutting it close to even have my AIP).

Showing up at the border like that means that you will be applying for entry as a tourist. Even though a lot of border officers understand your situation and let you in just like that, I've read reports of people that really needed to show proof of still having ties with their country of origin, like having a home and job there. If you leave before the OWP arrives, it'll probably arrive during your visit. If your spouse is staying in Canada, (s)he might send it to you by express mail?

5. Am I stupid to go back to the US for a visit before my PR is official? (I know this has been answered for others, but if you see any nuances of my situation that would change that answer....)

It's very understandable that you want to go back for a visit. The safest option is to go back once you receive the OWP, or at least to re-enter Canada with the OWP. Even without, there's a fair chance that they let you back in, especially if the OWP is waiting for you in your mailbox. Just don't be unlucky with your immigration officer at the border (in the worst case see if you can get a second opinion??)

Good luck!



To anyone else: mail will most likely be resuming on Monday!!!

 

[ditta]

I agree with Jurjen at all points. PGWP is a post graduation work permit, which is an open type of WP. You should have sent the PGWP extension separately from the PR application- as it is processed separately in Vegreville. You can only include an OWP application in it, which will be granted to you once you receive first stage approval. In your place I would call the call centre and ask whether your extension application is in a right place and they see it in the system. My other concern is that I thought a PGWP cannot be extended. I`m not sure...
If you leave the country and re-enter take a copy of your PR application with you, as well as the receipt of the fees.
I would wait until you receive at least an OWP to leave.

What's a PGWP? If you applied for an OWP with your PR application, there's a fair chance it'll be processed and issued in August.I can't see why.Yes! (Even if it's written on your work permit that it isn't multi-entry. But always check!)Showing up at the border like that means that you will be applying for entry as a tourist. Even though a lot of border officers understand your situation and let you in just like that, I've read reports of people that really needed to show proof of still having ties with their country of origin, like having a home and job there. If you leave before the OWP arrives, it'll probably arrive during your visit. If your spouse is staying in Canada, (s)he might send it to you by express mail?It's very understandable that you want to go back for a visit. The safest option is to go back once you receive the OWP, or at least to re-enter Canada with the OWP. Even without, there's a fair chance that they let you back in, especially if the OWP is waiting for you in your mailbox. Just don't be unlucky with your immigration officer at the border (in the worst case see if you can get a second opinion??)

Good luck!



To anyone else: mail will most likely be resuming on Monday!!!

 

[couver]

Thanks Jurjen and Ditta,
I'll call on Monday and ask about my application. I checked the box to extend the conditions of my visa, on grounds that I was applying for PR. I never applied for a separate OWP though - just an extension of my post-grad that I included with my PR application. I guess I was/am confused on that point. In any case, I think I still have implied status if my permit extension is pending. Hopefully they will see that I included the post grad work permit extension application with my PR forms and grant me an OWP from that. Technically, I think my only mistake was that I checked the "extend/change conditions" box instead of the "initial permit" box. The form is no different. It sounds like those bureaucrats are fairly law-and-order though, so I'm not going to count on it.
The other thing that I can't figure out is that on the cic website, they say the processing time for first-stage approval is 9-10 months, but the time for full approval is around 9 months. Is that an additional 9 months, or are they saying that the full PR process could take 9 months total right now? I noticed that they say they are processing Sept. 7th right now. Maybe some people who applied in August/Sept. 2010 could shed some light on this?
Thanks again for the advice

 

[chau01]

Hi,

Can someone from non visa exempt country Leave the Canada and re-enter on OWP while the PR is in process?

 

[pptk703]

Thanks Jurjen and Ditta,
I'll call on Monday and ask about my application. I checked the box to extend the conditions of my visa, on grounds that I was applying for PR. I never applied for a separate OWP though - just an extension of my post-grad that I included with my PR application. I guess I was/am confused on that point. In any case, I think I still have implied status if my permit extension is pending. Hopefully they will see that I included the post grad work permit extension application with my PR forms and grant me an OWP from that. Technically, I think my only mistake was that I checked the "extend/change conditions" box instead of the "initial permit" box. The form is no different. It sounds like those bureaucrats are fairly law-and-order though, so I'm not going to count on it.
The other thing that I can't figure out is that on the cic website, they say the processing time for first-stage approval is 9-10 months, but the time for full approval is around 9 months. Is that an additional 9 months, or are they saying that the full PR process could take 9 months total right now? I noticed that they say they are processing Sept. 7th right now. Maybe some people who applied in August/Sept. 2010 could shed some light on this?


Thanks again for the advice

PGWP cannot be extended. You may get an LMO to apply an OWP after AIP or apply "vistor status" when your PGWP is about to expire. I submitted my PR application in October 2010, currently staying in Canada with a PGWP which is expiring on September 10, 2011. I called CIC on Friday and that's what the agent told me. No way PGWP can be extended, you have to "change" status from worker to visitor and stay in Canada as implied status. or simply apply for OWP. I'd suggest you to Call CIC on Monday and get a firm answer.

I know this is very frustrating. Every time I complain to the agent that no instruction was ever given saying we should/can submit OWP together with the PR application, and now CIC doesn't accept OWP application until AIP (which it used to). This is just a dumb process and wasting our time!

 

[pptk703]

Hello,
I'm new to this forum, but I think this is the right thread. I'll introduce myself and give my stats for comparison's sake, and I do have a few questions if anyone has a good answer to them. I read a lot of good advice but there are a few things that I'd like to have clarified.

I am applying for PR as the American spouse of a Canadian citizen (inland). CIC Veg. received my application late Oct, 2010. They began processing it on Dec. 9, 2011, and told me that they had received the requested information on Feb 9, 2011 (I assume this is the medical record? I was never asked to send anything extra). Hopefully everything goes well.

My PGWP expired after they received my application, so I have that shady implied status that comes with a PGWP extension application. This spring, I stupidly bought a plane ticket home to the states for this August (and some relatives did too) thinking that we could all finally see each other again, but now I am having second thoughts about whether I should leave.
Here are my questions:
1. Can I expect to receive an open work permit as a result of my PGWP application (it was in the same envelope as the PR app)?
2. If I do get the OWP before Aug, and if I do go to the states for a few weeks, will the OWP be made null and void?
3. Are first-stage approval OWP's typically multiple-entry if you are from a visa-exempt country?
4. Would it be normal for a border guard to allow me in to Canada, assuming no criminal record, with just a passport and no OWP if I said I had PR pending (August is cutting it close to even have my AIP).
5. Am I stupid to go back to the US for a visit before my PR is official? (I know this has been answered for others, but if you see any nuances of my situation that would change that answer....)

Thanks everyone. There's a lot of good info on these forums

Just re-read your questions. Your PGWP has expired, so what status are you now? I just find it weird how you can stay as implied status because as I previously mentioned, PGWP cannot be extended. Did you apply "change of status" from worker to visitor? I would suggest to you stay here until you land in Canada as a PR or get OWP. Since you didn't submit OWP application with your PR application, I'd suggest don't even apply for one, just wait for landing and become a PR. OWP costs $175, and visor status costs you $75. Either way you are staying here as implied status before landing, plus landing will probably come faster than receiving OWP. Honestly, the more I find out how CIC works, the more I see them as money sucking machine and cheater.

Our timeline is similar, let's have our fingers crossed!

 

[ditta]

Ok, from the previous posts and answers I conclude the following: he applied for an extension of his PGWP which is already expired. He assumes that he is on implied status.
I looked it up and a PGWP cannot be extended. So he is not on implied status currently, he is out of status because he did not include on OWP application with the original PR application package. If he had done so, he would have had implied status once the PGWP expired. What he can do is to submit a restoration of status if he is within 90 days of the expiry of the PGWP, otherwise he is remaining out of status until his PR get to first stage processing but it will be transferred to his local office and will have a lenghty process. He certainly should not leave the country, as he will most likely not get re-entry and the application will be cancelled.
His PGWP application with the PR will not be switched to an OWP, CIC does not do anything like that.

I disagree with one line- it is indeed a frustrating process but not dumb, it is challenging. You are immigrating and this country will accept you to be a part of it at the end. What I`ve learnt, you need to find the answers for yourself. This forum is here to help and all of us went through the process and try to give answers and advice. I learnt 30% of what I know now about immigration here, like I did not know about the OWP back then. We are not experts, however there are some members of this forum who by profession know immigration law. He could PM one of them with his case and I am sure they will give him answers to all his questions if he feels like he does not get them here or from the call centre.

I hope that he might missed a tiny detail, and therefore he is in a lighter situation. At least really on implied status.

Just re-read your questions. Your PGWP has expired, so what status are you now? I just find it weird how you can stay as implied status because as I previously mentioned, PGWP cannot be extended. Did you apply "change of status" from worker to visitor? I would suggest to you stay here until you land in Canada as a PR or get OWP. Since you didn't submit OWP application with your PR application, I'd suggest don't even apply for one, just wait for landing and become a PR. OWP costs $175, and visor status costs you $75. Either way you are staying here as implied status before landing, plus landing will probably come faster than receiving OWP. Honestly, the more I find out how CIC works, the more I see them as money sucking machine and cheater.

Our timeline is similar, let's have our fingers crossed!

 

[pptk703]

Ok, from the previous posts and answers I conclude the following: he applied for an extension of his PGWP which is already expired. He assumes that he is on implied status.
I looked it up and a PGWP cannot be extended. So he is not on implied status currently, he is out of status because he did not include on OWP application with the original PR application package. If he had done so, he would have had implied status once the PGWP expired. What he can do is to submit a restoration of status if he is within 90 days of the expiry of the PGWP, otherwise he is remaining out of status until his PR get to first stage processing but it will be transferred to his local office and will have a lenghty process. He certainly should not leave the country, as he will most likely not get re-entry and the application will be cancelled.
His PGWP application with the PR will not be switched to an OWP, CIC does not do anything like that.

I disagree with one line- it is indeed a frustrating process but not dumb, it is challenging. You are immigrating and this country will accept you to be a part of it at the end. What I`ve learnt, you need to find the answers for yourself. This forum is here to help and all of us went through the process and try to give answers and advice. I learnt 30% of what I know now about immigration here, like I did not know about the OWP back then. We are not experts, however there are some members of this forum who by profession know immigration law. He could PM one of them with his case and I am sure they will give him answers to all his questions if he feels like he does not get them here or from the call centre.

I hope that he might missed a tiny detail, and therefore he is in a lighter situation. At least really on implied status.

What I meant by dumb is that CIC doesn't give out 100% clear instruction to people who want to stay and settle down here. Dumb as in frustration. I have found a lot of answers from here as well and certainly appreciate all the efforts that everyone makes.

 

[Jurjen]

Can someone from non visa exempt country Leave the Canada and re-enter on OWP while the PR is in process?

VERY IMPORTANT: a permit and a visa are not the same thing!!! Check your work permit. Is it written that your permit allows multiple entries? To be sure: call CIC hotline, explain your situation and ask if your work permit is also a multi-entry visa.

No way PGWP can be extended, you have to "change" status from worker to visitor and stay in Canada as implied status. or simply apply for OWP. I'd suggest you to Call CIC on Monday and get a firm answer.

Wrong! Don't change status to visitor, because then you won't be allowed to continue your work and you won't be under implied status. Make sure you've sent your application for the OWP (whether "change/extension of status" or "initial", doesn't matter a lot) to Vegreville along with your PR application (or find a way to have it added to your file). As soon as Vegreville received it, let your PGWP expire. Since you've applied for a new work permit, you're allowed to continue what you were doing under the terms of the old work permit (in your case: an open work permit) until CIC made a decision on your new work permit application. That's implied status. If you change status to visitor, you can't work. Please also note that if you leave the country, your implied status will vanish.

/edit: oops, I missed Ditta's post. :-[

 

[couver]

Hi,
I just posted a very worried post, but now I'm not too sure I have anything to worry about. I looked at my application and I think I did exactly the same thing that an OWP application is and attached a copy of my current PGWP to show I had valid status still. So I don't think I did anything out of the ordinary, I just thought I was applying to extend my PGWP when I filled out the form. I probably still won't go home in August because I don't want to have folks change their plans and then find out I can't go because my OWP isn't here yet. I have had many scares that I did something terribly wrong, and this was the worst of them. It helps put small matters in perspective, that's for sure.

 

[Love_Young]

Hi, how is everyone? Haven't heard from many people lately. Hope you all have a wonderful week.

 

[pepe261]

Hi, how is everyone? Haven't heard from many people lately. Hope you all have a wonderful week.

Hi LY,

how are you doing? I had a really nice weekend, though it was raining a lot!
I am 2 months from my papers or maybe less and I am really excited about that. I have a job offer for September and I really need my OWP!
I hope that CIC doesn't slow down the speed of the process!
I wish you a great week and thank you for everything.

Pepe