Filipiniana News 15 July 2008 Time and again, I receive inquiries on how to “convert” one’s visitor status into a work permit or permanent resident visa while here in Canada. Many people tend to assume that once they are able to obtain a visitor visa to enter Canada, it would be much easier to work on their “papers” while inside the country rather than to apply at a visa office (i.e. outside of Canada). It also does not help that the current processing times for permanent resident applications at visa offices like the Canadian Embassy in Manila for instance, is now taking about five years to complete. Any quicker alternative to land on Canadian soil therefore becomes a much more attractive option. Depending on the individual’s personal circumstances, the above assumption may not necessarily hold true and may in some cases, prove blatantly false. It therefore becomes a source of disappointment and/or frustration for many to realize t...