Applying for WP as Visitor

[Rockologist]

Long story, but I'll be brief.
Originally entered Canada on a study permit, stayed and completed a 4 year degree. Got PGWP, with intent to apply for PR. Didn't get an ITA (CRS too low due to a variety of factors not in my control), then received a Closed WP for 1 year. At the end of that permit, my employer opted to end my position. Received a 2 month visitor record (I'm US citizen), looking for new work permit but not receiving a job offer. Returned to US to continue to look for work permit to return, since I'd by then lived in Canada for almost 10 years. Pandemic starts and border closes. My GF of 3 years decided to marry, and I am here now as a visitor while we look into a Spousal sponsorship. I've been practically based in Canada for a long time; have paid taxes to CRA for years, have a SIN, etc...

My question is now, since I've been here and wish to avoid travel complications with the new travel restrictions in place on both sides of the border, am I right in that I am allowed to pursue a work permit to stay in the country while putting together an Inland Spousal application?
Does anyone have any experience applying for a work permit as a visitor, or is it generally frowned upon by IRCC?

 

[scylla]

Long story, but I'll be brief.
Originally entered Canada on a study permit, stayed and completed a 4 year degree. Got PGWP, with intent to apply for PR. Didn't get an ITA (CRS too low due to a variety of factors not in my control), then received a Closed WP for 1 year. At the end of that permit, my employer opted to end my position. Received a 2 month visitor record (I'm US citizen), looking for new work permit but not receiving a job offer. Returned to US to continue to look for work permit to return, since I'd by then lived in Canada for almost 10 years. Pandemic starts and border closes. My GF of 3 years decided to marry, and I am here now as a visitor while we look into a Spousal sponsorship. I've been practically based in Canada for a long time; have paid taxes to CRA for years, have a SIN, etc...

My question is now, since I've been here and wish to avoid travel complications with the new travel restrictions in place on both sides of the border, am I right in that I am allowed to pursue a work permit to stay in the country while putting together an Inland Spousal application?
Does anyone have any experience applying for a work permit as a visitor, or is it generally frowned upon by IRCC?

You can submit an open work permit together with the inland spousal sponsorship application. It will likely take at least 5 months for the OWP to be approved from the time your complete application is received (i.e. spousal sponsorship application + OWP).

 

[Rockologist]

Thanks for the response, you were actually who I was hoping would respond!