Open Work Permit from Spouse

[skwalmart]

Hello,

I recently moved from US to Canada on a Work Permit.

1) I was granted Work Permit visa by the canadian consulate in Los Angeles on July 15, 2009. My work permit is valid till January 31, 2010. I was granted visa under the special IT Category where no LMO was required.

2) We arrived in Canada on August 5, 2009.

3) We didn't know that we can apply from the "Open Work Pemit" for my wife from US while I was  applying mine.

QUESTIONS

1) How can we apply for the "Open Work Pemit" for my wife within Canada.

2)The CIC website says that my WORK PERMIT has to be valid for atleast 6 months for my wife to be eligible for the "Open Work Permit".

I am not sure how the 6 months are counted?.......

    i) If I count it from the time when WORK PERMIT was granted to me in Los Angeles, it will be more than 6 months......July 15, 2009 to January 31, 2010.

   ii) If I count it from the time when we landed in Canada, it will be LESS than 6 months......Aug 5, 2009 to January 31, 2010.

- Does anyone know how the CIC counts the timeline?
- Is there any phone #, I can call CIC to talk to someone ....all the phone # I called have recorded information.
- Is there any local CIC office in Calgary where I can go?

Thanks for your advise.

Regards

[boomshakala]

apply now!!!!

[accreddy]

Your wife has to apply for the work permit. She can do it from inside Canada (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visitor.asp). It takes about 1 month, she has to send her application to CPC, Vegreville (Work Permits Unit 555). (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/canada/process-in.asp#temp_res).

You must be authorized to work in Canada for 6 months or longer. Since your work permit is valid from 15 Jul '09 - 31 Jan '10, your wife should be able to apply (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/faq/work/work-faq08.asp).