SIN - I'm a clergyman's spouse

[lgtaylor1992]

Hi! My husband is an american who has been working in canada since 2012 as a clergy on a clergy visitor record. When we got married (I'm australian), they gave me a visitor record as well that expires the same dates as his. However, I am not allowed to work at all. So I have a few questions. First, I've been here since 2015, and I would like to work somewhere (I'm going stir-crazy). Can I apply for an open work permit?

Secondly, we had a child last year, who is Canadian (yes, I know, we're a complicated family). But I can't apply for Child Benefits, because I don't have a SIN, and can't get one cause I can't work. Can I get some kind of temporary SIN, or can my husband apply If I can't?

Thank you.

 

[scylla]

Unfortunately you do not qualify for an open work permit since your husband's here on a clergy visitor record.

If you are able to secure a full time job offer from an employer in Canada and your employer is able to obtain an approved LMIA, you could then apply for a closed work permit tied to that specific employer.

If you are 30 or under, you could also look into applying for an IEC / Working Holiday Visa.