Hi everyone,
I’m in a difficult situation and would really appreciate any guidance or advice.
I applied for PR under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) through New Brunswick and have completed biometrics. My work permit expired in February 2025, and due to my employer being unable to provide a closed work permit at the time, I applied for an Open Work Permit (OWP) in February.
Unfortunately, my OWP application was refused yesterday.
After the refusal, I went back to my employer asking if they could now support me for a closed work permit, but they’ve declined, saying it could lead to legal/HR issues or set a precedent with other employees. However, I feel this is unfair because my PR application was previously returned once due to their mistake (they failed to provide handwritten signatures, which was required). That delay cost me months.
Now I’m possibly out of status or approaching the end of my restoration period (depending on the refusal date). I’m not eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit, and without employer support, I’m stuck.
Has anyone faced something similar?
I’m open to all suggestions at this point — thank you in advance for any help you can offer.
I’m in a difficult situation and would really appreciate any guidance or advice.
I applied for PR under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) through New Brunswick and have completed biometrics. My work permit expired in February 2025, and due to my employer being unable to provide a closed work permit at the time, I applied for an Open Work Permit (OWP) in February.
Unfortunately, my OWP application was refused yesterday.
After the refusal, I went back to my employer asking if they could now support me for a closed work permit, but they’ve declined, saying it could lead to legal/HR issues or set a precedent with other employees. However, I feel this is unfair because my PR application was previously returned once due to their mistake (they failed to provide handwritten signatures, which was required). That delay cost me months.
Now I’m possibly out of status or approaching the end of my restoration period (depending on the refusal date). I’m not eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit, and without employer support, I’m stuck.
Has anyone faced something similar?
- Can I still restore my status somehow without employer support?
- Are there H&C options or other ways to stay in Canada legally while waiting for PR?
- Should I consider leaving Canada and waiting for PR to be approved from outside?
- Any advice on how to re-approach the employer or handle this differently?
- I do have a US visitor visa, and my company is based in US. Any chances perhaps changing the status to work permit if I they can help me transfer.
I’m open to all suggestions at this point — thank you in advance for any help you can offer.
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