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Open Work Permit for Job Offer

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cisco_kidd

Star Member
Dec 19, 2014
125
18
Hi everyone,

I'm an American residing in Mississauga, Canada on a closed work permit (NAFTA) and have been here for the last 6 months. I was called by a potential job in Toronto that found me on Linkdin who found my skills desirable and would like to meet for an interview. I did mention that I would need sponsorship if he wanted to hire me and he advised he wouldn't have an issue processing paperwork, however he would like to know what the process is.

I'm in IT, and I was researching the Express Entry method, but the website is a bit cryptic on how I can begin that process. I'm also looking into the old fashioned work permit LMIA sponsorship (open).

Can someone recommend the easiest method of switching my closed permit to an open? What does my sponsor needs to do to process the paperwork and the cost? They are a small to medium sized company and this would be their first go around. Coaching them through the process will make things easier.

Thank you everyone in advance!
 
cisco_kidd said:
I'm also looking into the old fashioned work permit LMIA sponsorship (open).

Can someone recommend the easiest method of switching my closed permit to an open?

What does my sponsor needs to do to process the paperwork and the cost? They are a small to medium sized company and this would be their first go around. Coaching them through the process will make things easier.
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Hi

Work permits issued on the basis of a positive LMIA are closed, not open.

You cannot switch your current closed work permit to an open work permit. You don't qualify for an OWP. If the employer obtained a positive LMIA, you could apply for a new closed work permit.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/employers/lmo-basics.asp. The employer must meet strict requirements and pay a $1000 fee for the application.


This new position doesn't fall under the same NAFTA exception as your current job?
 
Agreed with the above. You don't qualify for an open work permit. Open work permits are only issued in very specific circumstances. See:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=177&t=17

If you want to work for someone else you need to obtain a new closed work permit. If the new job falls under NAFTA then no LMIA is required and you can obtain the new closed work permit following the same process you did last time. If the job requires an LMIA, then your employer would first obtain the LMIA and then you would obtain a closed work permit based on that LMIA. Either way - it's still a closed work permit.
 
Thank you for your replies.

I forgot to mention that living here for the last 6 months I realized I love to settle here. I want to pursue a PR status in the future and assumed open work permits qualify me to do so, I guess I thought wrong.

My next question is can I get somethint more permanent, and eventually get PR? The job intends to hire me without the 3 year visa expiry on the closed temp work permit.
 
cisco_kidd said:
I forgot to mention that living here for the last 6 months I realized I love to settle here. I want to pursue a PR status in the future and assumed open work permits qualify me to do so, I guess I thought wrong.

My next question is can I get somethint more permanent, and eventually get PR? The job intends to hire me without the 3 year visa expiry on the closed temp work permit.
Click to expand...

Start here http://www.cic.gc.ca/ctc-vac/ee-start.asp.
 
canuck_in_uk said:
Start here http://www.cic.gc.ca/ctc-vac/ee-start.asp.
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Went to "Check your Eligibility"

Asked question - what province or territory you plan to live in? - Ontario
Asked question - Canada's official languages are English and French.
Which language test did you take for your first official language? - None

I didn't take the language test. When I hit next I'm told I don't qualify...all because I didn't take the Language test??? My first language in the states was English.
 
cisco_kidd said:
I didn't take the language test. When I hit next I'm told I don't qualify...all because I didn't take the Language test??? My first language in the states was English.
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Doesn't matter. Language tests are mandatory for all applicants. No language test = automatic refusal.

I'd recommend you spend some time reading through the program requirements in detail so that you understand what is required to apply and what activities you'll need to complete (like taking the language test) before you can even submit an application.
 
Just to add - detailed program requirements for Express Entry can be found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/index.asp
 
cisco_kidd said:
I didn't take the language test. When I hit next I'm told I don't qualify...all because I didn't take the Language test??? My first language in the states was English.
Click to expand...

As scylla said, you really need to start actually researching this process yourself.
 
canuck_in_uk said:
As scylla said, you really need to start actually researching this process yourself.
Click to expand...

Well the reason why I was puzzled is because I called CIC and spoke to a rep. He had said to complete the application and the Language Test is not necessary, it just provides more points. Hence why I didn't take the test before filling out the app. I'll do my due dilligence on this.
 
Don't ever rely on the call centre. Call 3 times and you'll get 3 answers.
 
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