application for workpermit while waiting for PR

[kapsalonroos]

Hello everyone, i am a dutch citizen, planning to move to Canada (Toronto) to live with my fiance who is a permanent resident of Canada. We have been in relationship for almost 3 years now and are more than ready to get married as soon as i arrive in Canada and after that start the process of PR. Since this process might take a very long time, it would be such a pity not being allowed to work at all during that time. So i wonder if i can apply for a work permit in the meantime. To be more specific i would like to know if i can apply for an open work permit while i am waiting for my PR? If yes what is the average waiting time for that? and what are the chances of getting one in this case? are there any other ways to be able to work during that time? of course every kind of idea or tips are very welcome and appreciated. cheers, Kate

 

[Sweden]

Hey Kate,

you can apply outland, or inland.

For inland, you would be able to get an OWP after approximately 6 months, but the whole process is 14 months, and you are not allowed to leave Canada for that time. If you do, and are denied entry on the way back, then your application will be deemed abandoned and you will have to start again - outland.

Outland is typically faster but doesn't come with a work permit.

If you're in Canada, you're allowed to look for work, but you will have to find an employer that is willing to do an LMO for you. That's pretty difficult.

IEC visa are also an option http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/netherlands-pays_bas/experience_canada_experience/index.aspx but currently there are none left.

It's indeed a pity not to be allowed to work, but it's the case of most people waiting for their PR, and there are no easy ways around it.

Good luck,
Sweden

 

[kapsalonroos]

Thanks Sweden,

How much "you are not allowed to leave Canada for that time" is accurate? It seems a bit harsh to me. what could be a reason for a denial on re-entry? BTW, is it possible to apply OUTLAND while I reside in Canada and our marriage is registered in Canada?

 

[Sweden]

Thanks Sweden,

How much "you are not allowed to leave Canada for that time" is accurate? It seems a bit harsh to me. what could be a reason for a denial on re-entry? BTW, is it possible to apply OUTLAND while I reside in Canada and our marriage is registered in Canada?

For an Inland application, you're supposed to stay in Canada - that's the rule, and it clearly says on the guideline. If you decide to go out of Canada, on re-entry the border officer might see (depending if your application is already in the system, and there is no sure way of knowing when it gets inputed into it) that you have an Inland application on-going, and decide on that basis to not let you in.

And yes - it's possible, and encouraged by CIC if it will be faster - to apply outland why residing in Canada on a visitor visa. Outland means that your file will be processed by a visa office (Vienna for you as you are Dutch) outside of Canada. In that case, you're free to come and go, as you could be anywhere in the world - including in Canada.

Sweden