Saturday, August 30, 2008

The saga of the work permit.....

Friday 29Th. We decided to try and sort out Sarah work permit. Again.
Sarah had discovered that she had not been given her work permit, the guy that issued them in Vancouver must have been new.
Friday morning Fraser headed off to the training centre to finish up before he started work next Thursday, home by lunch time and then off into the city to go and see someone from customs and immigration, problem is they are only open to the public from 9am to 12. we arrived at 1.30pm, CLOSED. figured we were in town so would try and get a SIN number(social insurance number), they would not issue a number for Sarah as did not have a work permit even though she was on mine and the guy in Vancouver said that it was fine!!!!!!
Just to make it worse i could have got a number there and then as had a work permit, not that i wanted a number anyway.
Next stop back to the airport as we figured this might be worth a try again. Got the the airport and talked to one of the immigration guys there and got him to check the status of Sarah's visa and work permit, answer to this question..... it is on file but i can't issue it as you are already in the country, you need to leave the country and do it on returning to the country!!!!!!!
Guess the easiest way for us to do this...

Yes we drive for an hour and crossed over the St Lawrence river and entered the USA, the guy on that side was really good, and helped us with a few other questions as well, like the fact we did not need the visitors visas we had!!!

Total time in the USA 15 minutes. Then we turned around and drove back across the river into Canada, and to the immigration office, talked to the girl there, sat for about 20 minutes and the end result.......

SARAH NOW HAS A WORK PERMIT!!!!!!

Worst thing for the day, We forgot to take the camera with us. never mind will take it next time we go to the US for a better reason.

Next problem, Sarah finding a job!!!! Stay tuned for the next episode where Sarah might have an interview!!!! Hopefully not in french.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Whoa - helpful American people in immigration - that must be a first! Good to hear that you got things sorted out. Ottawa looks interesting and lots more to do than Whangarei.

I'm off to Syndey tomorrow for work - come back next Saturday. Am staying at some fancy hotel so I'm looking forward to making the most of it.

Take care and keep having fun
Sach
xx

Anonymous said...

Good Luck finding a job Sarah! At least you've got work permit sorted now and a bonus trip to the States. Great photos guys.. Enjoying keeping up with your travels.
Take Care
Tania, Scott, Jordan & Kes

Anonymous said...

Hey Guys!
Geez what a mission to get Sarah's work permit sorted out. Hope that things go a bit more smoothly for you now... looks like an amazing place to be.. can't wait to see it.
Take care. Will hopefully see you in the New Year.
Becs and Leon