Hello,

I hope you can help me with this questions, I am Mexican and have a work permit through Nafta and expires until 2012.

1) I have a new job offer at a different company. But they expect me to start working within 1 month. Processing time at the cic web page states 58 days.
Do I have to wait until my work permit arrives?

2) Can I ask for my new work permit at the Seattle offices? or do I have to send the change of conditions by Mail to Vegreville?
I understand that changing employer is asking for a whole new work permit, not a renewal so I am confused.

Thank you!

Yes, you must be issued the new work permit prior to commencing work. You can apply to a visa office outside of Canada for a new permit as opposed to an inland change-of-terms. However, Seattle's average processing delay for a work permit is presently stated as 3 months.

Thank you for your reply David!

So this means that if the current company were I am working closes( wich is probable) and this new one dont want to wait for me 58 days in wich aprox I receive my new work permit, do I have to leave the county?

thank you again for your time!

No, you are allowed to remain in Canada as a temporary resident until the expiration of the originally granted permit.

Thank you David, you have been really helpful and we appreciate that a lot!