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LMIA Exempt Work Permit for CSQ holders in Quebec

s2t2

Star Member
Mar 4, 2015
61
0
Hi,
A little background:
I am employed on my Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) which I got after my Masters in Engineering degree, but it is expiring in a few months.
I wanted to get Permanent Residence, but since I'm in Quebec I had to get a CSQ First. So I got the CSQ and applied for PR to CIC, last year.

But my PR hasn't arrived yet, just went through the Medical for PR, so I need to get my Work Permit renewed.
As I understand, since I had my open PGWP for 3 years already, I can't apply for it's extension as 3 years is maximum for open PGWP.
But since I have a CSQ and a job in Quebec, I can apply for an LMIA exempt Work Permit. For which I also need my employer to submit a form and pay a fee, according to new regulations, they are willing to do that.

I was trying to submit my application online and filling out the questionnaire and I got to the following question:

Which situation best describes your work situation?
Options:
1. I'm working under an international agreement
2. I'm eligible for a work permit through an active pilot project
3. I'm a provincial nominee certificate holder
4. I'm an entrepreneur / self-employed
5. I'm the spouse or common-law partner of a foreign student or skilled worker
6. I'm a religious worker
7. I'm on academic exchange, conducting research or taking training
8. I'm an intra-company transferee
9. None of the above

I chose the option 9, none of the above, but the questionnaire stops right there and doesn't go through.
Then I tried option 3, provincial nominee certificate, since CSQ is the same thing from Quebec, but then after the questionnaire completes, under the required documents it is asking for a PNP Certificate and CSQ both, which doesn't make a lot of sense since either someone would have a CSQ if they are in Quebec or PNP if in another province, no one can have both and since I already answered in the Questionnaire that I have a CSQ, it should only ask me for my CSQ, not PNP.

Another option I tried is option 2, where I'm eligible for an active pilot project, these projects are agreements of federal government with provinces, not sure if my situation falls under that or not, but after the questionnaire completes it only asks me for my CSQ, not PNP.

Not sure how I should proceed from here.
I could choose option 3 and upload a letter explaining that since I am in Quebec and I have a CSQ, PNP does not apply to me and I have already attached my CSQ.

Anyone had to go through the same process?
I would appreciate any help.

Thank you!
 

abrarmohsin

Star Member
Sep 7, 2010
126
2
Islamabad
Category........
Visa Office......
Montreal
NOC Code......
2171
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
27-11-2014
Nomination.....
07-10-2014
IELTS Request
Submitted with application
I was in a similar situation few weeks back. I did not take any risk and just submitted a paper based application to CPC-Vegreville. Yes, the processing times are longer this way but at least you can easily explain your situation to the visa officer without creating any confusion.
 

Tiffany_7

Full Member
Jan 11, 2014
36
0
abrarmohsin said:
I was in a similar situation few weeks back. I did not take any risk and just submitted a paper based application to CPC-Vegreville. Yes, the processing times are longer this way but at least you can easily explain your situation to the visa officer without creating any confusion.
Hi abramohsin,

Did you ask your employer to apply for LMIA and pay for the fee for the WP extension? I'm so confused. I read on quebec immigration website https://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/students/stay-quebec/application-csq/students-peq/after-csq.html . It said that skill worker with CSQ their employer doesnt need to apply for LMIA and pay the fee?!
 

akdk

Newbie
Nov 13, 2016
1
0
Hi s2t2,

I am exactly at the same situation. Got my CSQ and applied for my PR . My employer has submitted the LMIA Exemption and has given me the "Offer of Employment Number" . Can you please guide me on how to apply for work permit extension . Out of the above 9 options , i am not sure which one to choose . Your help would be greatly appreciated.


Thank You