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b1994

Member
Feb 4, 2026
11
0
Hi there!

My post graduate work permit (open) is expiring 10 months. I have an employer who’s willing to extend my contract for two more years. How can I get a new work permit - will my employer have to apply for it? How long might it take to obtain a work permit? What type of work permit can I even apply for? When is the earliest I have to apply for it?

I am currently in the process of learning French so could be eligible for Franco mobility work permit but I don’t have the funds to prove I can survive in Canada. But I will have a full time job. Will I still need to show funds? How long does this work permit take?

I’ll appreciate it if someone can help me. Thanks so much!
 
Employer has to post your job and then prove no Canadian or PR has the work experience, education and language skills to do the job. Then they pay $1k and file for a LMIA. If approved then you file for a closed work permit. LMIA can take months and CWP can take months so estimate a year at least. First, need to post job for at least a month and document the recruitment process. Tell employer to read LMIA rules and requirements. Should be high wage too.
 
Thanks for your response! Would you have any insights on the francophone mobility work permit - how long might that take? Do I need to show funds if I’m employed? What role will my employer play in this?

My employer is willing to help me with an LMIA-exempt work permit but I assume I’d be eligible for that after I apply for my PR.
 
Thanks for your response! Would you have any insights on the francophone mobility work permit - how long might that take? Do I need to show funds if I’m employed? What role will my employer play in this?

My employer is willing to help me with an LMIA-exempt work permit but I assume I’d be eligible for that after I apply for my PR.

If you apply for PR, you will be able to to get an open work permit.
 
If you apply for PR, you will be able to to get an open work permit.
I don’t want to apply for the PNP PR because then I’m limited to that province for a while. My CEC score is too low to match the cut off. So I’m wondering about the work permit options.
 
Thanks for your response! Would you have any insights on the francophone mobility work permit - how long might that take? Do I need to show funds if I’m employed? What role will my employer play in this?

My employer is willing to help me with an LMIA-exempt work permit but I assume I’d be eligible for that after I apply for my PR.
What do you mean by getting permit after you apply for PR. You need to be invited for PR. Tell employer to read the requirements for Francophone mobility. Still can take many months and still need to apply for closed work permit. This doesn't give you PR.
 
What do you mean by getting permit after you apply for PR. You need to be invited for PR. Tell employer to read the requirements for Francophone mobility. Still can take many months and still need to apply for closed work permit. This doesn't give you PR.
That’s totally fair I understand that. Any idea, if I’m nominated by the province for my PR, do I have to accept the ITA in the first CEC draw? How long does this provincial nomination stay valid?

Also, is it possible that I update my French score (once I clear it) and remove my provincial nomination to my CEC profile and select the French proficiency express entry? A lot of the things are happening at once for me so I’m just trying to manage the timelines a bit.
 
That’s totally fair I understand that. Any idea, if I’m nominated by the province for my PR, do I have to accept the ITA in the first CEC draw? How long does this provincial nomination stay valid?

Also, is it possible that I update my French score (once I clear it) and remove my provincial nomination to my CEC profile and select the French proficiency express entry? A lot of the things are happening at once for me so I’m just trying to manage the timelines a bit.

You are overoptimistic to consider both options at the same time.
 
You are overoptimistic to consider both options at the same time.
Just trying to explore what’s the best approach here haha. Alternatively, hoping the employer helps me with a work permit without them making me apply for a PNP - if such an option is even available.
 
Just trying to explore what’s the best approach here haha. Alternatively, hoping the employer helps me with a work permit without them making me apply for a PNP - if such an option is even available.

You can't be really a chooser here. You are just wasting your time you don't have (10 months is nothing). Jump on the first option you get. Employer option is the least viable
 
That’s totally fair I understand that. Any idea, if I’m nominated by the province for my PR, do I have to accept the ITA in the first CEC draw? How long does this provincial nomination stay valid?

Also, is it possible that I update my French score (once I clear it) and remove my provincial nomination to my CEC profile and select the French proficiency express entry? A lot of the things are happening at once for me so I’m just trying to manage the timelines a bit.
To be nominated for a PNP, you first need to be invited. Then you apply for nomination and if approved and an EE stream, you can add the points. What province and stream? To get points of PNP it must be a EE stream. You can update French score but you don't even have PNP nomination to add.
 
To be nominated for a PNP, you first need to be invited. Then you apply for nomination and if approved and an EE stream, you can add the points. What province and stream? To get points of PNP it must be a EE stream. You can update French score but you don't even have PNP nomination to add.
You’re correct I don’t. I’m in New Brunswick at the moment and will be eligible for the skilled worker stream next month.

Maybe I am confused that an employer can only get me an LMIA-exempt work permit if I have an active PR application - I’ve asked them if an active PR application is a requirement for them to help me get a work permit. If they can somehow help extend my worker status, I will keep working on my French and just apply for my PR through CEC EE. I won’t go through PNP.
 
You’re correct I don’t. I’m in New Brunswick at the moment and will be eligible for the skilled worker stream next month.

Maybe I am confused that an employer can only get me an LMIA-exempt work permit if I have an active PR application - I’ve asked them if an active PR application is a requirement for them to help me get a work permit. If they can somehow help extend my worker status, I will keep working on my French and just apply for my PR through CEC EE. I won’t go through PNP.
So that is a non EE stream and nothing to do with adding points to your profile. What stream as there are a few. Your score and NOC have to be invited and then apply to be nominated. It is a long process.

You cannot have an active PR application until nominated so not sure what employer is talking about. If you get to CLB 7 in French in all sections then eligible for French EE draws.
 
I agree. It’s very long and I also don’t want to limit myself to a province. Right now, the best option is french and somehow my employer helps me with my work permit.