debs_2009

This my first post on the expats website. I need advice on obtaining a work permit.

I have been offered a job and received my contract for a senior financial analyst position in Ottawa ( i am a qualified accountant for both a British and Canadian accounting body) and am pulling all the information together for my work permit. I read that transferring within the same organisation meant I didn't need a LMO, but reading more in depth this only covers executives/specialised roles. I am concerned that my company will not be able to justify employing me above a Canadian as there is no apparent shortage for my position.

Any advice would be great. I thought getting the contract would be the difficult part!

Paul Wildy

You would likely come under "specialised knowledge" (meaning you have above average knowledge of the company's processes/products) as opposed to executive or managerial. There are a few other requirements to meet such as the length of time you worked for the UK company (must be at least a year) and whether there is a "qualifying relationship" between the UK and Canadian company.

pcuz

I came in via this route and providing the company play upon your internal knowledge of the company it should be plain sailing. Most firms use external council to take care of this and navigate the current immigration procedures, it took mine around 4 weeks to get sorted.

Let me know if you need anymore info.

bimchick

My husband came in through this route last week. The company got everything together, it took about 5 days and the actual work permit took about 20 minutes at the airport. His company justified transferring him because he had specialized knowledge of the company's procedures. He's an accountant.

Brownstar

As long as your company state in your accompanying letter that you bring indepth specialised knowledge its pretty easy to get. Mine took about two/threes to come through from CHC in London

XCMTBer

I would agree with most of what has been said above, I also came to Ottawa on an inter company transfer, on a work permit, and applied at the airport on landing. Working for a company that is doing this type of transfer means they really should be up to speed on what is required and get their immigration lawyers to draw up the relevant paperwork and supporting docs so you can get your work permit at the airport.

I'd push back on HR, they can't offer you the role without knowing what is involved.

Solarfish

Mine actually took about 7 weeks, but it was at a time (mid 2007) when there seemed to be significant delays for all processing. It was all very simple though and our PR application was automatically fast tracked once we arrived

Novocastrian

So, no chance then?

debs_2009

Thanks for all the advice, it was good to get some feedback.

To let you know the outcome my company preferred to me to go for the PR visa skilled worker and are happy to wait and leave the job offer open. Bit disppointed as this will take longer but I think in the long run a better option.

Brownstar

Strange choice when they could have you there in a short period of time on a TWP and you then apply for PR whilst working and living in the country.

XCMTBer

Not really, given what is going on, if they brought you over on an inter company transfer on a TWP, then let you go due to cut backs, a lawyer could have a field day. If the person has PR and can try and get a job elsewhere, not such a biggie.