Job offer pending 'working interview'

[crabbit]

I only applied for my OWP just over a week ago as part of my residency application, sponsored by my fiance as my common-law partner. I thought I'd be proactive about job hunting and was lucky enough to get invited to interview for the first job I applied for.

During the interview we discussed that I was waiting for my OWP to be processed and they decided they wanted to employ the services of an immigration lawyer to see if they could speed up the process. Anyway, I got an offer based on what they call a 3 day working interview. Normally it would be paid, but since I don't have my permit I said I'd be happy to do it unpaid as part of the interview process if it meant securing a position.

Am I breaking any rules by going in there for 3 days to work for free by calling it part of the interview process?

 

[scylla]

CIC will classify that as illegal work (paid or unpaid). Wait for the OWP before you engage in anything like this.

 

[crabbit]

CIC will classify that as illegal work (paid or unpaid). Wait for the OWP before you engage in anything like this.

That's what I thought. Unfortunately my fiance is pushing me to do it anyway, but I think I have to draw the line at breaking the law and risking my future in Canada. Not to mention putting my potential employer in the position where they could also end up in big trouble.

Is there any other way I could perform this stage of the interview process and keep everyone happy? It's only fair that they get an idea of what I can do for them. Perhaps if they were to send me interview tasks that aren't related to any of their client work?

 

[scylla]

That's what I thought. Unfortunately my fiance is pushing me to do it anyway, but I think I have to draw the line at breaking the law and risking my future in Canada. Not to mention putting my potential employer in the position where they could also end up in big trouble.

Is there any other way I could perform this stage of the interview process and keep everyone happy? It's only fair that they get an idea of what I can do for them. Perhaps if they were to send me interview tasks that aren't related to any of their client work?

Don't work illegally and jeopardize your status in Canada.

If they send you interview tasks that are made up, have absolutely nothing to do with client work and won't be used in any way - then you should be OK (provided these tasks are completed at home and you aren't required to be in their offices).

BTW: Lawyer cannot speed up the processing of an OWP. Plan on at least two months before you have it - possibly four months.

 

[scylla]

BTW: Let your fiance know that when visa abuse is caught, one of the outcomes can be a 1 year exclusion order that would force you to leave Canada and remain outside of Canada for a full year without the ability to visit. Not worth it.

 

[crabbit]

Thanks scylla. I desperately want to get working (as do most people!) but I'm not willing to take such risks.