PNP , PR and Express Entry

[sherrysyed]

Hello Guys,

I got my PNP certificate ontario through which i have applied for my PR last month. My concern is my work permit is getting expired in 3 to 4 months and i have not yet received a File Number to apply for extension. I also did not receive any letter when i got my PNP certificate that states that i can get an extension for so and so months while my PR is being processed. Also, my PNP certificate is getting expired next month. What options do i have to extend my work permit?. Also, am i eligible to apply for Express entry since i have already applied for my PR?. If yes, then would that be of any benefit?. I am currently working at some company as a full time employee. Please your responses and suggestions will be highly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[liisa227]

No worries! Getting the file number/AOR takes around 2 months or a little more, but I don't see why you wouldn't get your AOR before the expiry of your current permit (in 3-4 months). So you should be fine.

Regarding the PNP support letter - you should call the Ontario PNP office and tell them that you might need a support letter. I don't think they issue them unless you specifically ask. But since your certificate is still valid, you should be able to get one, but you should call them right away to confirm.

Again, if you get your PR AOR before your WP expiry, you don't even need the support letter to get a WP extension. As far as I know, all you need in that case is your PNP certificate and a copy of your PR AOR (and some other documents as well, but these are the most important ones).

I'm not sure about the Express Entry rules so can't say anything about that.

 

[sherrysyed]

Actually, i want to be in a safe mode and apply for work permit extension asap. Am i able to apply for a work permit extension through my PNP cert or through the letter even if my PNP certificate is expiring next month?. I do not care about the close/open work permit.

 

[liisa227]

Actually, i want to be in a safe mode and apply for work permit extension asap. Am i able to apply for a work permit extension through my PNP cert or through the letter even if my PNP certificate is expiring next month?. I do not care about the close/open work permit.

If you want to apply for a WP before you get your PR AOR, then your certificate does need to be valid when you apply. Ask for the PNP support letter right away and make sure to apply for the WP as much in advance of your certificate expiry as possible. The fastest way to get the WP is to go down to the US border and flagpole, the officers will issue the WP right away (provided of course that you have the required documents with you, such as valid passport, job offer letter if required in your stream, resume etc). That way you don't have to wait for CIC processing which is about 40 days now for online WP applications.

I've read here a few times, though, that sometimes the border officers won't grant you a new WP at the border if you still have a few months left in your current WP - they seem to be more inclined to grant them if you're almost out, or if you've been on implied status. In your case I would probably still try though, because even if you do get refused, then at least they'll still let you enter Canada because you have time left in your current WP. And explaining your full situation can also help.

I don't know under which category/stream you were nominated, so please take this information with a grain of salt as there may be specific conditions and restrictions in your case that I'm not aware of that might affect your processing. Good luck!

 

[sherrysyed]

Thanks a lot for your reply, I also have another question which is kind of related to this. My question is, i have to visit US in July and for that i need to apply for a visitor visa. Currently i am working in Canada but as i told you my work permit is getting expired in May 2015. Is it okay to apply for a US visa right now? , would there be a problem in the application if my work permit is getting expired in May or do you suggest me to apply for a US visa after getting my extension for work permit through the PR file number or the support letter?. Just want to emphasize that i have to visit US in July and i doubt that by the time extension of work permit is done or i get my US visa, the time would be gone. Please suggest something in this regard. Thanks.

 

[bcpnp11]

I guess you are in a stable situation and as far as your steps are reasonable you wont be in trouble , but I want to clarify that currently processing time to get AOR for pnp applicants applied after Sep. 2014 for federal is 4 months . Please go to the topics "Sep. 2014 PR applicants" and "Oct. 2014 PR applicants" to get more details.

Thanks

No worries! Getting the file number/AOR takes around 2 months or a little more, but I don't see why you wouldn't get your AOR before the expiry of your current permit (in 3-4 months). So you should be fine.

Regarding the PNP support letter - you should call the Ontario PNP office and tell them that you might need a support letter. I don't think they issue them unless you specifically ask. But since your certificate is still valid, you should be able to get one, but you should call them right away to confirm.

Again, if you get your PR AOR before your WP expiry, you don't even need the support letter to get a WP extension. As far as I know, all you need in that case is your PNP certificate and a copy of your PR AOR (and some other documents as well, but these are the most important ones).

I'm not sure about the Express Entry rules so can't say anything about that.

 

[sherrysyed]

So that means its safe to apply for my US visa based on the current work permit which is getting expired in MAY?. Do they ask for work permit duration in the interview for a visitor US visa?.