Skilled Worker Category Immigration Question

[grouvvy]

I am planning to immigrate to Canada, presently working in Muscat, Oman. I was advised by some people that immigrating by first getting a job is faster. I have two options and need advise which of the two will be better -

Option 1 - I apply for immigration process and keep on trying for jobs online

Option 2 - I keep trying for jobs and if get an offer, ask the potential employer to give work visa and then apply for Immigration.

If opted for option 1, if the application has been submitted, can an employer expedite that already submitted Immigration by applying for a Work Permit ?

Please advise.

[Libra]

I am planning to immigrate to Canada, presently working in Muscat, Oman. I was advised by some people that immigrating by first getting a job is faster. I have two options and need advise which of the two will be better -

Both options can be done together, and the neither option would affect the other.  You just have to meet all of the requirements needed for each type of application.  Click for more details on each type of application: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp

Option 1 - I apply for immigration process and keep on trying for jobs online

Yes, go ahead and do that if you are applying for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) under the Simplified Applicaiton Process.

If you are applying for the PNP (Provincial Nominee Program), you must be nominated first by a province.  See the website above for more details.

Option 2 - I keep trying for jobs and if get an offer, ask the potential employer to give work visa and then apply for Immigration.

You can do this now, and continue with your efforts on this even after you have sent in your immigration application for either FSW or PNP.

If an employer is willing to file an LMO for you and you successfully get a work permit, then you can go ahead and work in Canada until your immigration application is successfully completed.

Also, if an employer is willing to file an AEO (Arranged Employment Opinion) for your immigration application, you can use this to waive the Proof of Funds requirement for the FSW Program only.

If opted for option 1, if the application has been submitted, can an employer expedite that already submitted Immigration by applying for a Work Permit ?

Applying to immigrate is a totally different concept and process from applying for a Work Permit to work as a Foreign Worker.

So, an employer aiding you to get a Work Permit will not expedite your immigration application.  A work permit allows you to work in the country temporarily.

Please advise.

[grouvvy]

Thanks for your detailed reply. Could you advise how much time will it normally take for getting the Visa through applying from Muscat to London Visa office ? Is there any other option where the processing could be still faster for Muscat ?

I am sending the Simplified application with fees tomorrow by Registered post to London office.

Thanks

[Libra]

For Oman, the process can take 5 years or 5 years and a couple of months.

Thanks for your detailed reply. Could you advise how much time will it normally take for getting the Visa through applying from Muscat to London Visa office ? Is there any other option where the processing could be still faster for Muscat ?

I am sending the Simplified application with fees tomorrow by Registered post to London office.

Thanks