Will I have to leave Canada or my job? Please advise and provide input! Thanks!

[SFKAS]

Hi all,

I write this with real worry

I finally applied for CEC. I am a November applicant. Who would have thought that once I applied I'd be more tensed that before.

The reason is that my PGWP expires third week of Jan 2015. Based on the current trend AORs are coming in 90 days. CIC will recieve my application start next week and my AOR will come by second week of Feb 2015.

What shoud I do in this situation as I cant apply for BOWP without AOR. Once my PGWP expires would I have to leave my job.. will my employer have to tell me that I can't work anymore..Will I have to leave Canada?

I am extremely tensed about the situation. Please advise and help. I need all your support and answers. I know its almost 3 months to go but I want to be prepared in advance

I have thought about the following solutions:

1) Ask my employer to get LMIA

2) This option is most likely and discussed a lot and worked on this forum. I apply for BOWP right before my PGWP expires with an explanation letter. But this situation is very tricky as I don't want to be on implied status because I don't know if my employer will let me work on this status. Its a lot of uncertaintly as CIC can reject my BOWP application.

3) This is the option I want to stay far away from. Get in to a college/uni get a study permit to maintain my status

I am extremely confused..I have the greatest life here in Canada..career and otherwise.. I have been here a long time

Also should I apply for Visa so that atleast whatever the situation maybe I can exit and enter the country. Question will they issue Canadian visa past my PGWP expiry date.
I really look forward to all your input. Thanks in advance.

 

[arowberry]

I applied for the BOWP by mail without my AOR and received my BOWP. The key is to include a letter of explanation and have enough time so that you get your AOR before CIC get round to processing your BOWP application.

Providing your BOWP application is received at Vegreville before your current work permit expires, you will have 'implied status' until the BOWP is processed, and therefore you can continue working. Send the application by recorded mail just in case you ever need to prove that it was at Vegreville before your current work permit expires.

I have pasted this a couple of times before, fire away with any questions.




Bridging Open Work Permit applications take about 60 days to process when received by mail. They take around 19 days when submitted online. Applying by mail will give you a better chance of having your AOR by the time they see your BOWP application. Obviously these processing times are approximate and can change.



You will need:
(1) Form IMM5710E.
(2) Full passport copy, e.g. photocopy every page of your passport.
(3) Receipt for payment (you can pay online).
(4) Letter of Explanation.

In theory, you need passport photos as well, although this seems to be only an online requirement. My application was fine without them.



Some common questions about IMM5710E:

Q: 'I am applying for one or more of the following', which should I choose?
A: Choose one of 'A work permit with the same employer' and 'An initial work permit or a work permit with a new employer'. It doesn't matter which, you just need one of them to be able to validate the form. Once you have printed the form, check the other one as well.

Q: 'If applicable, provide the document number of the most recent Visitor Record, Study Permit, Work Permit or Temporary Resident Permit issued to you.'
A: My number began with a 'U' and is on the top right of the permit. There is main code boxed, but the printed U number just below. This may vary for an LMO permit, but I doubt it.

Q: I want an open permit, what employment info should I include?
A: On the 'Details of Intended Work in Canada' section, answer 1a with 'Open Work Permit'. Leave blank questions 2 - 7; as your requested permit is open, employment doesn't matter. Make sure to answer question 8 though.



How do I pay for the permit?

Go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/fees/index.asp Select 'Temporary Residence', then 'Work Permit (including extensions)'. On the next screen follow the instructions for 'You can only use this option if submitting a paper application.'.



Letter of Explanation:

Adjust the letter somewhat, but it should be something like:

Client ID: XXXX XXXX
Date: November 07, 2014

Citizenship & Immigration – Work Permit
CPC – Vegreville
6212 55th Avenue – Unit 202
Vegreville, Alberta, T9C 1X6

Re: Application for Bridging Open Work Permit


Dear Sir/Madam,

Please find enclosed my application for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).
My current closed work permit is due to expire November 17, 2014. By submitting this application, I understand that I will be on implied status until a decision is made.
I submitted an application for Permanent Residency (PR) under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) on XXXX XX, 2014. At the date of this application, I have not yet received the Acknowledgement of Receipt, however I expect to receive this in the near future.
As I do not currently have my AoR, I kindly ask that at the time of processing my application for the BOWP, that you check my CEC application status and AoR under my Client ID XXXX-XXXX, or contact me to request a copy of the AoR.

Thank you for your consideration,
Sincerely,
Jimmy Cricket



Send to:

CPC Vegreville
Work Permit
6212-55th Avenue – Unit 555
Vegreville, AB
T9C 1X6

Don't fold any of the paperwork. Use recorded mail.



Links:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5710E.pdf
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/canada/vegreville.asp
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/fees/index.asp

 

[Jalex23]

Based on the current trend AORs are coming in 90 days. CIC will recieve my application start next week and my AOR will come by second week of Feb 2015.

Really? That long? ....

What shoud I do in this situation as I cant apply for BOWP without AOR. Once my PGWP expires would I have to leave my job.. will my employer have to tell me that I can't work anymore..Will I have to leave Canada?

You can't work without status, so you MUST stop working. You can apply for a new work permit, to restore your status or any other option, if not then you must leave asap.

1) Ask my employer to get LMIA

That's a solution.

2) This option is most likely and discussed a lot and worked on this forum. I apply for BOWP right before my PGWP expires with an explanation letter. But this situation is very tricky as I don't want to be on implied status because I don't know if my employer will let me work on this status.

No, it is not tricky, you just feel irrationally insecure about it. It is simple, straight forward and the best way to tackle this problem.

Its a lot of uncertaintly as CIC can reject my BOWP application.

CIC can reject anything, even you can get your PR application back for a silly mistake (delaying your application one or two months)... so no need to worry on "uncertain" scenarios at this point

3) This is the option I want to stay far away from. Get in to a college/uni get a study permit to maintain my status

You will be getting a new status, not maintaining one. This is another option for sure.

Also should I apply for Visa so that atleast whatever the situation maybe I can exit and enter the country.

Your TRV would be valid for as long as your status is valid, so all your papers will expire at the same time.

Question will they issue Canadian visa past my PGWP expiry date.

No.

 

[i m_patel]

i wanna say try BOWP without AOR...its a matter of earning some time till you get AOR...which you can earn by doing paper application....

i might be wrong but suggestion from me...


seniors please correct me if i am wrong....

 

[mesumrizvi]

I was in exact same situation so don't worry it will work out. Just apply for paper based BOWP and write them a letter saying you have already applied for CEC, attach as much proofs if you can.

When I applied for BOWP, I included all my pay stubs as well as my pay order for CEC application plus the courier print that CEC application was delivered on that particular date. It did take over 60 days but earlier this week I got my BOWP.

Until U get BOWP, you can work on implied status and your employer shouldn't have an issue with that. Instead, I recommend you don't share it with your employer.

All the best!

 

[Jalex23]

i wanna say try BOWP without AOR...its a matter of earning some time till you get AOR...which you can earn by doing paper application....

i might be wrong but suggestion from me...


seniors please correct me if i am wrong....

That's another option, though it can lead to a refused work permit in his record....

 

[SFKAS]

I applied for the BOWP by mail without my AOR and received my BOWP. The key is to include a letter of explanation and have enough time so that you get your AOR before CIC get round to processing your BOWP application.

Providing your BOWP application is received at Vegreville before your current work permit expires, you will have 'implied status' until the BOWP is processed, and therefore you can continue working. Send the application by recorded mail just in case you ever need to prove that it was at Vegreville before your current work permit expires.

I have pasted this a couple of times before, fire away with any questions.




Bridging Open Work Permit applications take about 60 days to process when received by mail. They take around 19 days when submitted online. Applying by mail will give you a better chance of having your AOR by the time they see your BOWP application. Obviously these processing times are approximate and can change.



You will need:
(1) Form IMM5710E.
(2) Full passport copy, e.g. photocopy every page of your passport.
(3) Receipt for payment (you can pay online).
(4) Letter of Explanation.

In theory, you need passport photos as well, although this seems to be only an online requirement. My application was fine without them.



Some common questions about IMM5710E:

Q: 'I am applying for one or more of the following', which should I choose?
A: Choose one of 'A work permit with the same employer' and 'An initial work permit or a work permit with a new employer'. It doesn't matter which, you just need one of them to be able to validate the form. Once you have printed the form, check the other one as well.

Q: 'If applicable, provide the document number of the most recent Visitor Record, Study Permit, Work Permit or Temporary Resident Permit issued to you.'
A: My number began with a 'U' and is on the top right of the permit. There is main code boxed, but the printed U number just below. This may vary for an LMO permit, but I doubt it.

I am not sure but you might have thought there that I am on LMO WP. I am not. I have a PGWP

Q: I want an open permit, what employment info should I include?
A: On the 'Details of Intended Work in Canada' section, answer 1a with 'Open Work Permit'. Leave blank questions 2 - 7; as your requested permit is open, employment doesn't matter. Make sure to answer question 8 though.



How do I pay for the permit?

Go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/fees/index.asp Select 'Temporary Residence', then 'Work Permit (including extensions)'. On the next screen follow the instructions for 'You can only use this option if submitting a paper application.'.



Letter of Explanation:

Adjust the letter somewhat, but it should be something like:

Client ID: XXXX XXXX
Date: November 07, 2014

Citizenship & Immigration – Work Permit
CPC – Vegreville
6212 55th Avenue – Unit 202
Vegreville, Alberta, T9C 1X6

Re: Application for Bridging Open Work Permit


Dear Sir/Madam,

Please find enclosed my application for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).
My current closed work permit is due to expire November 17, 2014. By submitting this application, I understand that I will be on implied status until a decision is made.
I submitted an application for Permanent Residency (PR) under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) on XXXX XX, 2014. At the date of this application, I have not yet received the Acknowledgement of Receipt, however I expect to receive this in the near future.
As I do not currently have my AoR, I kindly ask that at the time of processing my application for the BOWP, that you check my CEC application status and AoR under my Client ID XXXX-XXXX, or contact me to request a copy of the AoR.

Thank you for your consideration,
Sincerely,
Jimmy Cricket



Send to:

CPC Vegreville
Work Permit
6212-55th Avenue – Unit 555
Vegreville, AB
T9C 1X6

Don't fold any of the paperwork. Use recorded mail.



Links:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5710E.pdf
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/canada/vegreville.asp
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/fees/index.asp

Thanks for the detailed response.

Can you please give your timeline

as in

when your WP was expiring
when you applied for BOWP
and when you got your BOWP
and when you got your AOR

And given my timeline. When should I be applying for BOWP. I think it should be best to apply once the credit card is charged which I think is about two months from the date to receipt of application.

 

[SFKAS]

Really? That long? ....

Thats how long its taking now a days

You can't work without status, so you MUST stop working. You can apply for a new work permit, to restore your status or any other option, if not then you must leave asap.

I know you can't work without status but implied status you can work right

That's a solution.

No, it is not tricky, you just feel irrationally insecure about it. It is simple, straight forward and the best way to tackle this problem.

CIC can reject anything, even you can get your PR application back for a silly mistake (delaying your application one or two months)... so no need to worry on "uncertain" scenarios at this point

You will be getting a new status, not maintaining one. This is another option for sure.

Your TRV would be valid for as long as your status is valid, so all your papers will expire at the same time.

No.

See above in red

And Thanks for the response

So what do you and anyone else who sees this post thinks about this scenario

I get a TRV and go visit my home country in December or even Jan for a couple of weeks. Will it be tricky to enter back in to Canada with the TRV and PGWP expiring in a few weeks plus the CEC application in process yet to get AOR

 

[SFKAS]

I was in exact same situation so don't worry it will work out. Just apply for paper based BOWP and write them a letter saying you have already applied for CEC, attach as much proofs if you can.

When I applied for BOWP, I included all my pay stubs as well as my pay order for CEC application plus the courier print that CEC application was delivered on that particular date. It did take over 60 days but earlier this week I got my BOWP.

Until U get BOWP, you can work on implied status and your employer shouldn't have an issue with that. Instead, I recommend you don't share it with your employer.

All the best!

Thanks for the response. Not sure what you mean when you say pay order for CEC.

I think by courier print you mean the the proof of delivery. This all sounds good.

When you say "don't share it with my employer" how do you mean because my employer is fully aware that my PGWP is expiring on a certain date. Obviously when you get hired you submit various documents including the PGWP photocopy.

Do I ask/explain to employer about the implied status or just assume that he will be ok with it or even know about it. Because I am not sure the employer would know or be ok. As I mentioned in my first post I am tensed and confused. Don't know :S

Also please give your timeline of applying without AOR

 

[arowberry]

I think the person I originally wrote that for was on an LMO, I was on an IEC visa.

(1) CEC PR application was 'received' in Sydney on 17 March 2014.
(2) BOWP application received in Vegreville on 31 Match 2014.
(3) IEC visa expired 2 April 2014.
(4) AOR was granted 4 April 2014.
(5) BOWP was granted 8 May 2014.

Back then AOR's were taking MUCH less time to process. To maximise the chance of getting the BOWP, you will want the application to arrive in Vegreville just before your visa expires. So depending on where you are in Canada, you'll want to mail it 3-7 days before your current permit expires.

 

[arowberry]

See above in red

And Thanks for the response

So what do you and anyone else who sees this post thinks about this scenario

I get a TRV and go visit my home country in December or even Jan for a couple of weeks. Will it be tricky to enter back in to Canada with the TRV and PGWP expiring in a few weeks plus the CEC application in process yet to get AOR

This is the CIC link for Implied Status:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/temp/visa/validity/implied.asp

It confirms that you are able to continue as if your current visa hadn't expired (e.g. in your case, you can continue working). However, implied status ends if you leave the country. I submitted this link and proof of my BOWP applications arrival in Vegreville and they were more than happy for me to continue working.

 

[SFKAS]

A couple of questions came to mind after I've found myself in this situation.

What exactly is visitor status? How do you get it. Is it easily done. Hopefully I never have to go there.

The main thing is maintain the job I have and for that only a BOWP would work or a more tricky situation is the dreaded implied status.

Given my timeline what do you all think will I be safe and sound or will it be a bumpy road

As long as I maintain my job I am good

 

[arowberry]

Visitor status is just a tourist visa, you can't work of course. You can apply online and you have implied status as soon as you have submitted the application online.

Say you apply on Friday, that's Nov 14. That gives you about 65-70 days until you need to send off the BOWP application in January. BOWP applications take about 60 days to process by mail; let's say 50 days for a 'worse' case scenario. So by the time CIC look at your BOWP it will likely be about 120 days after you first submitted your CIC PR application and therefore you have 120 days to get your AOR. Current time to get an AOR is about 90 days.

I've chosen to ignore the possibility of processing times increasing due to the Christmas period. Ive done that because I figure it would affect both the BOWP and the CEC PR application and is therefore irrelevant.


In my opinion, it's your best option and very doable. Whilst it always sounds like a poisoned chalice, I think you will be fine.

 

[SFKAS]

This is the CIC link for Implied Status:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/temp/visa/validity/implied.asp

It confirms that you are able to continue as if your current visa hadn't expired (e.g. in your case, you can continue working). However, implied status ends if you leave the country. I submitted this link and proof of my BOWP applications arrival in Vegreville and they were more than happy for me to continue working.

Thanks arowberry

Yes implied status end if you leave the country after the WP is expired

I am wondering if in December or in Jan before my PGWP expires I visit home and come back.

I am just not sure if it will be risky to enter back in to Canada with a validity of WP for only a few weeks. If I remember correctly they don't check the WP on the airport - I can't remember exactly. They do however check the visa which will be expiring in few days if not weeks. I am not sure if that would be a problem

 

[arowberry]

If you do go home, bring proof that you submitted the CEC PR application just in case. If asked, mention that you're going to apply for the Open Bridging Work Permit. It's all legal and if you also sound like you know what you're talking about, that's a bonus too. If asked, you can even go as far as saying it's not going to be a problem for you to pack up and leave if you were declined for either visa (just to placate them, if necessary).

I don't think you would have any problems.