Can I apply another work permit with my employer even before his renewed work permit arrives? Can I apply at the border and get it sooner? What does my employer need to do to get me a closed work permit? And how long does the process take?
1. You can not apply for a new work permit at a border if you are under implied status unless you are from TRV exempt country then only you can go there and apply for a new work permit. So, don't go outside of Canada if you need TRV and don`t have valid WP otherwise you will lose your implied status and could not work till you get your new work permit.
2. In order to get a close WP with a specific employer, you need to have a valid LMIA. If your employer can get you a LMIA and you have valid multiple entry TRV unless you are TRV exempt, you can go the border to get close work permit. See attached link for more information on LMIA procedure. http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/foreign_workers/quebec.shtml#ex
3. If your husband gets close work permit then he can work that particular employer only even if his contract is only January. He will need to get a new work permit with a new employer through LMIA or he could have make an application for open work permit based upon his PR application (If he has received AOR) See attached link for more info about open work permits. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/temp/work/prov/bridging.asp
4. Processing time - I am not sure how long it will take to get a LMIA. You can contact Service Canada for more details. But processing time to get a work permit online or paper is almost the same. See attached link http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/temp.asp