Very confused about SOWP...

[christinebear]

I've been reading everything I can trying to understand the SOWP thing. :-[

Can I only apply for a the SOWP if I've also applied for PR and sponsorship? I have an extended visitor visa and my staying with my husband, a Canadian citizen.

 

[scylla]

You may qualify for an OWP depending on how you apply for PR. You do not qualify for a SOWP. SOWPs are for spouses of international students and foreign workers.

To qualify for an OWP, your partner would have to sponsor you for PR using the inland application method (outland applications don't qualify for an OWP). If you apply inland, you would submit an OWP with the inland application. The OWP will be granted approximately four months after your inland PR application is received.

 

[christinebear]

Thank you. Can I visit family during the wait for Inland application?

 

[mikeymyke]

Never apply inland as an American, that's a huge mistake. Most Americans will get PR card very quickly under outland, also you're visa exempt.

 

[christinebear]

Never apply inland as an American, that's a huge mistake. Most Americans will get PR card very quickly under outland, also you're visa exempt.

Oh, okay. How should I apply for an Open Work Permit then? Job hunting isn't going well and most of the potential employers are expecting me to have an OWP.

 

[Decoy24601]

Oh, okay. How should I apply for an Open Work Permit then? Job hunting isn't going well and most of the potential employers are expecting me to have an OWP.

You won't be able to if you apply outland. However, Americans with straight-forward PR applications are getting through in roughly 2-4 months right now (6-8 used to be more normal, but a lot of people lately have gotten through much faster). The OWP with the inland takes 4 months to get anyways. Would you rather get the whole PR process done with in 4 months or wait 4-5 months to get the OWP and have your whole application take two years or more? It makes much more sense for you to just wait in Canada as a visitor not working until your (outland) PR application is done.

Also note that American applicants most of the time are processed in Ottawa, not Los Angeles.