Thank you I feel like I have waited a very long time for this. My experience hasn't exactly been a positive one. I was given misinformation from the call centre when the pilot project for OWP was launched. I was told I wasn't eligible for an OWP before AIP and by the time my husband and I had made several calls to the call centre and got it figured out the wait time was 100 days and Service Ontario said I may have to wait 3 months to get coverage back if there was more than 90 days between work permits. Thankfully I got the work permit sooner than expected and it wasn't an issue but the potential was there and I wonder if it caught anybody else off-guard. I made more than one trip to Service Ontario because I found that it was unclear what documentation was required (not a IRCC issue but it still contributed to my stress levels). Then when I had implied status a lady at Service Canada accused me of working illegally, very loudly, when there was lots of people lined up behind me! I actually wish they would just send a letter when they receive work permit applications just stating that it has been received and you can continue to work until the new application is processed. It would make it easier for individuals (and businesses). Right now we all just have to hope that our employers take our word for it. I can actually understand why some employers would not be comfortable with that.
I'm glad they have made changes to the process so that hopefully people applying in years to come will not have the same experience as me. However, I still feel like there is a long way to go and that the process has major flaws. I still find it odd that they ask for proof of a joint mortgage. When my husband and I moved into our new home the bank said they would not consider having my name on the mortgage until I had permanent residence. Has anybody on here been approved for a mortgage while technically having a temporary status?
I've often thought of sending a letter when this is all wrapped up but I wonder if it would really make any difference. I think if there was better communication we all wouldn't feel the need to request GCMS notes (creating more work for them) and calling the call centre (also creating more work for them). It's hard to just sit back and feel like some person sitting in an office who doesn't even know you is making decisions on your life and takes their sweet time about it.
This wasn't meant to be so long but I just get frustrated and firmly believe that if somebody who had to go through the process helped designed the process it would be far from what it is! Hopefully it isn't interpreted as a rant. Just airing some thoughts
