Open WP to Closed Work permit

[belle_aussie]

Hi guys, I've trawled through the forum search for an answer to this, but most other posts relating to this question are 4-5 years old so I'm chasing an updated answer if anyone can help...

I'm currently on an OPEN work permit in Vancouver B.C. until August 2017 and my employer wishes to assist me to stay & continue working (I'm a waitress/events co-ordinator at a pub). I contacted an Immigration lawyer who advised I do not need to get "sponsored" by my employer, simply get him to complete a LMIA and once thats approved ("IF" it is approved), I can apply to change to a closed work permit and continue working.

- Is this likely to be approved for a low-level job such as mine?
- Is the information i'm receiving accurate?

If ANYONE has any information or tips for this process, i'd really love some feedback.

Thanks in advance,

B

 

[Wonderland_1010]

Hi guys, I've trawled through the forum search for an answer to this, but most other posts relating to this question are 4-5 years old so I'm chasing an updated answer if anyone can help...

I'm currently on an OPEN work permit in Vancouver B.C. until August 2017 and my employer wishes to assist me to stay & continue working (I'm a waitress/events co-ordinator at a pub). I contacted an Immigration lawyer who advised I do not need to get "sponsored" by my employer, simply get him to complete a LMIA and once thats approved ("IF" it is approved), I can apply to change to a closed work permit and continue working.

- Is this likely to be approved for a low-level job such as mine?
- Is the information i'm receiving accurate?

If ANYONE has any information or tips for this process, i'd really love some feedback.

Thanks in advance,

B

The chances of getting LMIA for a low skilled position is difficult as the employer must prove that there is no Canadians or Permanent Residents with the similar qualifications be able to replace you.

More information about LMIA is on the CIC website and Service Canada website

 

[ozlis]

Yes the information is accurate.

Unfortunately, given the role its highly likely that the LMIA will be rejected. The LMIA process includes advertising your role for a month on multiple sites and then to prove that any Canadian that applied could not do the job.

Have you looked at Express Entry or Provincial Nomination? Again, the role might not be enough for either of these but worth a look.

 

[belle_aussie]

Thanks a lot for both of your replies.

I've looked into Federal Skilled Workers as I have a background in Dept of justice (Government position for 3 years in Australia) but i do not have a degree or equivalent to satisfy the criteria there unfortunately. I thought the Provincial Nominee has the same condition, do you know if that is so?

Thanks in advance ;D

 

[ozlis]

Thanks a lot for both of your replies.

I've looked into Federal Skilled Workers as I have a background in Dept of justice (Government position for 3 years in Australia) but i do not have a degree or equivalent to satisfy the criteria there unfortunately. I thought the Provincial Nominee has the same condition, do you know if that is so?

Thanks in advance ;D

Both avenues would be tough without a degree for points at the moment.

 

[belle_aussie]

thanks, I thought as much.

So, I've made some progress. My boss sucks at promoting his business/events so he has agreed to take me on as his "Promotions & events Bar Manager" after some prodding on my behalf, which by my research puts me in NOC Code 0631 "Restaurant & Food services Manager". I'm just unsure at this point whether I'd be better off applying for FSWP, or CEC - and if I have any limitations in applying for either of these programs as I've already participated in IEC for 2 years? Another consideration is that I do not have a degree.

Also, i'm unsure whether I should create a new profile with IEC; or use the previous one I used for my OWP in 2015? And would I be required to complete and submit a language test for this process....? If so I'd like to get it started since time is of the essence with my OWP expiring in 4 months.

If anyone has any tips for any of the above, I greatly appreciate it.

 

[ozlis]

thanks, I thought as much.

So, I've made some progress. My boss sucks at promoting his business/events so he has agreed to take me on as his "Promotions & events Bar Manager" after some prodding on my behalf, which by my research puts me in NOC Code 0631 "Restaurant & Food services Manager". I'm just unsure at this point whether I'd be better off applying for FSWP, or CEC - and if I have any limitations in applying for either of these programs as I've already participated in IEC for 2 years? Another consideration is that I do not have a degree.

Also, i'm unsure whether I should create a new profile with IEC; or use the previous one I used for my OWP in 2015? And would I be required to complete and submit a language test for this process....? If so I'd like to get it started since time is of the essence with my OWP expiring in 4 months.

If anyone has any tips for any of the above, I greatly appreciate it.

You are still going to struggle to get the points in the system without formal education.

Have you worked out your CRS score?

Another thought is - when in 2015 did you apply for your IEC permit? If it was prior to March 3rd, you can do one more IEC permit if you still meet the age requirements.

 

[belle_aussie]

Thanks for your reply!

I haven't worked out my CRS score as yet as i haven't done a language test and you need this to complete the CRS Quiz; do i need to do the language test regardless of which permit I go for? Because if so, I'm going to just go ahead and get that out of the way. I speak perfect english nonetheless.

And unfortunately, I got my IEC permit in June so I just missed out; had I known they were going to change the multiple participation rule for Australian's I would have applied earlier but you live and learn

 

[ozlis]

Thanks for your reply!

I haven't worked out my CRS score as yet as i haven't done a language test and you need this to complete the CRS Quiz; do i need to do the language test regardless of which permit I go for? Because if so, I'm going to just go ahead and get that out of the way. I speak perfect english nonetheless.

And unfortunately, I got my IEC permit in June so I just missed out; had I known they were going to change the multiple participation rule for Australian's I would have applied earlier but you live and learn

Worth working out what you might get (assume full points for english). This will at least let you know where you stand before you start spending money.

 

[belle_aussie]

Great idea, and thanks for the tip as I didn't realize I could calculate it easily online! my score is 315 :'(

From what I've read, the minimum getting accepted for EE is around 435-ish, is that correct? and without a degree, or the work i've been doing in Canada for the past 1.5 years being recognised as a "skilled" job, are there any tips for how I can increase my score? I'm trying to track down copies of certificates I've achieved through work, such as a 3-month unit of a degree, and a couple one-week training courses supplied by my work.. Nothing major but I'm wondering if they'd help any? Combined total duration of all certificates is less than a year though...

Thanks in advance. Ugh!

 

[ozlis]

Great idea, and thanks for the tip as I didn't realize I could calculate it easily online! my score is 315 :'(

From what I've read, the minimum getting accepted for EE is around 435-ish, is that correct? and without a degree, or the work i've been doing in Canada for the past 1.5 years being recognised as a "skilled" job, are there any tips for how I can increase my score? I'm trying to track down copies of certificates I've achieved through work, such as a 3-month unit of a degree, and a couple one-week training courses supplied by my work.. Nothing major but I'm wondering if they'd help any? Combined total duration of all certificates is less than a year though...

Thanks in advance. Ugh!

Unfortunately no, they won't do you any good. You would need at minimum a diploma and even then it won't boost your scores too much.

Check out BC PNP, you may qualify for that - I think I remember they have a stream for hospitality workers, don't quote me on it though.