Hello,

I studied in Canada under a Study permit from 2003 until 2008. I also had an off campus work permit from 2006 to 2008. Since graduation, I have been living and working in Canada under a Post Graduate Work Permit. It is going to expire in June 2011 and I would like to stay here until the end of the year, at least.

My initial plan was to ask my employer, whom I have been with full-time for the past two years, to help me apply for a new work permit. I was briefly told over the phone that I would require a LMO.

Unfortunately, everything is up in the air now that I was recently laid off. I am currently looking for new employment in my field of study. (The industry that I had been working in was in an industry unrelated to my degree.)

My question is, how should I go about extending my ability to work in Canada.
The options that I am considering are:
1. New work permit with the required LMO. (Would this deter a new employer from hiring me?)
2. Permanent Residence through the Canadian Experience Class - Graduate category.
3. Permanent Residence through marriage. (I will be marrying a Canadian in April.

I would like o know what my best options are, considering that I plan on starting a new position in the next few weeks. I do not want my employment to be interrupted when my current permit expires in June. My concern going through the PR route is that the wait times appear to be around 6-12 months. I assume that during processing time, I would not be allowed to work. I cannot wait that long.

Please advise me as much as you can and if you require more info. please let me know. I greatly appreciate it.

Option is 3 is best for you.

Marry in April and as soon as you marry file for PR under family class (sponsorship). In June before your permit expires, you will apply for a open work permit ...... that will take care of you till you become PR.

Contact me if you need any help.

Hi Gurram,

Thank you very much for your reply.

I am concerned about the processing times given to me through the cic.gc.ca website. PR through marriage is a two step process which is said to take about 12 months to complete. PR through the Canadian Experience Class says 10 months. Even if I were to apply for PR today, I wouldn't receive my permit until next January or March. Since my work permit expires in June, would I be unable to work during this time? This is what I am trying to avoid.

A new work permit through a new employer is said to only take approximately 38 days. I am well within the range of receiving one before my current work permit expires. My big concern is the chances of getting a LMO approved since I do not work within a highly specialized field. My field (photography) has suffered from a lack of jobs, so competition among other Canadians for the position is quite high.

Please clarify if you can.
Thanks!