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Regaining worker status after IEC work permit expiry...

CanuckedUp

Full Member
Jul 19, 2017
40
10
Hi everyone,

I have a major query which I couldn't seem to find the answer to online, or figure out on my own, so hope some of the experienced members or any CIC insiders here ;), could perhaps advise me.

I will do my best to cover all the key points, whilst keeping this post as brief as I can.

So, here goes...

So I had a IEC open work permit which expired a couple of weeks back (I was aware before it expired that this type of work permit could not be extended) however due to getting "screwed over" (for want of a better phrase) by one of the ECA providers, I wasn't able to get the points needed to get me comfortably into an ITA position and out of the initial Express Entry pool before the IEC permit expired. This scuppered any chance of me trying to submit a complete application for PR, and meeting the qualifications for a bridging open work permit :(.

(I eventually got my ECA, and was fortunate enough to since receive my ITA for PR :)).

I had applied for visitor status (I have another query about this but will post separately, as it may not be directly related) before my IEC permit expired.

So...

Now that I am at the stage of gathering my documents for my PR application, I wondered what would potentially be the "quickest" way of hopefully securing a new open work permit? My questions were as follows;

a) Once I reached the stage of having received an AOR, would there be any grounds for me to apply for restoration of "worker" status, provided I was within the 90 day timeframe, and provided that this option is even available to those who were on an IEC permit?

b) Once I have gathered all my supporting documents and sent mt PR application, I understand a work permit application can also be submitted at the same time, but wondered if the work permit application is "processed" "separately" to the PR application? I ask this because, while I guess an application for PR may take the same or similar amount of time to process whether I apply from within Canada or my country of origin (and I must stress this is only a guess, as I have no idea about the inner workings of the system) it seems that the processing time for work permits is less than half the time in my home country, than if I were to wait things out in Canada on visitor status.

Apologies in advance for any inaccuracies above or if I've posted in the wrong forum, thanks for taking the time to read, and lastly, any feedback to help steer me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!
 

scylla

VIP Member
Jun 8, 2010
95,940
22,178
Toronto
Category........
Visa Office......
Buffalo
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
28-05-2010
AOR Received.
19-08-2010
File Transfer...
28-06-2010
Passport Req..
01-10-2010
VISA ISSUED...
05-10-2010
LANDED..........
05-10-2010
To qualify for a bridging open work permit (BOWP) you need to be holding a valid work permit at the time you apply (and also need to have submitted your PR application post ITA). The only way you can restore your status back to a work permit now is if you have a full time job offer AND approved LMIA from your employer. Without an approved LMIA, I don't see any way for you to obtain a work permit while you wait for PR. Unfortunately you don't meet the requirements for a BOWP.

I assume you've already looked and you don't qualify for a second IEC.

If you want to remain in Canada and wait for PR, you'll need to do so as a visitor without working (unless you're able to obtain an approved LMIA and job offer).
 
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Reactions: AlexandraO

CanuckedUp

Full Member
Jul 19, 2017
40
10
Hi Scylla,

Yep, I already knew a little while before my permit expired that the delays I encountered meant I wouldn't have met the deadlines/criteria for a bridging open work permit whilst I was still "in status" :(.

Regarding a second IEC, sadly not... :(. I can never seem to find the link when I need it, but someone else posted a link which shows that my country of origin apparently only allows one IEC participation :(:mad:.

I applied for visitor status before my work permit expired, and stopped working altogether before the work permit ran out, so no worries on that front :).
 

AlexandraO

Hero Member
Jul 8, 2016
426
50
To qualify for a bridging open work permit (BOWP) you need to be holding a valid work permit at the time you apply (and also need to have submitted your PR application post ITA). The only way you can restore your status back to a work permit now is if you have a full time job offer AND approved LMIA from your employer. Without an approved LMIA, I don't see any way for you to obtain a work permit while you wait for PR. Unfortunately you don't meet the requirements for a BOWP.

I assume you've already looked and you don't qualify for a second IEC.

If you want to remain in Canada and wait for PR, you'll need to do so as a visitor without working (unless you're able to obtain an approved LMIA and job offer).
Hi Scylla,

I have an issue with BOWP, can you please kindly advise what to do.
My work permit expires in the beginning of November 2017, I've received BC PNP nomination from BC, and I will send paper base application to CIC very soon.
The problem is that my PR is totally depends on my work, I can't wait for PR without work from one point.
From another I was told that I need to wait for AOR from CIC before I can ask for support letter from province and apply for BOWP.
But it takes CIC at least 3-5 months to give AOR after receiving documents.
So it looks like I'm in great trouble.
Is there any chance to apply for BOWP without AOR and to receive it?

thank you,
Best regards
ALexandra
 

scylla

VIP Member
Jun 8, 2010
95,940
22,178
Toronto
Category........
Visa Office......
Buffalo
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
28-05-2010
AOR Received.
19-08-2010
File Transfer...
28-06-2010
Passport Req..
01-10-2010
VISA ISSUED...
05-10-2010
LANDED..........
05-10-2010
Hi Scylla,

I have an issue with BOWP, can you please kindly advise what to do.
My work permit expires in the beginning of November 2017, I've received BC PNP nomination from BC, and I will send paper base application to CIC very soon.
The problem is that my PR is totally depends on my work, I can't wait for PR without work from one point.
From another I was told that I need to wait for AOR from CIC before I can ask for support letter from province and apply for BOWP.
But it takes CIC at least 3-5 months to give AOR after receiving documents.
So it looks like I'm in great trouble.
Is there any chance to apply for BOWP without AOR and to receive it?

thank you,
Best regards
ALexandra
I have no idea. You should post your question to the PNP section of the forum.