Canadian Open Work Permit

[psharma2284]

Hi,
So I read as of December 22 2014, visitors waiting on a perm residency can apply for an open work permit in Canada.

I applied as of January 9th, and the last 2 immigration agents told me if I got an offer - they will get the work permit to me in 35 days.

However, if I don't have an offer and just apply for hte open work permit - it takes 4 months.

Is this correct?

I ask because the most recent (and might I add rude agent) told me I can't work unless I have a permit and an offer does NOT help expedite the process...

 

[scylla]

A job offer won't get you a work permit in 35 days - you need an approved LMIA as well.

To answer the rest of your questions, you need to tell us how you have applied for PR (through which program).

 

[psharma2284]

I am confused -- this is the information I was given.

So, if are applying for a PR as a spouse of Canadian citizen -- which is what I'm doing, then what are your options with working in Canada?

So if I get an offer from a Canadian employer, what happens?

 

[kriv]

I am confused -- this is the information I was given.

So, if are applying for a PR as a spouse of Canadian citizen -- which is what I'm doing, then what are your options with working in Canada?

So if I get an offer from a Canadian employer, what happens?

If you are submitting an inland sponsorship application, with the application package include the open work permit application with fee.You will get your work permit within four months of receipt of the work permit application.
With an open work permit you will be free to work with any employer,company or multiple employers at the same time .
If you choose to apply for a close work permit ( which doesn't make sense) will take more time and will have restrictions. The employer who is willing to offer you a job will first apply for a LMIA , if approved then you will apply for a work permit.

So open work permit will be easy fast and best option.

 

[psharma2284]

Sounds good. But what about if I receive an offer from a Canadian employer? My other friend in the same situation experienced that, and was able to receive the permit with 1 month with the help of the company.

 

[scylla]

Sounds good. But what about if I receive an offer from a Canadian employer? My other friend in the same situation experienced that, and was able to receive the permit with 1 month with the help of the company.

Again, to do this you would need an approved LMIA. An LMIA is something your employer must obtain (this gives your employer permission to hire a foreign worker). It typically takes a number of months to obtain an approved LMIA and your employer must also pay a $1,000 processing fee. A job offer alone is not enough to get a work permit after.

Does your employer have an approved LMIA? If not, then you'll have to wait the four months for the open work permit to be processed after you apply for PR inland.

 

[kriv]

Sounds good. But what about if I receive an offer from a Canadian employer? My other friend in the same situation experienced that, and was able to receive the permit with 1 month with the help of the company.

I got my open work permit in 15 days...so it all depends on the work load of cic. They have mentioned within 4 months but you never know u might get your permit in hand in 2,3 months or even before that. The same goes with close work permit it might get a long delay and no company can help you expedite the process. What if you feel to change your job in near future?

 

[psharma2284]

Thanks for the update -- since that time, I have received an offer but the port of entry agents said its easiest to wait on the OWP because my position doesn't fall under the NAFTA agreement.

I had to reapply for the OWP in February, due to some fees that I didn't pay (which I didn't see when I applied on Jan 9) but I have been calling weekly to ask when it'll be here.

On average, has anyone recieved their permit yet when they applied in February?

My PR application is pending as well through spousal sponsorship within Canada.