Work Permit vs. Permanent Residency

[ehorner]

Hi,

My work permit is set to expire in November 2012. I have been living in Calgary for 7 years straight under both a student and then a work visa. At this point I'd like to apply for permanent residency. Do I also have to apply for a new work permit in addition to this?

Liz

 

[Leon]

Do I also have to apply for a new work permit in addition to this?

Only if you plan to stay in Canada and continue working.

 

[seton]

Hi,

My work permit is set to expire in November 2012. I have been living in Calgary for 7 years straight under both a student and then a work visa. At this point I'd like to apply for permanent residency. Do I also have to apply for a new work permit in addition to this?

Liz

It is unlikely to complete processing by November. As such, if you want to keep working, you will need a new work permit. That will require your employer getting an LMO (Labour Market Opinion) for your job. Since you were a student, and likely on a PGWP, it isn't too complicated for your employer as they don't need to recruit for the position and show that they couldn't find a Canadian to do the job. However they still need to apply for the LMO (and you for the permit while/after the LMO is in process).

 

[ehorner]

Thanks for your response. So my understanding is that even if I apply for permanent residency and want to keep working, that I'll need to apply for both applications and to have my employer apply for the LMO.

 

[Leon]

Thanks for your response. So my understanding is that even if I apply for permanent residency and want to keep working, that I'll need to apply for both applications and to have my employer apply for the LMO.

Yes, the applications are independent from each other. A work permit doesn't automatically give you a PR nor does a PR application automatically give you a work permit. Your employer first needs to get the LMO and then you can apply for the work permit or in some cases you can apply for both at the same time.

If you apply for PR through a PNP, they will usually allow you a work permit without needing an LMO if you have been nominated already.

 

[ehorner]

That makes sense. I haven't needed an LMO before - I applied for a post graduate work permit and was granted it automatically for 5 years. I am going to attempt to file for the work and PR status at the same time.

Excuse my ignorance, but what is a PNP?

 

[Leon]

PNP is a provincial nominee program

 

[ehorner]

Thanks, I now see you have that in your signature