Post Grad Work Permit

[frozenbc]

I recently finished a two year masters degree program at a Canadian university and applied for a post graduate work permit (PGWP). On my application, I also applied to extend my wife's visa status (she is currently working as a reference librarian here on an OWP).

I understand that a job offer is not normally required to apply for a PGWP. However, I just received a letter from CIC saying I need submit such an offer from an employer. This was, needless to say, somewhat of a shock.

After reading through some threads on this site, I see that sometime last year CIC started requiring PGWP applicants to provide proof of job offers--at least in situations where the applicant is also applying for a spousal work permit. Had this rule been listed anywhere on CIC's website, we would not have bothered to apply for my wife's OWP extension when applying for my PGWP.

Unfortunately, I have not received any firm job offers to date, indeed I haven't even officially graduated yet!

If a job offer is not submitted, will CIC likely grant me the PGWP, even while not issuing one for my spouse? Or will both be rejected? Is there any way to send a letter or issue a written note requesting that my wife's permit request be ignored? Would it be useful to seek an immigration attorney at this stage?

As it is, it seems as though someone has changed the rules in the middle of the game...

Anyway, I appreciate anyone's advice on this matter. We really love this place and hope to stay!

Sincerely,
Tom

 

[uttsweb]

Hi Tom..!!
I am exactly in your condition. My wife got the Post Graduate Work Permit but I got rejected since my wife didn't have job offer yet. Now I don't have any status so need a restoration of status. I am confused on which status should I apply for the restoration. Any suggestions .!!

Uttam

 

[scylla]

You do not need a job offer to qualify for a PGWP. However once you are on a PGWP, you need to have a job in order for your spouse to qualify for an OWP. This is not a new rule by any means.

Restore your status to visitor. There is no other status you can select if your spouse on the PGWP doesn't have a job yet.

 

[frozenbc]

Hi Uttam,

Here's a quick update on my situation. As expected, CIC granted me a 3-year OWP, despite not having a job offer from an employer (this is normal). Also, as expected, CIC denied my wife's application for an OWP (we filed to extend her OWP at the same time as my PGWP).

Before my wife's OWP expired, we drove across the Canada/US border to attempt a "flag pole." Upon reviewing our situation, the CIC officer issued my wife a 3-year OWP. This was despite me, the PGWP holder, not having a job or even an offer of employment. The CIC officer explained that the reason the initial request for an OWP for my wife was denied was not due to lack of employment on my part, but resulted from me not having received my PGWP yet! (Quite the statement considering we applied together!).

I'm not sure if this will help you, but I thought you should know that the situation is not as straightforward as it first appears.

Tom

 

[uttsweb]

You do not need a job offer to qualify for a PGWP. However once you are on a PGWP, you need to have a job in order for your spouse to qualify for an OWP. This is not a new rule by any means.

Restore your status to visitor. There is no other status you can select if your spouse on the PGWP doesn't have a job yet.

Hi Scylla,

Thanks for the information. Few more queries on my mind. I now knew that I have to restore my status as visitor unless my wife get a NOC level 0 A or B job. I even visited cic website and found out that I could apply the restoration online. But I am confused with one thing. The self assessment shows only $200 in total for restoration but do not charge anything for Visitor permit. Is there a extra charge for visitor permit? I found some where a post on canadavisa.com discussion forum that they rejected somebody's restoration because of insufficient processing fee (he just paid the restoration fee). If same thing happens to me, I would not have another chance to apply for the restoration and should leave Canada by the end of 90 days. I am worried about that..

Hope you have a solution to my problem..
Thanks in Advance

Uttam :'(