IEC Canada -> extending stay

[Aljaz]

Hi there,

I would like to ask for help. These is my current situation:

I am 26 years old and I come from Slovenia.

At the moment I am living and working in Toronto. I have IEC visa valid till end of April and afterwards I would like to extend my stay here.

I am working in general contracting although I have master in Telecommunications. I finished studying in december 2011.

I would like to continue working in general contracting and I would like to extend my visa. I'm not sure yet what would be the best option.

Because I am in Canada for less than a year, I think that it is too fast to try to get permanent visa. so...

Can I ask you for help (opinions, contacts,..)?

Thank you very much!

 

[scylla]

You can't extend an IEC visa. These types of visas are non-extendable.

You can apply for a second IEC visa if you qualify.

Alternatively your employer will have to obtain an approved LMO (labour market opinion) and then you will have to apply for a closed work permit.

 

[Aljaz]

Thanks for an answer.

I know that I can't extend IEC visa, so what could be other option in my situation? For example, can I get working permit?

Thank you very much.

 

[scylla]

I know that I can't extend IEC visa, so what could be other option in my situation? For example, can I get working permit?

Yes - but as I mentioned in my original reply, your employer will first need to obtain an approved LMO (labour market opinion). Once you have a job offer from an employer and an approved LMO, you can then apply for a work permit. More information about LMOs can be found here (again, it's the employer who has to obtain this - not you).

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/employers/lmo-basics.asp

 

[Aljaz]

Thanks for an answer again.

Do you think this is the only option for extending my visa?

Thanks.