I've been on a work permit in Canada for the past 2.5 years (initial work permit issued in March '07 plus two extensions). My current work permit will expire in March 2010. I fell under the NAFTA professionals exception so I didn't need a labour market opinion. I'm also married to a Canadian and will be sending in my PR application in a few weeks. Unfortunately I found out this morning that my job has been eliminated. Can anyone tell me what effect this will have on my work permit? My employer may be willing to give me salary continuance until March 2010 if I want it - will this help me at all? My main concern is being able to stay in Canada until my PR is granted - I have a one year old and can't bear the thought of leaving him or taking him away from my husband for any period of time. I'm hoping that with the salary continuance, I can continue to use my work permit as though I were still actually working (i.e. be able to travel back and forth to the States to visit my family).

Also, does anyone know what effect this will have on my Ontario health coverage (OHIP)? Will the loss of my job (and presumably my work permit) be somehow communicated to OHIP with the result being loss of health care?

Thank you in advance for any help - I'm a bit shocked and confused right now so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Despite the termination of your employment, your work permit remains valid. You are permitted to remain until the expiration of such, essentially as a visitor. In the case that you obtain a new job offer, you would need to seek a new work permit.

As is always the case of any temporary resident seeking return to Canada, with or without ongoing employment, it is the immigration officials' role at the port of entry to determine admissibility on that occasion.