Struggling to gain skilled work experience....

[NicholasG]

Hey guys,

I received my post-grad open work permit after graduation in 2013, and have only 4 months left until it expires. Since then, I have only managed to gain unskilled work experience working in customer service, which , unfortunately, will not help me immigrate through the CEC program. Are there any other options for immigration from here on? With only 4 months left on my work permit and my unskilled job, would I even be able to apply for a work permit extension? Finding skilled work seems absolutely hopeless as well, as I've been struggling for almost 2 years now to land a decent job. Especially with the bilingualism barrier in Ottawa, as I don't speak French. To those who managed to find skilled work after graduating and receiving their post-grad open work permit, any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[scylla]

You can only extend your work permit if you're able to secure a job offer that's accompanied by an approved LMIA.

Do you have previous work experience from your home country? If so, have you looked into the FSW program or provincial nominee programs?

As for finding a skilled job, it sounds to me like leaving Ottawa would be a good first step if you're finding your lack of French knowledge to be such a barrier. This won't be a barrier in many other places (e.g. Toronto).

 

[kidbroker]

Hey guys,

I received my post-grad open work permit after graduation in 2013, and have only 4 months left until it expires. Since then, I have only managed to gain unskilled work experience working in customer service, which , unfortunately, will not help me immigrate through the CEC program. Are there any other options for immigration from here on? With only 4 months left on my work permit and my unskilled job, would I even be able to apply for a work permit extension? Finding skilled work seems absolutely hopeless as well, as I've been struggling for almost 2 years now to land a decent job. Especially with the bilingualism barrier in Ottawa, as I don't speak French. To those who managed to find skilled work after graduating and receiving their post-grad open work permit, any advice would be much appreciated.

I am not sure about which degree you received from school. but it will be much easier for you to find a job in toronto, particularly in the tech sector as the loonies is cheap atm.

 

[wenfeizh]

maybe you can try the Working Holiday Visa?

 

[David1905]

Can you apply for Study Permit again? I mean in the worst case, that would help you to buy more time and more chance to get a decent job later. Try to get in PNP before graduating because CIC wont issue PGWP the second time.