Applied for PR via CEC; PGWP expiring in Dec 2011 and Passport in January 2012

[kbm80]

Hello,

I am currently working under a 3-year post-graduate work permit (PGWP). My PGWP is expiring in December 2011 and my passport is expiring in January 2012. My wife and I have recently applied for immigration under the CEC category to Buffalo as I have completed over 1 year of work and I was also in a full-time 2-year graduate program. We are waiting for our file number.

I have a few questions regarding my case:

1. My embassy only renews passports 6 months before expiry (i.e. July 2011 for me). My new passport would take 20 days to get renewed. Would this affect my PR application? If the PR process goes fast, would it be possible to get my PR stamped on my current passport?

2. If I do not get my PR before my PGWP, I need to extend my work permit. Which work permit can I apply under to extend my stay in Canada until I get my PR?

3. Would it be safe for me to travel outside Canada during this time, i.e. would I be able to re-enter Canada if I travel to the US?

I look forward to anyone's comments.

 

[jes_ON]

1. My embassy only renews passports 6 months before expiry (i.e. July 2011 for me). My new passport would take 20 days to get renewed. Would this affect my PR application? If the PR process goes fast, would it be possible to get my PR stamped on my current passport?

If you can get your passport renewed in only 20 days, you are extremely lucky. It will not have any impact on your application process. It is extremely unlikely that your application will be processed that quickly, based on current processing times.

Also, I don't think you can get your PR Visa if your passport has less than 6 months validiity (or is it a year?) - I can't find any info about this, tho, so if someone else knows, please clarify -

So - you should renew your passport as soon as it is possible.

2. If I do not get my PR before my PGWP, I need to extend my work permit. Which work permit can I apply under to extend my stay in Canada until I get my PR?

Your employer will have to apply for a labour market opinion; if positive, you can apply for a temporary work permit.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/work.asp

3. Would it be safe for me to travel outside Canada during this time, i.e. would I be able to re-enter Canada if I travel to the US?

During what time? And what is your citizenship?

 

[kbm80]

jes_ON,

Thanks for your reply. I guess I'd have to wait for my file number and ask my embassy to speed up my passport renewal based on my application for PR.

To paraphrase my third question, "as my work permit expires in December 2011, would I have any problems returning to Canada if I travel abroad (e.g. USA) on a short trip between now and December?" I hold an Indian citizenship.

 

[rjessome]

jes_ON,

Thanks for your reply. I guess I'd have to wait for my file number and ask my embassy to speed up my passport renewal based on my application for PR.

To paraphrase my third question, "as my work permit expires in December 2011, would I have any problems returning to Canada if I travel abroad (e.g. USA) on a short trip between now and December?" I hold an Indian citizenship.

Do you have a valid visa for Canada?

 

[kbm80]

Yes rjessome. I have a valid visa for Canada until December 15, 2011

 

[rjessome]

Yes rjessome. I have a valid visa for Canada until December 15, 2011

Then you are able to leave and re-enter Canada up until that date.