Can my employer help with BOWP/OWP?

[AMBriers]

Hi there,

In short, my fears are that my IEC visa will expire before I receive my OWP, meaning there will be a gap in time where I cannot work. I am applying for an OWP with my PR application.

I am in a managerial position at my company, have just gone through intensive managerial training and form an integral part of the company's hierarchy. If I was to have to stop working, it would very likely affect the company negatively, especially these next few months. They said if there is anything they can do to help, they would.

Is there anything my employer can do to prevent me having to stop working?

The BOWP sounds like it'd be a better bet, but it doesn't seem to apply to those applying under the PR program?

Thanks for your time.

 

[scylla]

Hi there,

In short, my fears are that my IEC visa will expire before I receive my OWP, meaning there will be a gap in time where I cannot work. I am applying for an OWP with my PR application.

I am in a managerial position at my company, have just gone through intensive managerial training and form an integral part of the company's hierarchy. If I was to have to stop working, it would very likely affect the company negatively, especially these next few months. They said if there is anything they can do to help, they would.

Is there anything my employer can do to prevent me having to stop working?

The BOWP sounds like it'd be a better bet, but it doesn't seem to apply to those applying under the PR program?

Thanks for your time.

BOWPs are only granted to those who have applied for PR through an economic immigration stream like Express Entry. Those applying for PR through spousal / common law sponsorship do not qualify.

The only option would be to switch to a closed work permit. In order to do this, your employer would need to obtain an approved LMIA. The LMIA process takes a number of months to complete. The first step is for your employer to advertise your job for at least a month to prove no Canadian could be found for the role. To go the closed work permit route, you need 4-6 or more months of lead time to complete the LMIA process.

 

[AMBriers]

BOWPs are only granted to those who have applied for PR through an economic immigration stream like Express Entry. Those applying for PR through spousal / common law sponsorship do not qualify.

The only option would be to switch to a closed work permit. In order to do this, your employer would need to obtain an approved LMIA. The LMIA process takes a number of months to complete. The first step is for your employer to advertise your job for at least a month to prove no Canadian could be found for the role. To go the closed work permit route, you need 4-6 or more months of lead time to complete the LMIA process.

Okay thanks.

I don't think my employer could apply for LMIA. Doesn't seem to be much of a way around it.