2 weeks left on IEC visa, what options do I have?
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 10
2 weeks left on IEC visa, what options do I have?
I've lurked here for a while without signing up, but now I finally need advice, and yes, I should've done it way sooner.
I've been in Toronto for almost 3 years, my IEC visa runs out in 2 weeks, and I'm looking for any way I can stay and work until I get PR. Currently my points total is nowhere near enough to get invited. My plan was OINP because I'm a shoo-in once my employer is able to do the pre-screen, but alas pre-screen has been closed since this time last year (lol).
The only other way I can see is through spousal sponsorship. I've been living with my girlfriend for 3 months, and we're willing to go to city hall and get a marriage certificate, but at this point with the timescales the way they are, is it too late? I'd have to get my application for the OWP in before my IEC visa runs out, which I'm assuming is impossible at this stage.
I stupidly thought the OINP thing would come through, and worst case, I'd apply for the bridging visa to buy myself a few months while that was processed (I know that's not kosher, but I know a couple of people who've done it to great effect). Anyway, seems pretty hopeless, but I figured I'd see if anyone out there had any advice. Thanks
I've been in Toronto for almost 3 years, my IEC visa runs out in 2 weeks, and I'm looking for any way I can stay and work until I get PR. Currently my points total is nowhere near enough to get invited. My plan was OINP because I'm a shoo-in once my employer is able to do the pre-screen, but alas pre-screen has been closed since this time last year (lol).
The only other way I can see is through spousal sponsorship. I've been living with my girlfriend for 3 months, and we're willing to go to city hall and get a marriage certificate, but at this point with the timescales the way they are, is it too late? I'd have to get my application for the OWP in before my IEC visa runs out, which I'm assuming is impossible at this stage.
I stupidly thought the OINP thing would come through, and worst case, I'd apply for the bridging visa to buy myself a few months while that was processed (I know that's not kosher, but I know a couple of people who've done it to great effect). Anyway, seems pretty hopeless, but I figured I'd see if anyone out there had any advice. Thanks
#2
Re: 2 weeks left on IEC visa, what options do I have?
I don't know much about visas. But why would it be hopeless if you're ready to get married? Then she can sponsor you... or am I missing something?
#3
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 119
Re: 2 weeks left on IEC visa, what options do I have?
Looks like you getting married and being sponsored is going to be the only way
#4
Re: 2 weeks left on IEC visa, what options do I have?
If your employer is prepared to do the OINP app, then how about a LMIA and TWP? That would give you another couple of years and you could maybe apply via OINP or spousal sponsorship before the end of it, but at least it would mean you wouldn't have to rush in to getting married.
Or spousal sponsorship is an option, but you're then looking at at least 6 months before you could work again, whereas a LMIA/TWP should be quicker. Plus the LMIA would be cheaper and easier for your employer than a OINP app, so might be more appealing to them.
Neither option is going to mean you can keep working unfortunately, you've left it too late for that. So you will have to stop work once your IEC expires, switch to visitor status (can just do it online, or go to the nearest POE) and then stay as a visitor whilst you await PR, but at least you wouldn't have to leave. You don't have to submit your OWP application before your IEC expires, you can do it whilst on visitor status, that's no problem.
One last question, what is your CRS score?
And just to say, the OINP is open again, has been for a while. Sorry, I know that's not helpful now, but it does give you another option if you want to apply for PR now and not get married.
Best of luck.
#5
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2014
Location: Done with condescending old hags
Posts: 1,194
Re: 2 weeks left on IEC visa, what options do I have?
I've been in Toronto for almost 3 years, my IEC visa runs out in 2 weeks, and I'm looking for any way I can stay and work until I get PR. Currently my points total is nowhere near enough to get invited. My plan was OINP because I'm a shoo-in once my employer is able to do the pre-screen, but alas pre-screen has been closed since this time last year (lol).
The only other way I can see is through spousal sponsorship. I've been living with my girlfriend for 3 months, and we're willing to go to city hall and get a marriage certificate, but at this point with the timescales the way they are, is it too late? I'd have to get my application for the OWP in before my IEC visa runs out, which I'm assuming is impossible at this stage.
I stupidly thought the OINP thing would come through, and worst case, I'd apply for the bridging visa to buy myself a few months while that was processed (I know that's not kosher, but I know a couple of people who've done it to great effect). Anyway, seems pretty hopeless, but I figured I'd see if anyone out there had any advice. Thanks
#6
Re: 2 weeks left on IEC visa, what options do I have?
Implied status, not so much! If the OP wants to stay in Canada long term or possibly even forever, then working illegally definitely isn't the way to go.
#7
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 10
Re: 2 weeks left on IEC visa, what options do I have?
If your employer is prepared to do the OINP app, then how about a LMIA and TWP? That would give you another couple of years and you could maybe apply via OINP or spousal sponsorship before the end of it, but at least it would mean you wouldn't have to rush in to getting married.
Or spousal sponsorship is an option, but you're then looking at at least 6 months before you could work again
You don't have to submit your OWP application before your IEC expires, you can do it whilst on visitor status, that's no problem.
One last question, what is your CRS score?
And just to say, the OINP is open again, has been for a while. Sorry, I know that's not helpful now, but it does give you another option if you want to apply for PR now and not get married.
Thanks for your advice, really appreciate it.
#8
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 10
Re: 2 weeks left on IEC visa, what options do I have?
Get married if you're both ready. File an inland app with an OWP app and you can work once the OWP arrives. Or file an outland app, and there's a reasonable chance the entire PR status will come through in the same time as the OWP would. With a risk that it might take a year.
Thanks!
#9
Re: 2 weeks left on IEC visa, what options do I have?
For a OWP submitted with an inland spouse app, about 4 months (give or take).
Last edited by Snowy560; Apr 23rd 2017 at 10:35 pm.