LMIA and BOWP

[wdfwu]

Hi Everyone,

I have been a silent user for a long time and I would like to get some insights from the experts in this forum.

I am CEC inland who applied for PR this year (AOR Feb 15th - 950 points) with LMIA (which is expiring at the end of this month). I had an LMIA exempt work permit which expired last month and luckily I got a BOWP approved (and valid for 1 year) few days before my WP expired.

Without getting into too much details, I recently received a job offer from another employer that I would love to accept but my PR application has yet to move forward (Background status: Not needed at this time).

Which leads to my question:

Does the BOWP take over the LMIA? Meaning can I work for any employer now (as stated on BOWP) or is it going to jeopardize my PR application (LMIA to be invalid - although it's expiring soon already)? My preference would be to start ASAP but I could negotiate to start later this year...

Any advise would be really appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[defintelyguru]

Re: CEC inland: LMIA and BOWP

The problem is not so much what you can do while your application is being processed...

If your LMIA was specifically asked in support of your PR, you and the employer have contracted an engagement to work together once the PR is approved.
In both cases, but mostly in the first, CIC expects you to work for that employer once you get PR. Should they follow-up on the LMIA application, and find out you didn't they will be consequences for both you and the employer !!!

The BOWP was only provided to you to avoid a loss of status, and let you continue to work, not to allow you to change your employer.

Also, if you quit your job, for which you had points... you may loose the 600 points that came with it.
That one has to be verified. Depends on the state of your application...

Anyway... If I were you, I'd stay with the current job for a bit more time after PR. That way, no one gets into trouble.
LMIAs are not to be taken lightly !