IEC Working Holiday Visa to Employer Specific Work Permit -- Is this possible??

[jlkx]

Hi,

I am currently in Canada on an open work permit and have been working for the same employer, full time, salary - since 2014.

My IEC visa is due to expire early next year and I am looking at options on how to continue working in Canada. I have changed my career path since being here and would like to continue this endeavour, which I dont think I would necessarily be able to pursue back home.

I have just turned 31 and I am Australian, so even if I could apply for IEC again (I think it's capped off now anyway) - my age does not allow for me to explore this option.

My question is - my employer is willing to undergo the processes for an Employer Specific work permit but I have been reading up on the LMIA and exemption codes. Would my employer be LMIA Exempt because I am here on a reciprocal agreement (IEC), or does this no longer apply because of my age?

As a side note, I have been working in a managerial capacity for my employer for over 2 years now.

EE may not be feasible at this stage as unfortunately I don't think I have enough points for a decent shot at PR (I should have listened to my mother and finished uni). Sigh. Anyway, just looking to change my work visa from an open permit to employer specific, but not sure if this is possible with/without an LMIA and if so, what would the process look like. Has anyone been in my situation before? Surely I am not alone here.

I have had some trouble in the past getting a consistent answer from CIC regarding my previous visa woes (IEC applications do NOT give implied status) so any notes on past experiences or advice would be helpful before engaging a lawyer, calling CIC etc.

Thanks!

 

[scylla]

No - you are not LMIA exempt. This exemption only applies to the IEC work permit itself. To obtain a closed work permit (employer specific work permit), your employer needs to first obtain an approved LMIA. I would have your employer start the LMIA process now - it can easily take 4-6 months to complete. The first step is for your employer to advertise your job for at least a month to demonstrate that no Canadian could be found for the role. Make sure your employer follows the LMIA job advertising requirements. Also make sure your employer is paying you at least the median wage for your occupation and province.

And yes - you're right - you are unfortunately too old for another IEC participation.

 

[rtbrfr]

Hi dear

Can u please confirm on the details below

I am been told by local agent at Muscat oman that if u provide me with cad 15000 I will provide u with employer specific permit visa for 2years. I have to pay him in installments.
He say he can get lmia in store keeper category. It will take 8-12 months

Please guide me should I agree and pay money. PL help me.

 

[scylla]

Hi dear

Can u please confirm on the details below

I am been told by local agent at Muscat oman that if u provide me with cad 15000 I will provide u with employer specific permit visa for 2years. I have to pay him in installments.
He say he can get lmia in store keeper category. It will take 8-12 months

Please guide me should I agree and pay money. PL help me.

Very high chance it's a scam.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Hi dear

Can u please confirm on the details below

I am been told by local agent at Muscat oman that if u provide me with cad 15000 I will provide u with employer specific permit visa for 2years. I have to pay him in installments.
He say he can get lmia in store keeper category. It will take 8-12 months

Please guide me should I agree and pay money. PL help me.

Don't pay. Scam.

 

[rtbrfr]

thanks dears for the reply and advise.

There are two questions. please suggest.
1) then why he is saying that all money will be returned.
2) is there any other way to get genuine work permit for canada.

Thanks

 

[scylla]

thanks dears for the reply and advise.

There are two questions. please suggest.
1) then why he is saying that all money will be returned.
2) is there any other way to get genuine work permit for canada.

Thanks

1) Because he wants your money. It's very easy to say your money will be returned and then not return it.
2) Apply for jobs through genuine job sites like indeed and linkedin.