I had applied for an extension to my open work permit and received a correspondence from Citizenship Canada that I don't know what to make of. I applied on 2nd Feb 2010, and the letter says that the work permit will take longer to process than anticipated, that it will be reviewed within 16 weeks from the date of correspondence!...which is wayy more than the 40 days allocated processing time for a same employer work permit extension. So what I'd like to understand is- is there something wrong with the application or they're just overloaded??
Did anyone else receive such a correspondence from them?

Thanks!

The communication that you have received - on its own - does not indicate any specific issue with the case. It is a fairly standard communication which represents delays associated with backlogs at the Vegreville CPC.

I have received exactly the same correspondence too. I had applied for renewal on November 1st week and received this communication on Jan 16 saying it will take additional 16 weeks for processing and I am still waiting for their decision..

Do you have implied status now or have your current work permit not expired yet?

I had the same situation. I was worried till I saw this post. Looks like its normal. I had applied for a same employer extension.

I had some questions:
1. Can I renew my Health card with this letter?
2. Can I apply for my PR now?

thanks.

As a general rule, the letter you refer to cannot be used for extending provincial medical coverage.

As a work permit holder, you are considered eligible to apply for permanent resident status under the provisions of Arranged Employment. Your eligibility will be determined by the points that you score on the various criteria of such applications, however.

Hi,
I am a bit confused after reading so many posts and discussions, if anyone can help me out I would be grateful. I have been offered temporary employment in Quebec and the company has asked me to submit a few documents. I am happy to oblige but I am thinking of making Canada my permanent residence and if I have to extend my stay or find another job once the current project is over, can I? If I can what would be the best way to go about it.

Sherry

Other than youth programs and low skill occupations, work permits are generally eligible for extension. For a position in Quebec, the standard process would be a new Labour Market Opinion (assuming you are not exempt), a new CAQ, and then an inland extension application to the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville, AB.