Questions about applying for work permit while applying to be sponsored.

[PDesigns]

I'm the principal applicants. I used to have a post-graduation work permit [after finishing University here in Canada]. After my work permit expired, I applied to extend my stay as a visitor while my wife and I put the sponsorship application together. My questions are:

- What am I applying for exactly? I have these options on top of the form:

• A work Permit with the same employer
• Restoration of your status as a worker
• An Initial work permit or a work permit with a new employer
• Temporary Resident Permit

- The work permit checklist mentions a CAQ, do I really need that? if yes, can I send my sponsorship application with or without the work permit application now and apply for and send the CAQ once I get it? Or would I have to delay everything else till I do?

 

[computergeek]

I'm the principal applicants. I used to have a post-graduation work permit [after finishing University here in Canada]. After my work permit expired, I applied to extend my stay as a visitor while my wife and I put the sponsorship application together. My questions are:

- What am I applying for exactly? I have these options on top of the form:

• A work Permit with the same employer
• Restoration of your status as a worker
• An Initial work permit or a work permit with a new employer
• Temporary Resident Permit

- The work permit checklist mentions a CAQ, do I really need that? if yes, can I send my sponsorship application with or without the work permit application now and apply for and send the CAQ once I get it? Or would I have to delay everything else till I do?

You want the right form "extend my stay or change conditions as a visitor".

You don't need a CAQ for a visitor extension (and you only need it for Quebec in the work permit case).

 

[PDesigns]

But I want a work permit so I can get back to working as soon as possible. Is that no longer an option?

 

[computergeek]

But I want a work permit so I can get back to working as soon as possible. Is that no longer an option?

You have three options to be permitted to work at this point:

(1) Find an employer willing to obtain an LMO; with that you can get a work permit.
(2) Apply for sponsorship inland. In 11+ months, you are granted AIP ("Approval in Principle") and are eligible for an "open work permit".
(3) Apply for sponsorship outland. The processing time varies, but once you are a permanent resident you can work in Canada legally.

Depending upon the office, (3) is often as fast (or faster) than (2).

Note: "inland" versus "outland" relates to where the application is processed, not where you are located, though the CIC website is confusing on this point.

 

[PDesigns]

I'm applying inland. I was told to fill the work permit application and send it in with the sponsorship, which is what I'm doing, I'm not sure which work permit option and if I need a CAQ in this case.

 

[computergeek]

I'm applying inland. I was told to fill the work permit application and send it in with the sponsorship, which is what I'm doing, I'm not sure which work permit option and if I need a CAQ in this case.

Ah, ok.

So you are going to apply for an open work permit. Then yes, you have the right application.

I think you mean CSQ (I couldn't find any Canadian immigration definition of CAQ). In that case, no, you don't need one. If you need one, CIC will advise you to get it. But it's only necessary if you are landing in Quebec.

 

[PDesigns]

The CAQ (Certificat d'acceptation du Quebec) is different from the CSQ, they require it for temporary visa applications in Quebec. I had to have it back when I was a student and worker.

 

[computergeek]

By the time you are eligible for the OWP you will have a CSQ anyway. I've never heard anyone say they needed one for an inland OWP application. Perhaps someone familiar with Quebec specifics can shed some light.