Has anyone applied for a work permit inside of Canada?

[muffy1]

Hi Kourts-
What scylla said is correct. If you are able to find an employer is willing to go through the process of an LMO and at which time it was approved you could apply at a port of entry for the work permit. However, not all POE will issue a work permit right on the spot.

Since you have a visitor's record, if you were able to get a positive LMO you would have to drive across the border entering into US and then turn right around and drive back through to the POE. It seems ridiculous but that's the process

You're from the US - correct?

You can't apply from within Canada. However if your employer gets a positive LMO, it's my understanding that you can flagpole at a Canada/US land border crossing (i.e. leave Canada and then re-enter) to activate a work permit. Along with the LMO, you would need to bring a completed work permit application and the applicable fees.

 

[Ryathe]

Hi!

Maybe I can help with the flag poling thing. I'm in Montreal and a few months ago had to change my status. So I took a bus to Plattsburgh in the US, which isn't far from the border, and on the way back in Champlain (I think that's the name of the nearest town to the border) I presented all my papers to the immigration officer, payed the fee and got a new visa in 20min.
I remember I got to know about this option from an imm officer on the phone, but she also mentioned that not all borders agree to do that. I guess mostly the busy ones. Anyway, the one I went to was empty and sleepy so it may be a good choice.

Good luck!