Recommendations while waiting for a work permit in Canada

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Understanding the process of obtaining a work permit in Canada is not so easy for many and, almost always, often generates doubts, especially regarding waiting times and the conditions under which you may or may not work. These are elements that must be understood from the beginning in order to properly plan your work future in the country.
In this blog, I will share a series of recommendations based on common questions from our clients and network users, along with their respective answers. All with a special focus on the "182 day rule". Read to the end and take note of this valuable information - let's get started!
What does "182 days" mean in the context of a work permit in Canada?
The "182 days" refers to the minimum waiting time (approximately six months) that an individual could face without being able to work if applying for a new work permit (open or closed) from within Canada under certain immigration statuses. This is particularly relevant if your study permit has already expired or if you are in Canada with a tourist status without the right to work, awaiting approval of your new permit.
If you graduated in Canada and your study permit expired, can you work while waiting for your post-graduation work permit?
No, you cannot work. If you apply for a work permit after you have graduated, and your study permit has expired (or you were waiting for an extension when you applied), you do not have the right to work while you are waiting for the government's response. This is because the "implied status" that allows you to continue working only applies if you are extending the same type of permit (e.g., from work permit to work permit extension). If you are changing status (from student to worker), you must wait for approval.
Do you find yourself in this situation and have doubts? Fill out our free evaluation form and a member of the Immiland Canada team will answer your questions.
What is the processing time for a work permit if applying from outside Canada?
The processing of a work permit applied for from outside Canada is considerably faster. Generally, it can take approximately eight weeks (two months) compared to six months or more if applying from within Canada under the above conditions.
You are in Canada as a tourist and your partner graduated, but you do not qualify for an open work permit. What should you consider?
This is a common situation. If you are in Canada as a tourist and an employer is willing to offer you a closed work permit (i.e., a work permit specific to that employer), you should consider that you may be unable to work for at least six months while waiting for your permit to be approved. This may lead to the employer losing interest, as they may not be able to count on you right away.
Is it advisable to leave Canada and apply for a work permit from your home country?
Yes, in many cases, this is a highly recommended option. If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot work while awaiting approval of your permit within Canada, seriously consider returning to your home country and applying from outside. Although it involves a short trip, the processing time outside of Canada is significantly less (about eight weeks versus six months or even a year in some cases). This allows you to enter the job market faster once your permit is approved.
If you already have a work permit and are extending it or changing employers, can you continue to work?
Yes, in this case, you can continue to work. If you already have a work permit and have applied for a work permit extension, or a change of employer, you can continue to work under the conditions of your original permit thanks to the "implied status", as long as you filed your new application before your current permit expired. In these cases, the concern about the "182 days" of work inactivity does not apply.
To understand more about the expiring work permit and your options, we invite you to watch the following explanatory video from Immiland Canada: Work Permit is EXPIRING. What are my options? CANADA.
What is the main recommendation to avoid long waits without being able to work?
The main recommendation is to assess your current immigration status and processing times. If you are in Canada without the right to work while waiting for a new work permit (especially if it is a change of status from study to work), the most efficient and fastest option to start working may be to leave Canada, apply for the work permit from your home country, and return once the permit is approved. This can reduce your waiting time from six months or more to as little as two months.
We hope you find this information useful in making informed decisions about your future career in Canada. For more information, please contact us at.
Do you need expert assistance to process your work permit in Canada? At Immiland Canada, we can help, schedule your immigration consultation today.
Visit our website: https://www.immilandcanada.com/ with all the services for the immigrant.
Thank you very much for reading us! See you soon!
With love,
Immiland Canada
Note: This article does not constitute legal advice or legal opinion from an attorney. Rather, it is provided solely to inform readers about certain aspects related to the details of the law in legal matters.