POE WP & Getting there
 

Hi,

I've had a search on the forum and found similar questions to what I'm about to ask but none that quite match, so I apologise if this has been covered elsewhere.

I arrive in Canada next Thursday on an Intra Company Transfer (Specialized Knowledge Worker) on a 3 year assignment. I'll be applying for my work permit at POE and have a nice pack prepared by my company's lawyers to convince the immigration officers that I'm worth the stamp. Unfortunately, I've just glanced at the expiry date on my passport and it's March 2013. Am I about to hit a problem and do I make an emergency trip to Livepool to try and get a renewal or is the worst that can happen, the work permit is only valid for the validity of my passport and I have to renew in Canada?

2nd question, which is simply a travel query. Our flight is indirect, coming into JFK from Manchester, followed by a connection to Toronto a couple of hours later. Do we need to pass immigration in the US first, queue up and fill in the immigration slip, even though we're just passing through? Finally, does anyone know if 2 hours is sufficient to get to our connecting flight at JFK if we do need to do all of the immigration malarchy?

Cheers for taking the time to read and offer help.

Paul

Re: POE WP & Getting there
 

1. The TWP will only be issued for the length of the contract or validity of the passport in your case Marh 2013 unless you get it renewed. If not renewed then you would need to apply for an extension via CPC Vegreville once new passport issued after arrival.
2. I believe on your ESTA application you will put IN TRANSIT. You will clear Customs and move to a Transit Lounge for your connecting flight to TO. On arriving at TO that is where you will get your TWP.
Chances are Immigration will be fairly quick if not long lines.

Re: POE WP & Getting there
 

Thanks for the reply, much appreciated.

Re: POE WP & Getting there
 

We have flown into JFK a couple of times. I would suggest that 2 hours will be cutting it fine. It should be enough but on the 3 occasions we have been it has probably taken a good 50+ minutes from leaving the aircraft to getting through customs.