Hi,
I am originally from Australia and currently on a working holiday program work permit valid until Aug 2012, I am now 31. I am looking to apply for a common law permanent residence visa as my partner is Canadian. As the processing times are ridiculous and will no doubt take much longer than Aug 2012 (as we will only have been living together one year in February 2012 so cannot submit our application until then), I am wondering if I would be eligible to apply for a work permit just before my working holiday program work permit expires so I can stay and work in Canada in my current job during the processing time for the common law visa.
If so, would it be a change in conditions of my current work permit, or a new work permit altogether as I didn't think the working holiday program work permits could be extended?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

Leah.

You may apply for a change of terms or a new work permit, which would likely be contingent on an offer of employment from a Canadian company, and possibly the requirement of a Labour Market Opinion approval.