BritInQuebec

Hi all,

A couple of weeks ago I got laid off from my job that I've been working at for the past two years. My work permit expires in May 2014.

Has this happened to anyone here before? Can you stay in Quebec until your work permit expires? Can you claim unemployment insurance?

I was just about to apply for PR through the PEQ as well having just passed a French test, I guess I can't apply for this anymore with no job? I have all the documentation ready to go as well.

Thanks for any advice.

Former Lancastrian

Work permit is still valid until it expires. Not sure about an EI claim.

BritInQuebec

Ugh, it's a horrible situation, I guess I need a new LMO to work for a new employer?

And also, there's now a 4 year rule for temporary workers, so if I do get a new work permit it's not going to be another 3 year one, right?

PMM

Hi

1. You need the new LMO.
2. The 4 year rule only applies to TWP in the NOC C & D semi skilled.

JGK

You should qualify for EI (if you have paid the requisite contributions).

I was laid off in ON while on a TWP. EI was initially refused as they said I wasn't "available for work". However, a bit of research in the appeals section on EI cases have examples where this is considered incorrect.

The prevailing opinion was that you are "available for work" and can accept new employment. You just have to jump through a few more hoops in order to get the job. My EI claim was granted a day after I pointed Service Canada to this information.

In my case it took about 11 months the line up and start a new job (plus a move from ON to SK).

BritInQuebec

I was contributing for around 2 years so hopefully I quality.

The worst thing is is that I was just about to apply for residence under PEQ (I passed my French exam to an intermediate level) but now the test is worthless.

I've spoken to some employers and the wait for a work permit is really putting some of them off, I've heard about the accelerated LMO but it seems that nobody else has, does it apply in Quebec?

BritInQuebec

Also, who are the people I should be speaking to in order to get the best advice? Immigration Canada? An immigration lawyer?

Thanks

Siouxie

Accelerated LMO initiative is not available for Quebec. http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplace...actsheet.shtml

BritInQuebec

Things look a little brighter.

Looks like I can apply for my CSQ as long as I send it off before the date that I finish my employment.

Woo!

Mikeypm

Thats good news then, hope it all works out for you

iaink

Me too.

alexbellamy

Good luck with everything. Just out of interest, which company laid you off?

BritInQuebec

I'm afraid I'd rather not say!

So, I got my CSQ, as I applied on time!

Can I do the federal part now, or do I need to wait until I find a new job? The immigration site isn't really clear about that part :-/

alexbellamy

My understanding is that yes you can apply now but someone smarter will be along soon to clarify.

You know that you can now get a job and TWP without an LMO don't you?

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who-permit.asp

http://immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/students/stay-quebec/application-csq/students-quebec/after-csq.html

BritInQuebec

I think only if the federal application has already been sent, which I think you need a current job to apply for. So I think I'm out of luck.