Spouse in Canada Class or Canadian Experience Class?

[tbutler]

Hi All,

I have been in Canada for around 2 years now and my current visa lasts till November 2017. I have almost 2 years of Canadian experience in a NOC A job, and also have been dating/living with a Canadian for the past 4ish years.

I was wondering if anyone could give any advice on whether it is easier/cheaper to apply for the Spouse in Canada Class or Canadian Experience Class PR? I'm a native English speaker (Australian), so the language tests shouldn't be an issue, but I'd like to avoid them if possible.

Thanks in advance!

 

[scylla]

How many points do you have under Express Entry? If you have fewer than 450 points - then forget about CEC and go for spousal sponsorship. Apply outland not inland. Overall, spousal sponsorship will be easier since you don't have to go through processes like IELTS.

 

[tbutler]

Thanks for the reply! It's saying I have 1134 points on the CRS, but I had to guess some answers since I haven't completed the language tests yet.

Do you know if it's possible for me to complete both applications simultaneously? It seems like that might be the best option to hedge my bets.

 

[scylla]

Yes - you can do both.

Note that to have the 600 points for a job offer you must have both a job offer and an approved LMIA from the employer.

 

[tbutler]

Thanks scylla!

One more thing - why do you say it's best to apply for spousal sponsorship under outland? I know the processing times are significancy less as compared to inland, but with inland can't I apply for a work permit at the same time? My worry with outland is that I really don't want to have to travel back to Australia if I have to attend a meeting.

 

[MilesAway]

Well considering that some Australian applicants through Sydney were done in 3-4 months recently, while the OWP with inland was taking 4-5 months...it seems like an obvious choice. If you decide to go inland, just know that you may regret that decision when it's June 2018 and you are still waiting for the decision, while the outland applicants from March 2018 are landing as PRs. Also, depending on your province, you might still be waiting for health care up to that point.
I don't think I've seen any Australian applicants called for an interview, unless they had some issues with criminality or inadmissibility.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

One more thing - why do you say it's best to apply for spousal sponsorship under outland? I know the processing times are significancy less as compared to inland, but with inland can't I apply for a work permit at the same time? My worry with outland is that I really don't want to have to travel back to Australia if I have to attend a meeting.

Why are you concerned about being able to apply for a work permit when you already have one valid until November 2017? If you apply outland now, you will most likely be a PR by the end of 2016.

With a 4 year relationship, there is pretty much no chance of being called for an interview.

Note that if you apply under both steams, you will need to pay separate fees for both.

 

[tbutler]

Thanks for the advice everyone. It sounds like outland spousal is my best bet!