LMO/LMIA question from US citizen

[Junebug]

Just wanted to make sure I understand this correctly. My husband is a Canadian citizen and we have paperwork in for him to sponsor me for permanent residence (he was already approved as a sponsor). Therefore, the only way I can work is with an LMO/LMIA?

However, if I was married to someone who is not a Canadian citizen and just a foreign worker I could get an open work permit. Or, if I was deemed inadmissible to the country and issued a TRP I could get an open work permit.

I don't have a degree or background that would qualify me for NAFTA. There is no other work holiday program like IEC or anything for Americans?

I'm just always confused by the wording of LMO exempt articles bc they state spouses are exempt - but never state what spouses. And it all seems kind of backwards, no?

 

[scylla]

Yes - your understanding is correct. Assuming your husband sponsored you outland, you need an LMO/LMIA to be able to work (as well as a job offer obviously).

Yes - if you were married to a foreign worker working in Canada in a skilled or semi-skilled role, you would likely qualify for an open work permit. (Unfortunately this rules doesn't apply to you since your spouse is a Canadian citizen.)

TRPs are extremely difficult to get and rarely granted. Be happy you don't have a situation where a TRP is required.

 

[Junebug]

Yes, we applied outland. I have a job offer but it's still going to be impossible to get the job with the new $1,000 fee and the wait time.

I know neither of those two apply to me. It just all seems so backwards. I'm going to be able to work as soon as I get my permanent residence card so why make us struggle in the meantime?

Oh well. I was just making sure there was nothing I missed in trying to understand the old and new temporary workers rules.