Laid off w/ NAFTA permit. Not sure what to tell potential employers

[Yaymich]

I moved to Montreal for a new job in January. The company sponsored my NAFTA (closed) work permit, but is now restructuring. My boss has intimated that there will be layoffs, and I haven't had much work in weeks.

I've started interviewing with new companies, but am really unsure what to tell them in terms of my work authorization. Will I need to go back to the states and reapply? Can I apply for an open permit, and work as a business visitor until it gets approved? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[scylla]

I moved to Montreal for a new job in January. The company sponsored my NAFTA (closed) work permit, but is now restructuring. My boss has intimated that there will be layoffs, and I haven't had much work in weeks.

I've started interviewing with new companies, but am really unsure what to tell them in terms of my work authorization. Will I need to go back to the states and reapply? Can I apply for an open permit, and work as a business visitor until it gets approved? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

You don't qualify for an open work permit. You will need a new work permit to work for a new employer. So your new employer will need to support you in obtaining that new work permit (you can obtain the work permit by flagpoling at the border). I would mention this requirement very very early in the interview process.

 

[Yaymich]

Is there a reason I don't qualify for an open permit? I have an LMIA exempt job, and will be a foreign national with no other means after the lay off?

 

[scylla]

Is there a reason I don't qualify for an open permit? I have an LMIA exempt job, and will be a foreign national with no other means after the lay off?

You don't meet any of the requirements to qualify for an open work permit. They are only issued in very specific circumstances and your situation is not one of them. See below:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=177&top=17

You'll need to secure a new closed work permit before you can start working with a new employer.