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how to extend work permit linked to wife's closed permit about to expire

A

Alex_JBM9

Newbie
Oct 23, 2019
2
0
Hi,

My family and I came to Canada past March due to my wife’s position as a visiting professor at UofT (1 year work permit). I was recently hired by a large corp here in Toronto/ON as software engineer (skill level A), full-time permanent position. So, I’m on an open work permit now (linked to my wife’s closed permit) which will expire in March/2020, and I’d like to have it extended so I can continue to work for my employer. My wife won’t get an extension, because she’ll need to go back and teach there for a while before she can came back to Canada with our kids (2).

So, as fas as I understand, one way for me to extend my open work permit would be to first file an application for PR. However, I was informed that because I’m here for less than a year, I cannot apply for a PR just yet (unless a go through the Ontario Nominee program, which is kind of expensive and requires a lot of paperwork). Express entry is not for me (I don't get the "age" points as I'm a little over 45 now). Other options I read about include extending the work permit, or changing its status to a "closed" work permit (Specific Employer work permit), but I'm not sure that those are applicable to my case. Can somebody give me a hint on what would be the best option for me to extend my stay and keep working here in Toronto (to later decide whether I should apply for PR or the OINP program)?

Any info will be helpful. Thanks in advance!
 
Alex_JBM9 said:
Hi,

My family and I came to Canada past March due to my wife’s position as a visiting professor at UofT (1 year work permit). I was recently hired by a large corp here in Toronto/ON as software engineer (skill level A), full-time permanent position. So, I’m on an open work permit now (linked to my wife’s closed permit) which will expire in March/2020, and I’d like to have it extended so I can continue to work for my employer. My wife won’t get an extension, because she’ll need to go back and teach there for a while before she can came back to Canada with our kids (2).

So, as fas as I understand, one way for me to extend my open work permit would be to first file an application for PR. However, I was informed that because I’m here for less than a year, I cannot apply for a PR just yet (unless a go through the Ontario Nominee program, which is kind of expensive and requires a lot of paperwork). Express entry is not for me (I don't get the "age" points as I'm a little over 45 now). Other options I read about include extending the work permit, or changing its status to a "closed" work permit (Specific Employer work permit), but I'm not sure that those are applicable to my case. Can somebody give me a hint on what would be the best option for me to extend my stay and keep working here in Toronto (to later decide whether I should apply for PR or the OINP program)?

Any info will be helpful. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

One option is a closed work permit. For this to be possible, your employer needs to obtain an approved LMIA. This is typically a 4-6 month process and not all employers are willing to do it.

Yes - an open work permit could be possible if you apply for PR and are invited. If Express Entry is not for you because you don't have sufficient points, then your only option is the provincial nominee programs. If you're currently in Ontario - then it would have to be the Ontario program.

In short, if you don't feel that applying for PR is an option at this time, your employer needs to obtain an approved LMIA. That's really the only option.
 
scylla said:
One option is a closed work permit. For this to be possible, your employer needs to obtain an approved LMIA. This is typically a 4-6 month process and not all employers are willing to do it.

Yes - an open work permit could be possible if you apply for PR and are invited. If Express Entry is not for you because you don't have sufficient points, then your only option is the provincial nominee programs. If you're currently in Ontario - then it would have to be the Ontario program.

In short, if you don't feel that applying for PR is an option at this time, your employer needs to obtain an approved LMIA. That's really the only option.
Click to expand...
Thanks scylla - that was very helpful!
 
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