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Jan 29, 2015
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Hi, I am wondering if anyone can give me some direction?

- I submitted my inland spousal sponsorship application Sept 2013
- I did not include an OWP application as I was unaware that I could at the time
- My previous work permit (IEC) expired June 2014 so I have been unemployed since then
- I have recently submitted a paper application for OWP as per the new pilot program instructions (send to vegreville), received Jan 2nd 2015
- I subsequently received my AIP on Jan 21st, 2015

I was told by someone at the call center that my OWP would be processed in approx 1 month as I had submitted my sponsorship app prior to the pilot program release.

I have spoken to another agent more recently saying that this is incorrect and that it could up to 4 months to be processed. I inquired about the status of my OWP and they said that they couldn't see it in the system and that Vegreville take about 4 weeks just to open the mail!!

My wife is pregnant and due early June so I am very anxious to start working and earning income for my family.

Does anyone have any insight on this new process, or advice about anything I could do to help my OWP along ??
 
Unfortunately there is nothing you can do to speed it up. You are stuck following the bureaucratic process of CIC.

The CIC notice on this program states a 4 month wait time which is probably what agent was referring to: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/updates/2014/2014-12-22.asp
SCLPC applicants whose permanent resident applications are received after December 22, 2014 will have their application for an open work permit processed within four months of receipt of their work permit application.

However that is for people who submit their PR apps after DEc 22. Since you submitted yours long before that, hopefully they will immediately process your OWP as soon as they open the mail for it, but of course no guarantees.