People who had to 'quit' their job to 'wait' for cec. Options

[ssparkles]

I see that I am not the only one in this position so i decided to start this topic to see if there is really any solution to the problem that so many of us are facing for no fault of our own.

The situation : I had to 'quit' my regular normal job because my post graduate work permit was expiring and I didn't have a response from CEC. I had to apply to 'extend my status as a visitor' which the govt provides if you are waiting for the CEC response. Looking for a job with an LMO is more like a nasty joke. Yes yes people get it but most find it extremely difficult to do so. So I have to pay the govt to give me a status to just sit around and kill time till I get my CEC after which I have to AGAIN search for a job when I already had one in the first place.

The concern: I have come across some people on this forum, who had to leave their job and go back to their country which obviously is a disruption especially when you've studied here and built a life here and have to pack up and leave due to some technicality in your processing time. Some people are able to get EI which is draining the govt's resources for no real reason when people are ready to work but cannot due to laws. Sit and wait and do what? Some people saved to do something substantial in this early part of life but now have to eat off it because of this.

When your PGWP expires you also lose your medical. It's not valid when you are on implied or extended status. So god forbid something happens to you!

Your SIN expires so you cannot file any taxes which one should be and usually is up to date with. Not even sure how that will work out.

A person's whole life gets disrupted and there is nobody in Immigration who can help or show you a way. You are on your own, there is one phone number to call (your luck who you get to speak to - whether they are in a good mood and if they feel like helping you and not reading off a script). If you email you get a robotic response to be patient.

Are there just a few of us in this situation or are there many? Has anyone been through this and come out on the other side? Is there a way to start working or anything at all to help ease the mind?

Any views or comments would be welcome.

 

[orko]

I am not sure if you are aware of bridging work permit for CEC applications who have received their AOR and waiting for a decision. More on this: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/notices/2012-12-17.asp

 

[PMM]

Hi

I am not sure if you are aware of bridging work permit for CEC applications who have received their AOR and waiting for a decision. More on this: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/notices/2012-12-17.asp

Doesn't apply to OP, as s/he doesn't have a valid wp.

 

[lithium002]

I would assume you don't need a SIN in any case if you're not authorized to work, so check that off your list.

You can apply for medical insurance through your visitor status.

 

[ssparkles]

Hi


Doesn't apply to OP, as s/he doesn't have a valid wp.

That's correct PMM, it doesn't apply to me as the bridging work permit option came out in December 2012.

lithium002, Yea I can buy medical insurance but choose to avoid paying for something when I'm not working. When I was working it was covered. The bigger picture I suppose is an array of small problems as such created by the situation.

I wish this bridging work permit was available sooner. I'm surprised they didn't face enough people with the problem before.

 

[SenoritaBella]

Call your provincial medical insurance office. I know that they can extend coverage for 90 days if you show proof(e.g. fee receipt) that you've applied for extension of your status. It worked for me. You should be able to file taxes with an expired SIN.

As for what to do with the 'spare time', volunteer work(in areas of interest) is a great way to spend time, learn new skills, meet new people and network. Church is also a good place (if you feel inclined).... just try not to spend too much time alone because it's easy to fall into a depression. Hope you hear from CIC soon.

That's correct PMM, it doesn't apply to me as the bridging work permit option came out in December 2012.

lithium002, Yea I can buy medical insurance but choose to avoid paying for something when I'm not working. When I was working it was covered. The bigger picture I suppose is an array of small problems as such created by the situation.

I wish this bridging work permit was available sooner. I'm surprised they didn't face enough people with the problem before.

 

[ssparkles]

Thanks SenoritaBella,

I'm going to call the provincial medical insurance office and see if anything can be done. It's good to hear I can file taxes with an expired SIN!

Hope I hear from CIC soon!