Open work permit extension

[aljohn]

Hello all,

I'm trying to apply to extend my open work permit (which I got through IEC) which expires at the end of this month, but I'm confused about which form I need to fill out. Do I need to submit the form IMM5708 (and if so, do I tick 'extend status as a visitor' or 'get a new temporary resident permit [for inadmissible applicants only])... or do I submit IMM5710 (and again, which box do I tick?). I want to keep working until my request is either accepted or refused, would choosing to extend my status as a visitor stop me from being eligible to work?

Any info would be very much appreciated!

 

[scylla]

Hello all,

I'm trying to apply to extend my open work permit (which I got through IEC) which expires at the end of this month, but I'm confused about which form I need to fill out. Do I need to submit the form IMM5708 (and if so, do I tick 'extend status as a visitor' or 'get a new temporary resident permit [for inadmissible applicants only])... or do I submit IMM5710 (and again, which box do I tick?). I want to keep working until my request is either accepted or refused, would choosing to extend my status as a visitor stop me from being eligible to work?

Any info would be very much appreciated!

Your question isn't really clear.

IECs can only be extended in extremely limited circumstances. On what basis are you applying to extend your IEC?

If you apply to extend your status as a visitor, you'll need to stop working as soon as the IEC expires. The application will allow you to remain in Canada as a visitor on implied status but you won't be able to work.

You would only be allowed to continue working if you apply for a work permit extension. If you apply for a work permit extension and you don't qualify for one, it will eventually be refused and you'll end up in Canada without status. Additionally, any work done after the expiry of the IEC will be classified as working without authorization. Make sure you qualify for a work permit extension before you apply.

Do not apply for a TRP. This is for individuals who are inadmissible to Canada typically due to a crime.

 

[aljohn]

Thank you very much for your answer - I was looking at the second opton i.e. applying for a work permit extension and continuing to work while waiting for a response. What are the ramifications if I continue working and then my extension ends up being refused? Will I have committed a crime? My understanding was that I would be able to stay in Canada under the same conditions as my original permit until a decision was communicated to me.

In that case, is it better for me to stop working and to apply for a visitor status? If so, which form do I need to fill out to do that?

Thanks again!

 

[scylla]

Thank you very much for your answer - I was looking at the second opton i.e. applying for a work permit extension and continuing to work while waiting for a response. What are the ramifications if I continue working and then my extension ends up being refused? Will I have committed a crime? My understanding was that I would be able to stay in Canada under the same conditions as my original permit until a decision was communicated to me.

In that case, is it better for me to stop working and to apply for a visitor status? If so, which form do I need to fill out to do that?

Thanks again!

I guess the answer depends on what your intentions / longer term plans are.

If you plan to leave Canada and not return for some time if ever, then go ahead and apply for an extension even though you don't qualify for one. Note that processing may take a few months or may be turned around quickly. Once you're refused and out of status, you'll need to leave within 30 days.

If you have a longer term view of Canada (want to stay, want to apply to immigrate, want to return again relatively soon), then follow the rules, apply to change your status to visitor and stop working as soon as your IEC expires.

 

[aljohn]

Hi Scylla, thank you very much for your answer. That was my original plan, however are you saying that doing so could impact my chances of being able to return to Canada in the future? Could you expand on that please? And if I do decide to do that, which form needs to be filled out to apply for the extension?

I am rather keen on the idea of returning to Canada one day so would not like to jeopardise that. Switching to a visitor status just requires filling in and sending off the form IMM5708e ('extending my status as a visitor') is that right? Please excuse the clueless questions I'm a little lost and stressed! Thank you for your patience.

 

[canuck78]

Hi Scylla, thank you very much for your answer. That was my original plan, however are you saying that doing so could impact my chances of being able to return to Canada in the future? Could you expand on that please? And if I do decide to do that, which form needs to be filled out to apply for the extension?

I am rather keen on the idea of returning to Canada one day so would not like to jeopardise that. Switching to a visitor status just requires filling in and sending off the form IMM5708e ('extending my status as a visitor') is that right? Please excuse the clueless questions I'm a little lost and stressed! Thank you for your patience.

Applying for a WP extension in bad faith is not look at kindly by IRCC. It is a well known strategy that people try to take advantage of.

 

[aljohn]

Applying for a WP extension in bad faith is not look at kindly by IRCC. It is a well known strategy that people try to take advantage of.

I understand that it's a well-known strategy, as it's what multiple people (including an immigration lawyer) have advised me to do and I know several people who have done it. What exactly are the potential consequences?

 

[YVR123]

It shows how desprite you want to stay inside the country and keep working even for a short period of time.
I am not sure about other immigration route. But if you got married or have a common law spouse and want to sponsor you in the future as PR.
There is a chance for more proof of relationship being request as you show intension to stay for whatever it takes. (protential marriage of convenience)

And if you want to apply for study permit, this shows that you may not return to your home country.