<< HELP! Work permit expiring >>

[gally]

Hi all,

I am now eligible to apply for CEC. However my WHP (Australia) expires June 2010. I am only starting to collect documents for my CEC application.

I am currently working and there is high possiblity of a job offer in May.

Should I apply for IMM 5551 now to change conditions to visitor to ensure i remain legal in Canada?

What happens if I receive job offer in May. Can I submit another IMM 5551 change to worker in May?

Please and thanks.

 

[jes_ON]

First, don't worry - If you have to leave, your eligibility for CEC does not change. You can apply, it does not matter whether you stay or leave (at least from an eligibility perspective - all that moving is costly, tho).

Second - you know that an employer will have to get a positive labor market opinion (LMO) to hire you, and for you to change to a Temporary Work Permit, right?

I suggest waiting until May until you know what type of permit you need to apply for.

 

[gally]

Many thanks for your response!

I really want to avoid leaving.
Ive set up a life here, relationship and home.

I am currently working for the employer who may offer me permanent. My current work permit is open/WHP.
The decision on additional headcount wont be made till May, maybe end of april. Yes, I know they will have to do an LMO. How long does it take to get approved by HRSDC?

If I have to change to a visitor in May - do you think it would be best to submit my CEC application too?

 

[jes_ON]

If you're eligible NOW for the CEC, why not submit that now? Even if you have to leave, if it is approved, it would just be a couple of months.

how long for the LMO? It depends. I just got one for Ontario, it took 3 weeks. I've heard up to 2 months in some provinces.

 

[gally]

I am currently in the process of obtaining all the documents on the CEC checklist. It will take me at least a few more weeks.

If I submit my CEC in April and receive a job offer in May, what should be my next step?

 

[jes_ON]

http://www.whpcanada.org.au/faq_eligibility.shtml#eligibility_q16

Your options look like:
(1) Apply for a new WHP if you are still eligible
(2) Apply to extend your stay as a visitor (you cannot work, but you may be able to stay while the CEC is processed)
(3) If you get the LMO, apply for a TWP - I'm not sure, but looks like it would be considered a new work permit (not an extension), which (I think) means you will have to apply at a port of entry. If that is the case, you can do that as soon as you have the LMO.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/RESOURCES/manuals/fw/fw01-eng.pdf

http://www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/RESOURCES/PUBLICATIONS/tfw-guide.asp

You can also try calling CIC at 1 888 242 2100 -