Work Permit at Port of Entry -- Attn: PMM

[michael87]

Dear PMM,

I am an Indian citizen and hence non visa exempt. After issuance of a positive LMO, can I apply for a visitor's visa through the Consulate here instead of a work permit, fly to Canada using the visitor's visa and process my work permit at the port of entry ?

Please advise, as I am trying to cut back on the work permit processing time.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Mrs.Asag]

You will have to apply for a Temporary Resident's Visa and then a work permit in your home country. You cannot apply for a visitor's visa and a work permit. It has to be the TRV because if you come on a visit visa you will not be permitted to work.

I hope this helps you.

 

[scylla]

Dear PMM,

I am an Indian citizen and hence non visa exempt. After issuance of a positive LMO, can I apply for a visitor's visa through the Consulate here instead of a work permit, fly to Canada using the visitor's visa and process my work permit at the port of entry ?

Please advise, as I am trying to cut back on the work permit processing time.

Many thanks in advance.

No - you can't. You have to apply for the work permit from India.

 

[cookie27]

Dear PMM,

I am an Indian citizen and hence non visa exempt. After issuance of a positive LMO, can I apply for a visitor's visa through the Consulate here instead of a work permit, fly to Canada using the visitor's visa and process my work permit at the port of entry ?

Please advise, as I am trying to cut back on the work permit processing time.

Many thanks in advance.

I am not sure if you can process your work permit at the port of entry. However, if you are sure you can apply and be approved for a TRV, you can fly to Canada and file your application at NYC office. Per NYC website, they process work permit of those with valid visitor to Canada. You can either mail your application to the VAC office in NYC because this is faster than sending it directly to CIC NYC office. Lately, processing time for a work permit is taking 3 months or so. The only problem I see here is if you are called for an interview, you will need a visa to the US to be able to go to NYC office for the interview.