Options after Temp Work Permit expiration?

[MLD84]

I'm from the UK and have a Temp Work Permit allowing me to work in Canada for 12 months. I've been working for 7 months of that, so have 5 months until it expires. Since my work (and therefore permit) are unlikely to be up for renewal at the end of the 12 months, and as I have no other job offer at present, I'm curious to learn what options I have that would allow me to stay.

Assuming the worst and that I am unable to find a subsequent job offer I understand the Skilled Worker will not be an option. Under the Canadian Experience Class I'd be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency after accumulating 12 months of experience, but in my case this is the exact point at which my Temp Work Permit would expire. Would I have to leave Canada and wait for the result of the application? Could I change my status to 'Visitor' without leaving? The latter isn't ideal since I'd be unable to work, but I'm keen to hear people's thoughts and any info on options I've missed.

I've tried digging around but I'm having difficulty finding any info on this specific problem, so any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[amira_mais]

Yes, you can change your status to visitor without leaving the country, but the downside is you'd have to be prepared to wait out the entire CEC processing period without a job, unless you can find an employer willing to seek an LMO for you. And it's very possible that the CEC process may extend past the date you're given to stay on as a visitor, in which case you'd have to leave and wait till your PR is granted to return.

 

[iam_toby]

I agree. Amira_mais is correct. You could change your status from worker to visitor without leaving Canada.
You then can apply for PR under the CEC but you won't be able to work until a decision on your
PR application is made.
Processing times may take up to 13 months ( http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/perm-ec.asp ).
The visitor visa only allows you to stay for a maximum of 6 months. If you're lucky and you find an employer willing
to apply for a LMO you'll be able to apply for a new WP and change your status again, this time from visitor to worker until
your PR is granted.

Please find more information about changing your status here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/extend-stay.asp