Can i work in Canada before approval?

[Will2008]

Hi All

I have just moved from the UK with my fiancee and am currently living here under my UK passport. She is a permanent resident of Canada.
We're about to send off our sponsorship application, but I have read that an 'In Canada' application can take a lot longer than overseas sponsorship.
On the same website, I read that I am able to apply for a work permit whilst waiting for the finalisation of my application.
Does anyone know how I would go about this application and when it can be made?
Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks

Will

[rgvinson777]

You submit an application for an open work permit with your application for permanent residency.  You cannot work until CIC issues you an "Aproval in Principle."  Bear in mind that the inland process is much longer than the outland.  The "Aproval in Principle" may not come until late in the "Inland Process" which can take more than a year.

Best wishes.

RGV

[Will2008]

that's a really helpful reply. Thanks.
In your opinion, what is the quickest way I would be legally able to work if I'm submitting my sponsorship application forms this week?
Could I encounter problems if i sent my application through London, England if living in Canada under my passport?
Cheers

[pea]

hello,

just reading this thread and wonder if you could help with some information.

I am canadian living in the uk and my fiance is finnish living in the uk, we will be submitting our application in a months time, but we are thinking of leaving london at of the year anyway and wondering how you got into canada in the first place without a PR? are you on a visitor visa? did they just let you in the country knowing that you want to stay? are you staying in canada legally then?

It's just we are thinking if the process takes too long, we might try to get him in canada and wait for the application to come through.

thanks for your help in advance.

[rgvinson777]

Will 2008,

If you are currently married or have lived together for the last 12 months, you can apply both for sponsorship and permanent resident from right where you are and remain together while the processing goes forward. You can both go to Canada and submit the application from within Canada. Although your UK spouse/partner will not be allowed into Canada if they suspect that your spouse/partner intends to remain beyond the 6 months that is allowed for UK visitors.  There is no way for your spouse/partner to work in Canada legally while waiting for the Permanent Residency until far along into the process when Canada issues an "Approval in Principle" and you wont receive one of those unless you submit paperwork for a work permit with your permanent resident application.

I hope this helps.
Best wishes..
RGV

[rgvinson777]

You might want to reconsider what you are doing.  If you submit an 'outland' application and then travel to Canada, you'll have to return to England during the process as all of your correspondence will be going through the Consulate in England.  (ie. paperwork, interview, passport stamping and who knows what else?)