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Open Work Permit Extention

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Eliguy

Newbie
Jul 25, 2017
3
0
Howdy Ya'll,

I'm wondering if there's any way to extend an open work permit, and if so, what form to use. Here's my background-- I got a two year open work permit that expires in a bit over a month. I am no longer going the spousal sponsorship route because we separated, and the work experience I got with my open work permit doesn't count because I was self employed. I've lined up a job as a skilled work, but it looks like the LMIA process will take a few months. I'd rather not have to take a 2 month forced vacation. Any suggestions?
 
Eliguy said:
Howdy Ya'll,

I'm wondering if there's any way to extend an open work permit, and if so, what form to use. Here's my background-- I got a two year open work permit that expires in a bit over a month. I am no longer going the spousal sponsorship route because we separated, and the work experience I got with my open work permit doesn't count because I was self employed. I've lined up a job as a skilled work, but it looks like the LMIA process will take a few months. I'd rather not have to take a 2 month forced vacation. Any suggestions?
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I dont think you can, maybe extend your status as a visitor for those 2 months?
 
Eliguy said:
I'm from the states, so I can stay in the country regardless.
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That's entirely incorrect. If you want to remain in Canada after your work permit expires (and aren't able to extend it), you would need to apply to change your status to visitor before your work permit expires - otherwise you'll be in Canada illegally.

To answer your question regarding the work permit, if your job falls under NAFTA, then you should be able to change your work permit to a closed work permit tied to your specific employer without requiring an approved LMIA. If your job does not fall under NAFTA, your employer needs to obtain an approved LMIA before you'll be able to apply for a new work permit.
 
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Eliguy said:
I'm from the states, so I can stay in the country regardless.
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Absolutely incorrect. I suggest checking your options quickly before making assumptions as such. As prior poster stated you have a few options but you may definitely not stay regardless because you are from the states. That entitles you to nothing
 
Yeah, I meant that one can stay in canada for 6 months legal as a US citizen. That wasn't very precise of me. Thanks, Scylla, for the useful response.
 
Eliguy said:
Yeah, I meant that one can stay in canada for 6 months legal as a US citizen. That wasn't very precise of me. Thanks, Scylla, for the useful response.
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In order to "activate" that 6 month status after your work permit expires, you'll need to submit an application/fee to change status to visitor, or you'll need to exit Canada and re-enter as a visitor. The 6 months status is typical but not guaranteed, CBSA/IRCC can give you less or more at their discretion.

Also note the LMIA process can take longer than 2 months.
 
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