Extend work permit or apply for PR?

[Essie]

Hi everyone,

I could really use some advice because I'm getting a bit overwhelmed with all that immigration stuff and this forum was really helpful in the past.

Here's the summary of my situation:

*Currently on post-grad work permit expiring in July 2021 due to passport expiry. Current work permit can be extended for another year upon passport renewal.
*Completed 2-year diploma in Canada and have 1+ year work experience in a skilled profession.

Initially I thought I'd just apply for PR through CEC instead of extending my current work permit because I qualify on paper. I started compiling my documents and going to renew my passport but due to Covid everything takes ages right now.

I was hoping to submit my CEC application in January/February but seeing how things currently are there's no way it'll be processed by July. Which means I'll have to apply for bridging work permit anyway.

Which brings me to my dilemma - maybe it makes more sense to extend my current work permit first and deal with PR application later in the year? Will the work permit extension be processed significantly quicker to justify applying for it instead of PR?

I would really appreciate any advice! Immigration procedures are so stressful and covid makes it so much worse. I'm feeling very conflicted

 

[assen89]

I think you should apply for PR first before your work permit extension. I believe processing times will be faster in 2021, due to the 400k immigration target they set.

You may get your PR before your current work permit expires in July , 2021 if you apply in January/February. And you may not have to apply for a work permit extension.

https://www.cicnews.com/2020/10/canada-to-release-2021-2023-immigration-levels-plan-1016133.html#gs.pct5az

 

[Wolfpmd3]

Hi everyone,

I could really use some advice because I'm getting a bit overwhelmed with all that immigration stuff and this forum was really helpful in the past.

Here's the summary of my situation:

*Currently on post-grad work permit expiring in July 2021 due to passport expiry. Current work permit can be extended for another year upon passport renewal.
*Completed 2-year diploma in Canada and have 1+ year work experience in a skilled profession.

Initially I thought I'd just apply for PR through CEC instead of extending my current work permit because I qualify on paper. I started compiling my documents and going to renew my passport but due to Covid everything takes ages right now.

I was hoping to submit my CEC application in January/February but seeing how things currently are there's no way it'll be processed by July. Which means I'll have to apply for bridging work permit anyway.

Which brings me to my dilemma - maybe it makes more sense to extend my current work permit first and deal with PR application later in the year? Will the work permit extension be processed significantly quicker to justify applying for it instead of PR?

I would really appreciate any advice! Immigration procedures are so stressful and covid makes it so much worse. I'm feeling very conflicted

You should probably use the processing times tool.

Certainly work permits processing times are significantly shorter. PR is 6 months but can very frequently run close to 1 year or even more.

Doesn't make sense to delay applying for PR though. Get started with your passport right away, no need to wait either. Then apply for either BOWP or extension of PGWP when the times comes if needed.