Kiwi wanting to continue after IEC visa expires

[MattyC]

Hi,

I am an estimator working for a construction company in Vancouver. I successfully got this job after applying through Craigslist.
I want to stay on in Canada working after my IEC visa expires in a few months.
NZ doesn't have a 2 year option like other countries.
What are my options for staying on? extending my visa? is the IEC classed as a work visa? or do i get an LMO and get my company to apply for me to stay?

Any help would be much appreciated!

 

[scylla]

Your employer must obtain an approved LMO and then you must apply for a closed work permit.

They should get started on the LMO immediately. They'll need to advertise the job first. Once they submit the LMO application, it will take a couple of months to process.

 

[MattyC]

So this is ok even though im here under the international experience canada scheme?
Is craigslist not a valid work site? so can they not use the add they used on that 6 months ago?

 

[scylla]

Yes - the LMO + work permit route is your only real option if you want to stay and work past the expiry of your IEC.

The craigslist ad from 6 months ago is too old. They need to advertize the job again to prove no Canadian could be hired (and they therefore need to keep you). Without this advertising there is zero chance the LMO will be approved. And no - craigslist won't be enough. They will have to advertize on a real job site.

Your employer can start reading here to understand the LMO requirements, fees involved, etc.

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

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/foreign_workers/index.shtml

 

[MattyC]

Thanks alot.
So if people apply for the job how does that work? Do they just ignore it?

 

[MattyC]

I have also heard i need to wait until 2 weeks before i leave to apply for the LMO? is this the case or not true? then i would have to remain here on implied status for a few months if that was the case. But your saying i should be ok to start now?

 

[scylla]

Thanks alot.
So if people apply for the job how does that work? Do they just ignore it?

No - they can't ignore it. They have to prove that no one suitable applied. That's the whole point of the advertizing component. LMOs are only approved if proof can be provided that no suitable Canadian applied for the role. If a suitable Canadian applies for the role, then this individual gets the job over you. This is Canada's way of protecting their job market and giving priority to their own citizens/PRs.

 

[scylla]

I have also heard i need to wait until 2 weeks before i leave to apply for the LMO? is this the case or not true? then i would have to remain here on implied status for a few months if that was the case. But your saying i should be ok to start now?

No - you don't need to leave for 2 weeks. They should start the LMO process now so that you can have an approved LMO and apply for your new work permit before your old work permit expires. Otherwise you'll have to stop working when your old owrk permit expires.

 

[MattyC]

I already work for this company? so if the LMO is approved. Do i need to leave then re enter canada?

 

[MattyC]

also what are the satisfactory avenues for advertising the job?

 

[scylla]

I already work for this company? so if the LMO is approved. Do i need to leave then re enter canada?

You can either leave and re-enter Canada via a land border or apply from within Canada.

 

[scylla]

also what are the satisfactory avenues for advertising the job?

See the links I provided earlier.