Spousal Sponsorship from US - can we move before PR back?

[canuckabroad]

We are in the process of filling out my husband's PR application. I'm Canadian, he's British - we have 3 kids (2 of which already have their Canadian citizenship - the baby doesn't yet though so will be on the application too) We all live in the US right now. Currently, it looks like the timeline for processing in Ottawa is 16 months. Is there any way we can move as a family to Canada before the PR application is approved? (we're hoping for next summer so we get there before the school year starts) I've seen that CIC look like they offer temporary work permits for spousal applications now, but wasn't sure if everyone who applies is eligible?

Any insight is appreciated!

Thanks

 

[Ponga]

How long has he been [legally] in the U.S.? If it's been more than 1 year, it's possible that his application will be processed in Ottawa, like the majority of Americans. If so, the processing time could be closer to 8-10 months. If not, his application would be sent to the London Visa office, but even then, the processing time there is still pretty quick, AFAIK.

There's no way for him to `move' to Canada, before he has been approved for PR. He can request entry to`visit' you and remain in Canada while he waits, as long as he is able to convince the Border Services Officer that he encounters that he is NOT moving to Canada. He would need to show strong ties back home to satisfy any concerns that he would leave if his PR was denied.
This is known as Dual Intent:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/temp/visa/dual.asp

An Open Work Permit (which I believe is what you're asking about) is not available to an Outland applicant.


Good luck!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

we have 3 kids (2 of which already have their Canadian citizenship - the baby doesn't yet though so will be on the application too)

I'm assuming you were either born in Canada or are a naturalized Canadian and passed on your citizenship to your foreign born children. If that is case, then regardless of whether you have applied for the Certificate of Citizenship, your youngest child is already Canadian and CANNOT BE INCLUDED IN YOUR HUSBAND'S PR APP. If you include the child, you can expect delays, possibly significant (I believe the last person that did this has sponsor approval delayed for several months), while CIC sorts out the situation.