Bridging work permit requirements

[jd13]

Hi all I see one of the requirements for a bridging open work permit is "have a valid work permit that expires in 4 months or less" . What if my existing work permit has more than 4 months before expiry?

I ask because my current employer [in Vancouver, BC] may file for my closed work permit extension and will possibly file for my PR in BC tech pilot. I'm wondering if I can change my jobs once the application is submitted as I have a good remote offer lined up [The new company cannot sponsor a work permit as it is not in Vancouver]

 

[scylla]

Hi all I see one of the requirements for a bridging open work permit is "have a valid work permit that expires in 4 months or less" . What if my existing work permit has more than 4 months before expiry?

I ask because my current employer [in Vancouver, BC] may file for my closed work permit extension and will possibly file for my PR in BC tech pilot. I'm wondering if I can change my jobs once the application is submitted as I have a good remote offer lined up [The new company cannot sponsor a work permit as it is not in Vancouver]

If your existing work permit has more than 4 months before expiry, then you do not qualify for a BOWP.

 

[jd13]

What if I leave my existing company which filed for the extension. In that case my work-permit would be void right?

What I mean is , after my company submitted my PNP tech pilot application and my work visa is extended, can I leave my company then? This will expire the work permit, no?Will I fall into a loophole?

 

[scylla]

What if I leave my existing company which filed for the extension. In that case my work-permit would be void right?

That's a more complicated situation.

When you say that your existing company has filed for an extension, does that mean that your original work permit has now expired and you are on implied status waiting for the extension to be approved?

 

[jd13]

work permit not yet expired but will expire in 4-5 months.

Sorry for the confusion. Let me be a litter clear
1. Company will file for PNP tech pilot and work permit extension in a month. 5 months left on work permit
2. New company is offering a better position and I cannot delay joining for too long.
3. Maybe when the application for PNP is submitted, can I then switch jobs?

 

[scylla]

work permit not yet expired but will expire in 4-5 months.

Sorry for the confusion. Let me be a litter clear
1. Company will file for PNP tech pilot and work permit extension in a month. 5 months left on work permit
2. New company is offering a better position and I cannot delay joining for too long.
3. Maybe when the application for PNP is submitted, can I then switch jobs?

1. If you want to apply under the PNP tech pilot, then you can't switch employers and need to be prepared to remain with your current employer until you are approved for PR.
2. If your priority is to join the new company that is offering the better position, then your new company needs to obtain an approved LMIA so that you can apply for a new closed work permit. However you then have to forget about applying for PR under the PNP tech pilot unless your new company meets all of the PNP tech pilot requirements and can support your nomination. If your new company can support your nomination, then switch companies first and then apply under the tech pilot.
3. No, you can't. Your nomination is dependent on your current job. You can't do a bait and switch. If you leave your current employer, expect the province to withdraw the nomination and IRCC to refuse your application for PR.

 

[jd13]

OK thanks that's helpful. May I ask if u know what are the current wait times for PNP tech pilot? Also does approve for PR mean, I actually officially received PR?

 

[jd13]

I guess another option for me is to file in CIC instead of tech pilot. So when my application is submitted I will be able to switch jobs on bridging work permit? Maybe this is more workable

 

[scylla]

OK thanks that's helpful. May I ask if u know what are the current wait times for PNP tech pilot? Also does approve for PR mean, I actually officially received PR?

I don't know what the processing times are.

And yes, I mean the application being fully approved and receiving the PR visa.

 

[scylla]

I guess another option for me is to file in CIC instead of tech pilot. So when my application is submitted I will be able to switch jobs on bridging work permit? Maybe this is more workable

I assume you mean CEC?

If so, this is an option. But keep in mind that you still won't be able to switch employers immediately. You'll first need to enter the pool and wait for ITA (invitation to apply). Once you have ITA, you'll submit your complete application. At this point, if you have less than four months remaining on your closed work permit, you will qualify to apply for a BOWP. However you won't be able to switch employers immediately. You will need to wait until the BOWP is approved before you will be eligible to switch employers.

 

[jd13]

Thankyou