open work permit inland PR application

[sarah1003]

Wondering if anyone can help!!
I applied for PR under spousal family class sponsorship in march 2014. I understand that the processing time is 11 months for this (first stage approval). I am currently on a post graduation work permit until oct 2014. I was unaware that I could submit an application for a open work permit with my application. wondering if I can do this now. I called CIC and they said that technically I am able to remain in Canada after oct 2014 however cannot work. In order to work I should have submitted an application for an open work permit with my application. If not I have to find an employer that is willing to get an LMO for me and apply for a work permit. This sounds a little ridiculous to me. asking an employer to get an LMO for 4mths is not the best option. However I do need to keep working. Thoughts anyone

 

[scylla]

If you want to keep working you'll unfortunately have to go the LMO route. Note that the LMO process has recently changed to now cost $1K (rather than the former $275). Also, employer must now meet the advertising requirement even in cases where someone is coming off a PGWP (the advertising requirement was previously waived for PGWPs).

Alternatively you can change you can change your status to visitor and stop working once your PGWP expires - and then start working again once the OWP is approved.

 

[rhcohen2014]

if you don't have a current work permit, then you won't be able to work until you are given pr status or approval for a OWP. Technically, you will be a visitor once your work permit expires. Usually, the applicant sends in an open work permit with the PR application, so i'm not sure how to go about it if you forgot to include it.

If you have a UCI number already (since it sounds like you have experience with CIC), you may just be able to send it in with that information, your name and sponsor's name and request it to be attached to your file. I have read it's important to write on the OWP that it is part of the PR application, and to process it after stage 1 approval, otherwise it'll be rejected. I'm sure a senior member wil tell you more details about that.

If you can't send it in now, as soon as you get stage 1 approval, you can send it in for approval. Once approved you will be able to work, but not until that point. You can not work with a work permit application in process, only when it's been approved. CIC is correct about the LMO. That is why inland applicants send the OWP application, to avoid having to do that.

 

[sarah1003]

http://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/citizenship-and-immigration-canada-improve-processing-time-for-inland-spousal-sponsorship-and-grant-open-work-permit-upon-aor