Application for work visa and implied status question

[SerjAhren]

Hello.
I am a USA citizen. I am currently in Calgary AB and am on a visitor's visa. I'm married to a Canadian citizen and we have a child on the way due February. I have a few questions.

1. I have open work permit and spousal sponsorship application submitted (3 months ago). My visitor visa expires in mid September. Does this mean I am on implied status, or do I need to renew my visitor's visa asap?

2. Since I have my applications submitted and processing, is it wise to leave the country, go visit my family in the States and come back, or should I stay in Canada until I get my papers? (I just find it silly that I have to stay in Canada, not being able to visit my parents. Or if I can, then I'll have to worry if I'll be able to come back into Canada)

3. Will it be safer to travel once I have my work permit, without worry to come back into the country?

Thank you for reading and your time.

Serj.

 

[scylla]

It's a shame you didn't apply outland. We have Americans here who have gotten through the outland process in as little as a couple of months recently.

To answer your question:

1) You have implied status provided you included your OWP with the inland application.
2) With the inland process, it's recommended you remain in Canada (applying outland would have been preferable since there would have been no issues with travel). You can absolutely leave. Chances are that you won't have any issues returning. However that's ultimately up to the CBSA officer you speak to at the border.
3) The OWP doesn't guarantee reentery. Since you are American, you shouldn't have issues. But again, entirely up to the CBSA officer.

Unfortunately there's nothing you can do to guarantee reentry if you leave.

 

[SerjAhren]

Thank you. Can I ask what is OWP?

 

[Bs65]

Thank you. Can I ask what is OWP?

As they say GOOGLE is your friend, OWP = Open Work Permit.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=176&top=17

 

[SerjAhren]

Thank you again

Yes I did apply for OWP as well.

Thank you for your reply. Much appreciated.