Q. Is it possible to obtain to work permit while a permanent resident application is pending ? is HRDC approval required for all jobs?

Answer: Yes, it is possible to apply for a temporary employment authorization while a permanent resident application is pending. Such an application would not have a negative bearing on the permanent resident case.

There are numerous situations in which it is not necessary to seek Confirmation of a job offer from Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC). These include certain occupations such as Software Development Workers; some situations in which candidates are being transferred within the same company to a Canadian subsidiary or affiliate; candidates subject to international agreements such as NAFTA or GATS; and more.

It is also the case that a candidate who obtains a work permit may also gain as many as 15 additional points in a permanent resident application.