Postdoc's work permit expiring
Hi there. I'm in a very stressful situation related to the Canadian work permit extension and signing a new contract, timing is not working for me, unfortunately...
I've been a postdoc in Canada's top university over last 5 years with good record of publications and working almost without vacation, basically doing much more than postdoc obliged to do including lab management, teaching, research, proposal writing etc., but every year my PI would wait until the last week before extending my contract, which let's very little time to apply for canadian work permit (usually a week or two) and then I have to wait next 6-7 months until I get the WP without being able to travel even. I'm living here with two dependant family members, which makes me less flexible on stopping everything and moving from here.
This year it's even harder, as I have less then 2 weeks left and still not confirmed what will be the surprising scenario that PI decides. by far I saw the contract it's even less then minimum postdoc would get, e.g. artificially made RA position, but paying only 85% percent of minimum postdoc salary. I could drive an Uber and make more than 45k, after 16 years of academic experience and living in Toronto... I was promised some increase in salary back 5 months ago, but as the time goes and PI knowing I'm very dependent at this position at this moment, didn't lose the chance to manipulate, underpay and overuse the power against non domestic postdoc knowing that otherwise I have to leave the country together with my family...
The pressure is so high, that I don't know what to do, sell everything, pack my things, cancel my kids school, apartment lease and everything or wait until next week to see how everything works. I still don't have confidence that I can get the LMIA exemption number in one week even if my contract would be signed next week...
Overall very toxic experience and ended up having a mental health issues during these years and specially during times of signing a new contract. It feels like a loop that I'm trying to get out but being stacked infinitely. I tried to find new positions and seems having some success and seriously considering to move US. Any suggestions how can I handle such situation as universities usually don't have immigration advisor for postdocs, even if they had a one, these people are not very helpful... Believe me I tried to ask all administration, but the support was minimal judging from my previous years experiences...thanks!