Spousal sponsorship, re-entry and changing jobs under implied status

[apenguin]

Hi, I have a few questions about spousal sponsorship

I am currently on an IEC visa and my Canadian partner will sponsor me which I read takes up to 1 year to get PR

When my current visa expires (soon), can I continue working under implied status until I get an OWP? Does anyone know how long it takes to get the OWP as I have to submit it at the same time as the sponsorship package. Also, does anyone know if I have to stay with the same employer during this time? Do I still use the same SIN number?

I also read that I can't leave Canada once I submit my application - is that true? Could I still re-enter on my current visa once I submit my application? Also, are there any exceptions like family wedding?

 

[LisaH]

Hi, I have a few questions about spousal sponsorship

I am currently on an IEC visa and my Canadian partner will sponsor me which I read takes up to 1 year to get PR

When my current visa expires (soon), can I continue working under implied status until I get an OWP? Does anyone know how long it takes to get the OWP as I have to submit it at the same time as the sponsorship package. Also, does anyone know if I have to stay with the same employer during this time? Do I still use the same SIN number?

I also read that I can't leave Canada once I submit my application - is that true? Could I still re-enter on my current visa once I submit my application? Also, are there any exceptions like family wedding?

1) Are you married to your Canadian partner, and if not, have you lived together for 12 months continuously with proof?
2) If yes, then you need to apply for your Common Law based PR before your IEC Visa expires.
3) If you apply for PR and OWP before your IEC Visa expires, you can continue working for your current employer and SIN number under implied status until you receive your OWP. If for any reason your OWP application is returned though, you will be out of status from the time your IEC Visa expired. The OWP gives you the implied status to work.
4) Some posters here have successfully traveled for short periods AFTER they received their OWP (gives you status to be in Canada), but the OWP doesn't grant you permission to travel in and out of Canada. It also depends on the VISA needs for your country. If a border agent declined your reentry for any reason, your PR application is automatically cancelled, so it is a risk.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Hi, I have a few questions about spousal sponsorship

I am currently on an IEC visa and my Canadian partner will sponsor me which I read takes up to 1 year to get PR

When my current visa expires (soon), can I continue working under implied status until I get an OWP? Does anyone know how long it takes to get the OWP as I have to submit it at the same time as the sponsorship package. Also, does anyone know if I have to stay with the same employer during this time? Do I still use the same SIN number?

I also read that I can't leave Canada once I submit my application - is that true? Could I still re-enter on my current visa once I submit my application? Also, are there any exceptions like family wedding?

Yes, you can continue working on Implied Status. If your IEC is close to expiring, you should apply for a visitor extension as back-up in case the OWP and/or PR app is returned.

I believe the OWP has been taking around 3 months to be issued lately.

If you have a closed Young Professional visa, you must continue working for the same employer. If you have an open IEC permit, you can work for whomever you want. You can continue working on the same SIN. Note that you may have some difficulty getting a new employer to hire you on Implied Status and with an expired SIN.

You can leave. However, if refused entry, your inland app is abandoned. The chances of being refused entry are quite low but the risk is always there.