Cruiser55 said:
Thank you for all your responses.
Info, it is so difficult, instead of making it more difficult for all of us, can't they at least make the wait times in terms of the LMO a little more short and bearable so that the employer does not have more reasons to not go ahead with it.
Cruiser,
If I had a say in the process, i'd have made sure that true spirit of OB 485 is reflected in the eligibility criteria for BOWP. In my understanding (and pls correct me if I'm wrong), there are 2 'stated' reasons why CIC came up with BOWP.
1- Decrease the work load at HRSDC for LMO applications
2- Ease the pathway of potential PRs, so that they can continue to work while waiting for final decision on their PR application.
Now look at the 4 criterias, do they actually support the above 2 reasons for BOWP?:
#1- Valid WP - Why? Why exclude the PR applicants with expired WP? Eventually and if they accidentally wished on a shooting star, they might find an employer who is willing to hire them and ready to go the whole 9 ..or even 10 yards and apply LMO for them. I know that doesnt happen often, but technically that is the process that will take place. So in the end, CIC is increasing the work load on HRSDC, by unnecessarily asking for LMO from applicants who will get their PR literally few months after going through this LMO hassle. Totally redundant! Totally contradictory to their own stated reason for creating BOWPs.
#2 - The AOR criteria - Yes, i agree that is the basic milestone in a PR applicant's pathway (from applying for CEC to getting the PR). Yet, many 2012 and earlier applicants who got AOR also got refusal after waiting for 7-9 months. Perhaps, that's why CIC is still making it difficult for 2012 and earlier applicants, to issue BOWP. When infact, they should have made it almost automatic, receiving BOWP along with your AOR. (just like you get on-campus WP when you apply for study permit). For 2013 applicants, I am observing (and....yes i can be wrong) the AOR is becoming a critical stage where your application will be reviewed not just for its completion, but also for eligibility in CEC program. I believe one of the 2013 applicants got a rejection a week after receiving the AOR. So for 2013 applicants, I wont be surprised to see that applicants will be able to get BOWP only on the basis of AOR, ignoring the other criterias. And this has started to happen already. (Cruiser - this one is for you...so you got no reason to be worried! just prepare your docs, send CEC app, get AOR and apply for BOWP.)
#3- 4 month expiry - The other criteria is that you can apply only if your WP is about to expire within 4 months. Well, i'm glad to say that CIC has already said, 'oopsy daisy' on this one and realized itself that it was nonsense criteria. That's why there are atleast 4 cases (the last one, i guess popped up yesterday) reported on this forum where that particular criteria was NOT met, yet BOWP was granted. Congrats to all those who got it. Perhaps your application was reviewed by an actual experienced officer and not a temp who literally uses a check list to review the case. I hope they revise that check list for temps soon.
I'm sure other members would have noticed many other flaws in the pathway of a PR applicant. Processes or requirements of CIC that create unnecessary difficulty and hardship for a PR applicant, who has already contributed positively in the Canadian economy, has already officially made an intention of making Canada their first home and still then CIC is pushing them away, or worse, making it difficult for them to have the prosperous future in Canada. If you have lost your job, were on a closed WP, perhaps then you know what I mean. People quickly start to suggest oh go back to your home and come back when you get your PR. Really? Is it that easy to return home, when you have already spent 2 yrs or more trying to build your career here? How will you explain the gap in your resume to an HR manager, when you finally get a job interview? And is every HR person well versed in LMOs and the CIC mumbo jumbos? These are harsh realities a PR applicant goes through and how their career path ends up in a downward trajectory while waiting to get the PR.
Yes, Govt. is making it difficult to issue new LMOs, but at the same time potential PR applicants who have invested in this country for sometime, either through education or by working here for couple of years should make their voice heard. I guess i'm going to get lot of hate mails now but yes Cruiser, I totally agree with you. CIC is not making it easier and we are equal partner in this blame, as we have chosen not to give the feedback to CIC. We need to be heard. Either its that online petition (im not sure that works) or sending 'letters to the editors' section in every major newspaper, not just once but repeatedly till CIC hears it. But I sincerely believe, that there are fair minded people within CIC who have the ears to hear what we have to say. Existence of BOWP is the proof that are such ears.
Do we have the voice?
