Spousal Work Permit - Include in my LMIA work permit application or do it separately?

[Skyshaard]

Hi guys,

I am hoping to get to Canada with an Employer-Specific Work Permit and I have a few questions about bringing my spouse with me

Quick intro: I live in the Czech Republic and I have been working for a Canadian employer for over 8 months as an account coordinator (junior role in marketing). I have been dating my girlfriend for over 6 years. We should be common-law partners. We have lived together for over a year (We have the same address on our insurance cards) but we don't have that many other proofs.

From what I saw, I can include my spouse's application for a Spousal Work Permit on my application for LMIA Work Permit. It basically says "Do you want to submit an application for a family member".

• What's the difference between applying together and my spouse applying separately?
• What's the recommended process? Do it together or separately?
  • I am asking because if we apply together, I might need a "stronger case" because we'll have to persuade the immigration officer to approve 2 people at once. (Hope that makes sense)

Common-law

• Are there any resources and/or best practises for what to do for the common-law declaration?

Any answers are appreciated.

Thank you,
Sky

 

[scylla]

Hi guys,

I am hoping to get to Canada with an Employer-Specific Work Permit and I have a few questions about bringing my spouse with me

Quick intro: I live in the Czech Republic and I have been working for a Canadian employer for over 8 months as an account coordinator (junior role in marketing). I have been dating my girlfriend for over 6 years. We should be common-law partners. We have lived together for over a year (We have the same address on our insurance cards) but we don't have that many other proofs.

From what I saw, I can include my spouse's application for a Spousal Work Permit on my application for LMIA Work Permit. It basically says "Do you want to submit an application for a family member".

• What's the difference between applying together and my spouse applying separately?
• What's the recommended process? Do it together or separately?
  • I am asking because if we apply together, I might need a "stronger case" because we'll have to persuade the immigration officer to approve 2 people at once. (Hope that makes sense)

Common-law

• Are there any resources and/or best practises for what to do for the common-law declaration?

Any answers are appreciated.

Thank you,
Sky

If it's important that your common law partner to accompany you to Canada, then I would apply for both work permits together.

You'll want to find stronger evidence to prove you are common law. Do you have a joint lease? Joint bank accounts or credit cards? Joint utilities? If you rent your home but don't have a joint lease, can you get an affidavit from your landlord confirming that you have both lived there together for at least a year? Do you have any employment records that show a joint address?