Post graduate work permit URGENT questions

[in2047]

I have a situation and urgently need advise and answers.

1. I have a Post-graduate work permit which will expire on 31-01-2012
2. I don't have a job right now but willing to go back asap and find one in Canada
3. I am now outside Canada, do not need a visa to enter Canada as visitor.
4. Have an job interview invitation from a Canadian firm.
5. Did ask visa office but they need me to ask them in written formal which I do not have time to do so.


Questions

1. Can I use my current work permit to enter Canada before it expires even I don't have a job yet?
2. If yes to "1", what can I do if I still not employed before it expires?
3. If no to "1", can I enter as a visitor and change my status to work while I am in Canada?
4. What are my options.


Please if anyone would give me some idea and answers. Thanks very much!

[Leon]

1. A work permit is generally not a TRV but a TRV is often issued along with a work permit.  If you are not sure, phone the Canadian embassy or consulate where you are and ask if you also need a TRV to enter.

2. If you are not employed and your work permit expires, if you want to stay, you must apply to change your status to visitor.

3. If you end up as a visitor in Canada and want to work, you would need to find an employer who will apply for an LMO for you.  If he gets it, you can apply for a work permit.

[in2047]

Hi Leon,

Thanks for you quick answer. I don't need visa to come Canada as visitor for 180 days, so does it help a bit?

thanks

[Leon]

Yes, if you are visa exempt, you can come back to Canada any time and if your PGWP is still valid, you can work.

[in2047]

Can I enter as a vistor (coz I can stay for 180 without visa as visitor) and look for a job then change my status to work permit inside Canada?

[Leon]

Because you have a valid PGWP, I do not think you can enter as a visitor unless you ask them to cancel it as you enter.  If you want to do that, that is up to you.

Your status when your work permit expires does not automatically change to visitor.  You have to apply to change your status to visitor or you can leave after your work permit expires and come back.

[in2047]

So I can go with my PGWP n change to visitor when permit ends? Usually how long does it take?
Do I need any supporting doc when I enter?

[Leon]

Either you apply to change your status to visitor before your work permit expires in which case it is cheaper or if you apply after it expires, you would apply for a restoration of status.  Once you have applied, you are under implied status until you hear back so you do not have to worry about how long it takes.  It was however taking around 50 days last time I checked.

If you find an employer and he gets an LMO for you, with or without you having heard back about your change to visitor being granted, you can go to the US border and get your work permit immediately.