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Changing Status from IEC to CWP and SOWP

A

alfredo276

Member
Sep 26, 2023
19
0
Hi all,

I'm married, and my spouse and I are currently living in Canada on an IEC visa that expires in March. My company has provided me with an LMIA to apply for a CWP.

I understand that this process can take some time, and I would like to know if my spouse can apply for an SOWP alongside me, or if she will need to change her status to visitor and wait for my CWP to be approved.

*Note: She doesn’t have an LMIA.

:) Thank you! :)
 
N

Naturgrl

VIP Member
Apr 5, 2020
47,311
10,284
alfredo276 said:
Hi all,

I'm married, and my spouse and I are currently living in Canada on an IEC visa that expires in March. My company has provided me with an LMIA to apply for a CWP.

I understand that this process can take some time, and I would like to know if my spouse can apply for an SOWP alongside me, or if she will need to change her status to visitor and wait for my CWP to be approved.

*Note: She doesn’t have an LMIA.

:) Thank you! :)
Click to expand...
What is your NOC?
 
A

alfredo276

Member
Sep 26, 2023
19
0
I was looking at the IRCC website and I don't think it will be possible.
Although the IEC is a 'work visa', the CWP is considered a 'new application' for a work visa. It's hard to believe.
 
A

alfredo276

Member
Sep 26, 2023
19
0
Naturgrl said:
What is hard to believe. Yes, of course it is a new work permit. You cannot extend or renew an IEC.
Click to expand...
I was planing to apply for both the CWP and SOWP simultaneously. From what I understand, I need to first apply for the CWP and wait for its approval (which takes around 3-4 months). After that, I can apply for the SOWP.
If my IEC were considered an extension of the work permit, I could apply for both at the same time.
It's hard to believe, but in the meantime, my spouse will need to change her status to a visitor if she wants to stay in Canada.:(
 
N

Naturgrl

VIP Member
Apr 5, 2020
47,311
10,284
alfredo276 said:
I was planing to apply for both the CWP and SOWP simultaneously. From what I understand, I need to first apply for the CWP and wait for its approval (which takes around 3-4 months). After that, I can apply for the SOWP.
If my IEC were considered an extension of the work permit, I could apply for both at the same time.
It's hard to believe, but in the meantime, my spouse will need to change her status to a visitor if she wants to stay in Canada.:(
Click to expand...
Why can’t spouse apply at the same time as you if you have an approved LMIA, job letter and paystubs?
 
A

alfredo276

Member
Sep 26, 2023
19
0
C

canuck78

VIP Member
Jun 18, 2017
58,595
14,464
alfredo276 said:
What do you understand about this note:
"2) Your work permit or authorized work must be valid for at least 16 months after we receive your spouse or common law partner’s open work permit application."
Changes to open work permits for family members of temporary residents - Canada.ca
Does this cancel the possibility of simultaneous application?
Click to expand...
You can apply together if your WP is longer than 16 months. The SOWP will get processed based on your acceptance first.
 
A

alfredo276

Member
Sep 26, 2023
19
0
canuck78 said:
You can apply together if your WP is longer than 16 months. The SOWP will get processed based on your acceptance first.
Click to expand...
I'll be in 'maintain status' while waiting for approval since my IEC work permit expires in March.
Does this mean the SOWP will only be processed after my work permit is approved?
However, I can apply for both simultaneously, correct?
 
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