Hello,
I need a word of advice from the experts.
Here is my current status in Canada.
I am on an ICT work permit, valid till March 30 2014. I received my AOR yesterday.
I am eligible to apply for BOWP now.
But my company will apply for an extension around Jan 2014 anyways.
My questions are
1. Do I have an advantage in applying for BOWP now against an extension of ICT in Jan 2014. - Yes. ICT is specific to an employer. BOWP is Open WP. You can switch employers (if you want to) when on BOWP. This is the single biggest advantage of BOWP.
2. Lets say, I apply for BOWP now and I get it, then can still apply for(or do I have to apply for) ICT extension in Jan 2014, as I prefer my company not knowing that I have a BOWP. - Yes, your company can apply ICT extension in Jan. However, you can hold only one WP at a time. So, if you apply and get BOWP now and your company applies ICT extension in Jan, once ICT gets approved, your BOWP will get cancelled.
3. Will I have a problem If I let my employer know that I applied for BOWP and have it and can I continue with it instead of applying for an ICT extension. - Depends on your employer. Usually its not a problem. I have told my employer that I have a BOWP, and they are totally cool with it.
Please let me know the advantage of applying for a BOWP, as I see many ppl saying or giving advice to apply for BOWP after getting an AOR, if you meet the eligibility criteria. I am totally confused whether I should apply for BOWP or just wait for ICT extension.
Please help.
Regards,
KB.