+1(514) 937-9445 or Toll-free (Canada & US) +1 (888) 947-9445

Judlu

Star Member
Oct 12, 2016
94
1
Hi everyone!

I have been working in Canada for almost a year with my post-graduate work permit. I'm going to apply for Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program but it seems my work permit expires before I can get a provincial nomination.

I need to find some way to get a new work permit. My employer is interested too. We considered an LMIA option but it seems it has low chances for success because my wage doesn't meet occupation/location median wage.

Am I able to apply for an open work permit?

Appreciate any advice!
 
You cannot renew a PGWP, it is a one-time sort of deal.

Cheers
 
Hey,

How long was your educational program in Canada? PGWP can extend up to a maximum of 3 years if you studied for 3 years or more in Canada. If you only studied 1 year then you are only eligible for a 1 year PGWP. Make sure that your PGWP was issued for the entire duration that you are eligible for. An example would be if you did a 3 year program in Canada but your passport expires 1 year after graduating. In that case IRCC will only give you a 1 year PGWP but once you renew your passport you can ask them to renew your work permit for another 2 years and they will.

As far as I know you can apply for a BOWP (Bridging Open Work Permit) if you have received an AOR (Acknowledgement of Reciept) for your PR application. (The PR application being through Express Entry or not) or if you receive a provincial nomination then most provinces provide a letter where you submit with you BOWP application. Almost all other work permits that are issued by IRCC are closed work permits where it requires a positive LMIA from an employer.

Depending on your situation you might want to consider going on a visitor visa, but you are not permitted to work while on a visitor visa.
 
Judlu said:
Hi everyone!

I have been working in Canada for almost a year with my post-graduate work permit. I'm going to apply for Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program but it seems my work permit expires before I can get a provincial nomination.

I need to find some way to get a new work permit. My employer is interested too. We considered an LMIA option but it seems it has low chances for success because my wage doesn't meet occupation/location median wage.

Am I able to apply for an open work permit?

Appreciate any advice!

If you are from one of the countries for which Canada has IEC program, you may apply for an open work permit based on your nationality nationality.
 
Judlu said:
Hi everyone!

I have been working in Canada for almost a year with my post-graduate work permit. I'm going to apply for Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program but it seems my work permit expires before I can get a provincial nomination.

I need to find some way to get a new work permit. My employer is interested too. We considered an LMIA option but it seems it has low chances for success because my wage doesn't meet occupation/location median wage.

Am I able to apply for an open work permit?

Appreciate any advice!
Depends on your program length.
 
Judlu said:
Hi everyone!

I have been working in Canada for almost a year with my post-graduate work permit. I'm going to apply for Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program but it seems my work permit expires before I can get a provincial nomination.

I need to find some way to get a new work permit. My employer is interested too. We considered an LMIA option but it seems it has low chances for success because my wage doesn't meet occupation/location median wage.

Am I able to apply for an open work permit?

Appreciate any advice!

LMIA is the only way to extend your work permit right now.
 
samanta60 said:
If you are from one of the countries for which Canada has IEC program, you may apply for an open work permit based on your nationality nationality.

I know nothing about it... Maybe you could provide a link where I can investigate more about this IEC program?

thanks!
 
Judlu said:
I know nothing about it... Maybe you could provide a link where I can investigate more about this IEC program?

thanks!


You can check this:
http://www.canadavisa.com/international-experience-canada-program.html
 
Judlu said:
I know nothing about it... Maybe you could provide a link where I can investigate more about this IEC program?

thanks!

Whether you qualify for one depends on your nationality and age.