Work permit at Border Crossing with LMO and Visitor Visa?

[SimonSez]

Hi folks,

I have a question that I am hoping someone will have answer to. I have a multiple entry visitor visa to canada for next 2.5 years. I am not from a visa exempt country and work and live in USA as a temporary foreign worker. I received a job offer from a good company in canada that was looking for my skillset. I now have an approved LMO from them for 2 years.

I noticed online that the wait time for Work permit applications at CIC is over 2 months. But also that some people who have valid visa for Canada have been able to get work permit at a border crossing. I am thinking of attempting this at the Niagra Falls.

Can you please provide any guidance on this? Someone mentioned that this is possible with a "Worker" visa where if your visa is valid you can renew work permit at border but what if I have a valid TRV (visitor) and an approved LMO and job offer and everything else that is needed.

I am thinking of attempting this and then applying at CIC if they refuse the visa. Would set my mind at ease if someone else has been in a similar case and has attempted this.

Thanks

 

[ashu1406]

Hi,

I had applied to the LA consulate for work permit once i was issued a positive LMO. The LA consulate sent me a letter saying my work permit has been approved for 2 years and put a 2 yr TRV on my passport (since i already didnt have a valid TRV). I assume you would need that letter saying you have been approved for a work permit to be issued a work permit at the border.

But this is my experience and I dont know if someone else has tried to go to the border without that letter. Worth a shot though...

 

[SimonSez]

Ashu,

Thanks for the reply. As you said that you did not have the visa so you applied at the consulate. If I apply at the consulate (for visa + Work Permit) it could take over two months. I am trying to get the work permit quickly since I already have a valid TRV (Visitor) for longer than my Work Permit will last.

Thanks