When should I apply for Permanent Residence and how do I maintain valid immigration status?

Making an application for Permanent Residence is one of the conditions set out in your Letter of Appointment. You must apply as soon as you are eligible, which is usually after one year of working full time in a professional capacity in Canada. Check "Which Immigration Class?" for details.  A lapse in your immigration status in Canada can result in Queen's being required to re-advertised your position. 

Most international faculty members initially work at Queen's under a work permit.  Be sure to submit the application for PR well before the expiry of the work permit.  PR processing times vary in length from months to years depending on your country of origin and individual circumstances.

If you think you will not receive a decision regarding your P.R. application before your work permit expires it is important to take these steps at least 5 months before the expiry date: 

§  obtain a new HRSDC confirmation letter(Labour Market Opinion, LMO). To initiate this process, contact Monica Stewart, Faculty Recruitment and Support Program. A new LMO requires that you have submitted a P.R. application.  If no P.R. application has been submitted Queen's could  be required to re-advertise the position to ensure that no Canadian candidates have become available prior to an LMO being issued.

§  apply for renewal of  your work permit. IMPORTANT ADVICE REGARDING TRAVEL: If your work permit expires while you are waiting for the renewal to be processed and you leave Canada, you may have difficulty re-entering. 

§  re-apply for OHIP health coverage and a new SIN numberonce you have received the new work permit

You must keep Queen's HR and your Faculty Office informed of changes in your immigration status at all times. If you hold an expired work permit you can stay in Canada and work as long as you have submitted a request for a new work permit prior to the expiry date of the previous one. This is called "Implied Status".

If you do not maintain your immigration status  in Canada, Queens cannot pay you.