Work Permit Issues

[Mariah---]

Hey there. I am trying to apply for an open work permit online from the USA, but when I've tried to go through the Come to Canada to submit my application online, I do not get the option, even though per the guidelines I am eligible. I've watched YouTube videos and I do not even get the same questions that would lead me to submit my application under open work permit. This is very frustrating, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[scylla]

Hey there. I am trying to apply for an open work permit online from the USA, but when I've tried to go through the Come to Canada to submit my application online, I do not get the option, even though per the guidelines I am eligible. I've watched YouTube videos and I do not even get the same questions that would lead me to submit my application under open work permit. This is very frustrating, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

On what basis are you applying for an open work permit?

I would avoid youtube videos which often contain incorrect / out of date information and stick with the directions on the official IRCC web site. That's why you are finding the videos frustrating. They were done by normal people (not by the government) and can't be relied on. Stay away from them.

 

[Mariah---]

On what basis are you applying for an open work permit?

I would avoid youtube videos which often contain incorrect / out of date information and stick with the directions on the official IRCC web site. That's why you are finding the videos frustrating. They were done by normal people (not by the government) and can't be relied on. Stay away from them.

For personal matters, I am seeking an open work permit so I am able to move to and work in Canada for at least a year, with the potential of becoming a permanent resident in the future. I am not able to go through the process of becoming a permanent resident right now as I cannot afford to, so based on my research, I thought I can still apply for an open work permit as long as I do not plan to stay in the country beyond its expiration unless I renew. If that answers your question?

 

[scylla]

For personal matters, I am seeking an open work permit so I am able to move to and work in Canada for at least a year, with the potential of becoming a permanent resident in the future. I am not able to go through the process of becoming a permanent resident right now as I cannot afford to, so based on my research, I thought I can still apply for an open work permit as long as I do not plan to stay in the country beyond its expiration unless I renew. If that answers your question?

Open work permits are only available in specific circumstances. You have to meet specific criteria.

Based on the information you've provided, you do not qualify for an open work permit.

No, you do not qualify for an open work permit based on wanting to work in Canada and based on having no plans to stay in the country beyond expiration.

 

[Mariah---]

Open work permits are only available in specific circumstances. You have to meet specific criteria.

Based on the information you've provided, you do not qualify for an open work permit.

No, you do not qualify for an open work permit based on wanting to work in Canada and based on having no plans to stay in the country beyond expiration.

I do have plans to stay in the country beyond expiration, but it says on the site that unless I renew it I must leave once it expires. That however is not my circumstance, just what I read and was repeating. I plan to apply for permanent residence once I am able to move and find work.

 

[Mariah---]

It's likely I've just gotten confused with all the different things I've been reading on all these pages/links of the Canada website and what not, so I guess my question now is what's the best way for me to be able to live and work in Canada? Should I just proceed with a PR application or is there more affordable, faster way, as I'd need to be able to work in Canada as soon as possible?

 

[scylla]

It's likely I've just gotten confused with all the different things I've been reading on all these pages/links of the Canada website and what not, so I guess my question now is what's the best way for me to be able to live and work in Canada? Should I just proceed with a PR application or is there more affordable, faster way, as I'd need to be able to work in Canada as soon as possible?

The short answer to this question is that you will need to do a lot more research to understand the best option for you given your circumstances. An open work permit is not one of those options at this time.

If you want to be able to work in Canada, then you would need to first secure a job offer from an employer in Canada and that employer would need to most likely go through the LMIA process which gives the employer authorization to hire you. Once the LMIA is approved, you could then apply for a closed work permit tied to that specific employer. The LMIA process is long and expensive. It's generally very difficult to find employers who are willing to go through this process. You haven't indicated what your occupation is so difficult to comment on the feasibility of getting a work permit.

Another option would be to come to Canada on a study permit to complete a full time program at a university or college. This is a very expensive option since you have to pay international student fees. You would want to take a program that is at least 2 years long to give yourself a decent chance at PR and to qualify for a 3 year open work permit after you finish your studies.

Yet another option is to apply for PR immediately as you've said in your post. How feasible this will be depends on many many factors including your age, level of education, work experience, occupation, funds available to setting yourself in Canada, etc. One very popular immigraiton program is Express Entry. This is a points based system and those with the most points are selected for PR. I would recommend you try calculating your points to see where you end up. You want to score at least 470+ to have a decent chance of being seleteced. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...ces/immigrate-canada/express-entry/works.html

 

[Naturgrl]

It's likely I've just gotten confused with all the different things I've been reading on all these pages/links of the Canada website and what not, so I guess my question now is what's the best way for me to be able to live and work in Canada? Should I just proceed with a PR application or is there more affordable, faster way, as I'd need to be able to work in Canada as soon as possible?

Are you a US citizen? What is your NOC? Do you have ECAs for your degrees? If a US citizen, you may be eligible for a permit if you have a job offer through USCMA (NAFTA).

 

[scylla]

I do have plans to stay in the country beyond expiration, but it says on the site that unless I renew it I must leave once it expires. That however is not my circumstance, just what I read and was repeating. I plan to apply for permanent residence once I am able to move and find work.

You don't qualify for an open work permit. That is not one of the options available to you at this time.

 

[Mariah---]

The short answer to this question is that you will need to do a lot more research to understand the best option for you given your circumstances. An open work permit is not one of those options at this time.

If you want to be able to work in Canada, then you would need to first secure a job offer from an employer in Canada and that employer would need to most likely go through the LMIA process which gives the employer authorization to hire you. Once the LMIA is approved, you could then apply for a closed work permit tied to that specific employer. The LMIA process is long and expensive. It's generally very difficult to find employers who are willing to go through this process. You haven't indicated what your occupation is so difficult to comment on the feasibility of getting a work permit.

Another option would be to come to Canada on a study permit to complete a full time program at a university or college. This is a very expensive option since you have to pay international student fees. You would want to take a program that is at least 2 years long to give yourself a decent chance at PR and to qualify for a 3 year open work permit after you finish your studies.

Yet another option is to apply for PR immediately as you've said in your post. How feasible this will be depends on many many factors including your age, level of education, work experience, occupation, funds available to setting yourself in Canada, etc. One very popular immigraiton program is Express Entry. This is a points based system and those with the most points are selected for PR. I would recommend you try calculating your points to see where you end up. You want to score at least 470+ to have a decent chance of being seleteced. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...ces/immigrate-canada/express-entry/works.html

Based on the calculator, my score would be around 388. I am 27, have a four year degree, have worked a handful of jobs but I don't think any qualify for points based on my research, currently I work in data entry. What would be the likelihood of me getting a provincial nomination in Ontario at this time to boost my score? In addition, how do they assess your funds? Because I am not sure I'll be able to have $13k readily available with my monthly expenses, but I've read (may not be true) that they would look at my current ongoing income to estimate that I'd have enough and I don't necessarily have to have 13k saved up ready?

 

[Naturgrl]

Based on the calculator, my score would be around 388. I am 27, have a four year degree, have worked a handful of jobs but I don't think any qualify for points based on my research, currently I work in data entry. What would be the likelihood of me getting a provincial nomination in Ontario at this time to boost my score? In addition, how do they assess your funds? Because I am not sure I'll be able to have $13k readily available with my monthly expenses, but I've read (may not be true) that they would look at my current ongoing income to estimate that I'd have enough and I don't necessarily have to have 13k saved up ready?

To be eligible to submit an Express Entry profile, you need ECAs and IELTS with a minimum score of 67 points (not CRS). For EE, you want a CRS score of over 470. For funds, you must show the 13K in your bank account over a number of months. For OINP, a nomination is only possible if you get a permanent job offer. Research the OINP programs but you need a job offer. What is your NOC?

 

[Mariah---]

To be eligible to submit an Express Entry profile, you need ECAs and IELTS with a minimum score of 67 points (not CRS). For EE, you want a CRS score of over 470. For funds, you must show the 13K in your bank account over a number of months. For OINP, a nomination is only possible if you get a permanent job offer. Research the OINP programs but you need a job offer. What is your NOC?

I am currently in the process of obtaining my ECAs and IELTS.

"For funds, you must show the 13K in your bank account over a number of months."

So basically I just have to show that I've made 13k over a number of months, rather than show that I have 13k in my pocket/savings?

B and C are my NOC upon deeper research, but I might also qualify under A as I've acted for theatre companies before?

 

[scylla]

I am currently in the process of obtaining my ECAs and IELTS.

"For funds, you must show the 13K in your bank account over a number of months."

So basically I just have to show that I've made 13k over a number of months, rather than show that I have 13k in my pocket/savings?

B and C are my NOC upon deeper research, but I might also qualify under A as I've acted for theatre companies before?

You need to have 13K in savings. You must show a bank balance that has at least 13K in it and you must maintain that balance while you apply for PR.

 

[scylla]

Based on the calculator, my score would be around 388. I am 27, have a four year degree, have worked a handful of jobs but I don't think any qualify for points based on my research, currently I work in data entry. What would be the likelihood of me getting a provincial nomination in Ontario at this time to boost my score? In addition, how do they assess your funds? Because I am not sure I'll be able to have $13k readily available with my monthly expenses, but I've read (may not be true) that they would look at my current ongoing income to estimate that I'd have enough and I don't necessarily have to have 13k saved up ready?

Your score is too low for FSW / Express Entry. You would need to have 470+.

Same for Ontario without a job offer. You would need to have 450+.

 

[scylla]

B and C are my NOC upon deeper research, but I might also qualify under A as I've acted for theatre companies before?

Were you paid a salary for the theatre company acting?