International Experience Canada - UK - Second year question

[Jason12345]

Hi all

On the 2nd of Jan my IEC first year runs out. I have recently checked the website and found out today that the application section for 2015 is not opening till Jan 2015. (last year it opened on the 17th December, This would have been great because it would have been enough time for me to get my second year visa and just continue it on when the 2nd came along.)
Whats even better about the situation is that my current employer has a hire freeze on which means if i terminate my employment they cant hire me back. Even if its just a week.

Questions...

What are the chances IEC would let me apply early?
What are the chances of getting a few week extension on my work visa?
Would i have to leave the country or could i stay as a visitor?
Could my employer have me down as a leave of absence so i wouldn't have to terminate my employment just stop working and getting paid. This way when i get my next visa i can start work again? (i am looking to be sponsored by my common law partner so i don't want to break any rules and be "employed" when i shouldn't be by taking a leave of absence and still being on my works books.

Sorry for all the questions.


Any help is great!


Jason

 

[Jason12345]

is there a number where i can contact someone from IEC directly?

 

[scylla]

1) No chance you will be allowed to apply early.
2) The only way you can get an extension is if your employer obtains an approved LMIA, you apply for a closed work permit, and you have this work permit in hand before your IEC expires. This process takes months and it won't be possible to get all of this done before Jan 2.
3) You can stay as a visitor by applying to change your status in Canada to visitor.
4) I think an unpaid leave of absence would be fine.

 

[Jason12345]

Hi Scylla

Do you think i would be able to apply through the CIC website for an extension on my current work visa. Even if its only 1 more month? covering the time it would take me to reapply?

 

[scylla]

Hi Scylla

Do you think i would be able to apply through the CIC website for an extension on my current work visa. Even if its only 1 more month? covering the time it would take me to reapply?

No - you can't. IECs cannot be extended. Again, your only option would be to apply for a closed work permit with an approved LMIA.

 

[Jason12345]

Scylla thanks for your help!

4) I think an unpaid leave of absence would be fine.

4)

Do you no where i can get this in writing? I just dont want to break any rules as i want to be sponsored in the future and dont want this to show im working without permission.

thanks in advance

 

[LeBon]

Scylla thanks for your help!

4)

Do you no where i can get this in writing? I just dont want to break any rules as i want to be sponsored in the future and dont want this to show im working without permission.

thanks in advance

Hi Jason, I'm in a similar position to you. My employer wants me to continue working beyond February (when my current OWP expires) however they have a policing of no sponsoring etc. I'm hoping to get a 2nd permit from IEC before my current one runs out. I'm also being sponsoring by my spouse so have no interest in taking any risks with employment law.

My employer told me that they will terminate me and then rehire me if I get a new permit after February. They told me that I can't be in their system without a valid permit.