Guidance on Work Permit Renewal Options

[Neho]

Hello,

My spouse is an international student and is expected to complete his studies in May 2025. I currently hold an open work permit, which is set to expire in August 2025. Last month, I received a nomination under the NS PNP Skilled Worker stream and an invitation to apply for permanent residence through the non-Express Entry pathway, for which I have already submitted my application.

Since my open work permit expires in August, I am exploring my options for renewal. However, my nomination certificate specifies that I am "restricted to employer and occupation," which I believe makes me ineligible for a bridging open work permit.

Would applying for a closed work permit be the better option in this case? If so, I am uncertain whether my current employer will support this. Additionally, I have a part-time job that I would have to give up if I transition to a closed work permit.

Alternatively, would it be more practical to apply for an extension of my open work permit after my spouse applies for his post-graduate work permit?

I would appreciate your guidance.

 

[nate_drake]

Hello,

My spouse is an international student and is expected to complete his studies in May 2025. I currently hold an open work permit, which is set to expire in August 2025. Last month, I received a nomination under the NS PNP Skilled Worker stream and an invitation to apply for permanent residence through the non-Express Entry pathway, for which I have already submitted my application.

Since my open work permit expires in August, I am exploring my options for renewal. However, my nomination certificate specifies that I am "restricted to employer and occupation," which I believe makes me ineligible for a bridging open work permit.

Would applying for a closed work permit be the better option in this case? If so, I am uncertain whether my current employer will support this. Additionally, I have a part-time job that I would have to give up if I transition to a closed work permit.

Alternatively, would it be more practical to apply for an extension of my open work permit after my spouse applies for his post-graduate work permit?

I would appreciate your guidance.

There is an active temporary policy for provincial nominees until Dec 31, 2024 which will allow you to get an open work permit.

Article - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...s/work-permits-prospective-pnp-candidats.html

On side, I've seen Non-EE PNP applicants receive their COPR in 7-8 months, hoping you submitted a complete file with minimal errors - you may get your COPR by Aug, 2025 (but this is just a hopeful guess - if things go well processing wise)

Worst case scenario, I'd also try convincing your employer to look into submitting Offer of Employment for closed work permit.

Hope this information finds you well!

 

[Neho]

Thank you, appreciate your guidance. I will try to avoid the closed work permit track, as I am not sure if my employer will be supportive or not! As per the policy above, and to be more on the safe side, can I apply for an open work permit now? My current work permit expires on Aug 2025.

 

[nate_drake]

Thank you, appreciate your guidance. I will try to avoid the closed work permit track, as I am not sure if my employer will be supportive or not! As per the policy above, and to be more on the safe side, can I apply for an open work permit now? My current work permit expires on Aug 2025.

I believe you can apply under this temporary policy since you hold a valid work permit at the moment.

Condition 1(a)

 

[Ramankaur26]

Hello there !! I am in stress as i've applied for
My Lmia exempt work permit in Aug since then i'ven't got any response as the prcessing time days arw coming near and have not seen any update does that means that they are going to reject the file . Please tell . I mean is this a negative sign . As i will have no other option left if the refused it

 

[nate_drake]

Hello there !! I am in stress as i've applied for
My Lmia exempt work permit in Aug since then i'ven't got any response as the prcessing time days arw coming near and have not seen any update does that means that they are going to reject the file . Please tell . I mean is this a negative sign . As i will have no other option left if the refused it

Don't fret...

When it comes to work permit, it usually takes 2-3 days processing as soon as it gets picked up by a CIC officer. As of now, the processing time is 5-6 months which means you are well into processing time. If I were you, I'd expect an update in January.

LMIA Exempt - Work permit applications are pretty straight forward, there are low chances of receiving a refusal. The only reason it would get refused is when you have presented fake documents, etc..

 

[Ramankaur26]

Don't fret...

When it comes to work permit, it usually takes 2-3 days processing as soon as it gets picked up by a CIC officer. As of now, the processing time is 5-6 months which means you are well into processing time. If I were you, I'd expect an update in January.

LMIA Exempt - Work permit applications are pretty straight forward, there are low chances of receiving a refusal. The only reason it would get refused is when you have presented fake documents, etc..

It's like i see videos people after me already got tje decisions on the other hand i have been just waiting and am sonscared of refusal at this point cos i did it by my own rather thru an agent

 

[nate_drake]

It's like i see videos people after me already got tje decisions on the other hand i have been just waiting and am sonscared of refusal at this point cos i did it by my own rather thru an agent

Doesn't matter you submitted the application by yourself or through an agent, if you submitted all required documents and filled all the details in the required forms - you should be good.

 

[Ramankaur26]

Doesn't matter you submitted the application by yourself or through an agent, if you submitted all required documents and filled all the details in the required forms - you should be good.

I have done a little mistake that am not sure about i filled the offer of employment number in my application IMM form but when they wanted proof of employment offer rather than posting a summary of offer of employment i sent a screenshot of email where my employer has sent me that

 

[Canashare]

Hello Folks here, with immigration changes for Temporary Resident in Canada - My current work permit is expiring this July 2025, when is the best time to apply for extension or renewal if not for 30 days before it expire? Coz I see some people who have applied for extension already has more than the processing times, some are even like 5 months more waiting. Thanks in advance.