Student, Common Law and IEC

[chelsee2806]

Hi all! I just wanted to see if anyone had some advice.

I am currently in Canada on a study permit, and my partner (who I have been living with for over a year) is in Canada on the IEC Working Holiday visa. We wanted to see about changing her status to common law (on my study permit) so she can remain in Canada after the IEC runs out (in March 2024).
I just wanted to see if this is possible, as we are both already in Canada. She's done the Come to Canada wizard as a worker and it says she can apply for the open work permit, but it was not specifically for the IEC visa, which seems like it would have a unique status.

Anyone able to give some advice on whether we can change her status?

 

[canuck78]

Hi all! I just wanted to see if anyone had some advice.

I am currently in Canada on a study permit, and my partner (who I have been living with for over a year) is in Canada on the IEC Working Holiday visa. We wanted to see about changing her status to common law (on my study permit) so she can remain in Canada after the IEC runs out (in March 2024).
I just wanted to see if this is possible, as we are both already in Canada. She's done the Come to Canada wizard as a worker and it says she can apply for the open work permit, but it was not specifically for the IEC visa, which seems like it would have a unique status.

Anyone able to give some advice on whether we can change her status?

You become common law after living together for a year. The only people you need to inform that you are now common law is CRA. No need to inform a IRCC that you now have a common law partner. When you spy for your best visa or permit you will need to declare you have a common law partner. She can try to get approved for an SOWP although it isn’t guaranteed for spouses or common law partners of international students. When do you graduate? Does your program qualify for PGWP? Usually you need 6 months left on your study permit for a “spouse” to get approved but that isn’t always followed and the fact that your “spouse” is already in Canada would also likely impact the requirement. Is your partner currently working?

 

[chelsee2806]

Hi, thanks for the reply.
I have my study permit currently and I am in Canada on said study permit until 2025. My partner is not currently working but is actively looking for work. As for PGWP my program does qualify.
Because I have over 6 months left, should she try to apply for the SOWP?

 

[scylla]

Hi, thanks for the reply.
I have my study permit currently and I am in Canada on said study permit until 2025. My partner is not currently working but is actively looking for work. As for PGWP my program does qualify.
Because I have over 6 months left, should she try to apply for the SOWP?

Who came to Canada first? You or your partner?

 

[chelsee2806]

I came to Canada first in September 2021, she arrived in March 2022