Here on a post-grad work permit but looking for help on how to stay!

[littlemckay]

I recently successfully completed a year long intensive course and was eligible for the Post-Graduation work permit program for international students graduating from designated private post-secondary institutions in British Columbia.

I currently have my work permit until October of next year.

Yes, I know that's a long way away but I've already gotten a job and it looks like my 3 month contract might well be extended after my probational period. So I'm currently trying to get ahead of the game and figure out how I can stay here. I have no real desire to return home to Scotland, UK.

I'm a roto/paint artist (hoping to move up to digital compositing). I work on effects for TV/movies. I believe my job is considered a NOC B skill level.

I've heard of many ways to stay but I'm at a bit of a disadvantage. My course was 1 year long and so my permit is one year long. I not long had my permit before finding a job but I started work on the 19th of October and my permit ends on the 4th of October. So I wouldn't be eligible for the Canadian Experience route as it's impossible for me to get a full year of skilled work.

I have no family in Canada.

I've heard that employers can sponsor an employee to aid immigration for permanent residency, and I was wondering if someone could talk me through this option (or any other option possible option). Letting me know what would be involved in the process and what my company would have to do if I asked them about this. Obviously I don't want to mention anything right now, I just want to get a rough idea in advance.

I find a lot of the immigration website very confusing.

Thanks in advance for any advice any of you can offer .

 

[PMM]

Hi

I recently successfully completed a year long intensive course and was eligible for the Post-Graduation work permit program for international students graduating from designated private post-secondary institutions in British Columbia.

I currently have my work permit until October of next year.

Yes, I know that's a long way away but I've already gotten a job and it looks like my 3 month contract might well be extended after my probational period. So I'm currently trying to get ahead of the game and figure out how I can stay here. I have no real desire to return home to Scotland, UK.

I'm a roto/paint artist (hoping to move up to digital compositing). I work on effects for TV/movies. I believe my job is considered a NOC B skill level.

I've heard of many ways to stay but I'm at a bit of a disadvantage. My course was 1 year long and so my permit is one year long. I not long had my permit before finding a job but I started work on the 19th of October and my permit ends on the 4th of October. So I wouldn't be eligible for the Canadian Experience route as it's impossible for me to get a full year of skilled work.

I have no family in Canada.

I've heard that employers can sponsor an employee to aid immigration for permanent residency, and I was wondering if someone could talk me through this option (or any other option possible option). Letting me know what would be involved in the process and what my company would have to do if I asked them about this. Obviously I don't want to mention anything right now, I just want to get a rough idea in advance.

I find a lot of the immigration website very confusing.

Thanks in advance for any advice any of you can offer .

1. A couple of options. The employer can submit the request for a Labour Market Opinion to HRSDC after advertising the position on the job bank and in industry publications. Then would have to demonstrate that there are no Canadians/PRs available for the job, the wages meet the local conditions and you are qualified.
2. I was going to suggest the IEC (open work permit for a year can apply twice) for British subjects between the ages of 18 and 30, but they have added a wrinkle for next year, you can't have been outside the UK for more than 18 months in the 3 years before you apply.
3. You and your employer can look through the BC PNP program to see if the job qualifies there. See: http://www.welcomebc.ca/wbc/immigration/come/work/about/index.page