Query Regarding open work permit

[dd1989]

Hello,

What is the difference between open work permit and post-graduate work permit exactly? Can I apply for open work permit instead of post-grad work permit after completing my study on the basis of my wife who is also an international student studying in Canada? In which case, there is a chance of extension in work permit:- open or post-graduate?

Thank you

 

[shells]

Post-graduate work permit is a type of open work permit. You would both qualify for that. There's no restrictions who you work for.. But if you plan on applying for Canadian experience class visa (a type of PR) later, make sure you find jobs that fall into the NOC 0, A or B group only... Not easy, I know!

I had constant fights with my fiancée 1.5 years ago coz I was thinking of looking for jobs like a waitress (I used to have a restaurant for three years and missed that + I needed income soooo bad). In hindsight, it was a good thing we had those fights and he stopped me. I wouldn't qualify for CEC otherwise.

 

[Leon]

You can only get a post-grad permit once in your lifetime and it depends on your course length. It can be valid max. 3 years if you took a 2 year course or longer.

Your work permit based on your wife study permit is valid as long as her study permit. When she graduates, if she goes for a post-grad permit, you will not be able to get a permit based on hers unless she is doing a skilled job. If she can't find a job or takes an unskilled job, you can not apply for a post-grad permit for yourself later on if you need to because you must have applied within 90 days of having completed your coursework and knowing that you would graduate your program.

With either open work permit, you have the option to find a skilled job and form a relationship with an employer to the point that you can get your employer to sponsor you for PR under a PNP or apply for your LMO so you can apply for a regular permit when your open permit is close to expiring.

Like shells mentioned, do not waste your time on an open work permit doing unskilled jobs if you want to immigrate. Find a job that is skilled so you will gain the right to apply for your PR.

 

[dd1989]

So, if my wife gets the job in NOC O , A ,B category and before that I already got my Post-grad work permit, Can I apply for the work permit again on the basis of my spouse's work permit when my Post-grad work permit expires? Means, I can get extension on basis of my wife's work permit of 3 years.?/

 

[Leon]

Yes, as soon as your wife has her post-grad permit and has a skilled job, you can apply for a work permit based on her permit. It is not an extension for you, it is a new permit.

 

[shells]

So, if my wife gets the job in NOC O , A ,B category and before that I already got my Post-grad work permit, Can I apply for the work permit again on the basis of my spouse's work permit when my Post-grad work permit expires? Means, I can get extension on basis of my wife's work permit of 3 years.?/

It is 0, not O. Don't get confused on that.
Here's the link on eligibility for Canadian Experience Class visa.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/graduates.asp

 

[dd1989]

OK... Got it. Thank you very much Leon and Shells for your response...