I've been in Canada as a visitor for a bit over a year. In March, I applied for a job, and was told that they would put in a Labour Market Opinion request on my behalf. But as time went by, I heard nothing more on the matter, and finally figured that it hadn't worked out. I went on planning life accordingly. Yesterday I submitted my second application for extension in visitor status, because my current status is about to expire.

As soon as I'd done that, the company got back to me and told me that the LMO came back as positive. They are willing to write me a Letter of Offer so that I can apply for a work permit.

I'm from a visa-exempt country. This morning I spoke with a CIC agent, and he told me that I wouldn't have to leave Canada to get the work permit. He said to mail my application with all required documents (LMO, Letter of Offer, passport, etc. included) to the Consulate General in Buffalo, New York. They would mail my work permit to me, provided that I was granted one.

My question is this: do I really not have to leave Canada? The CIC agent said no, but from what I've understood, I'd have to leave to apply at a port of entry. So even if the Buffalo office sends me the permit, will I still have to leave the country and then return with the permit?

Thank you for your help.

If Buffalo approves the application for a work permit, they will issue an approval which must be presented at a port of entry in order to obtain the actual work permit. They would not generally send the work permit itself. Perhaps the agent meant that you would not need to leave Canada to apply for the work permit.

Your application may also be processed entirely at the port of entry with the LMO and necessary supporting documents.