Please I really need some help. Eligible institutions in BC + LMO.

[Maria0404]

Hello! I have a question related to the LMO. The thing is I haven't been able to find a job because the LMO has limited me. Most of the jobs I'm interested in, won't process and LMO application for me. I'm currently a student but I couldn't apply for a Student Work Permit because the institution I'm attending is not part of the list of "Eligible institutions" in BC. I am in a difficult situation because I really want to work, or better yet, I NEED to find a job. I have been living in Canada for almost 3 years, I first came with the intention to learn English but then i decided to stay, and make a life here. When I moved I was 17 and I didn't see the need to work but now I'm almost 21 and I really need to start paying for my stuff here. What should I do in this situation? I've been looking for a job but some of the places tell me they don't employ people under the LMO thing. I don't understand why some institutions are on the list and others are not. I also considered to keep studying and to attend one of the institutions on the list but I'm in no position to afford it, plus my career is more about job experience than studying for 4-5 years. Thanks so much for reading.

 

[scylla]

You have already outlined your choices:

You either need to find an employer who is willing to apply for an LMO so that they can hire you.

Or you must change schools and start attending an eligible school that will qualify you to apply for a work permit.

 

[scylla]

I don't understand why some institutions are on the list and others are not.

To answer this question... Schools that aren't on the list don't meet the standards required to be recognized. I'm Canadian (born in Canada) and know the educational system here very well. The schools that don't appear on the list are schools that are generally regarded as poor schools that deliver a low quality of education and have a poor reputation among employers.

 

[Maria0404]

Thanks for your answer. However, I don't agree completely because the school I'm attending has high reputation. Actually, not even Vancouver Film Shool is on the list and I'm pretty sure that's a great school for people on the film industry (like me).

 

[scylla]

Thanks for your answer. However, I don't agree completely because the school I'm attending has high reputation. Actually, not even Vancouver Film Shool is on the list and I'm pretty sure that's a great school for people on the film industry (like me).

VFS is a private institution. Private colleges are generally not recognized by CIC and are not eligible for off campus work permits or post graduate work permits.

These rules aren't going to change. So your options remain the same: change to a recognized school OR find an employer who is willing to obtain an LMO.

 

[Maria0404]

Thank you so much! Do you think is a good idea to apply for Permanent Residence after at least 1 year of working? (legally, of course). I think I meet all the criteria except for the work experience. I guess that becoming a permanent resident will avoid all the struggle with the work permit, right?

 

[scylla]

Sure - you can apply if you qualify.

You'll need one year of full time (legal) work experience in a skilled occupation. Once you are a permanent resident, you won't need a work permit to work. However you'll need a work permit to get the one year of experience you need to qualify to apply.